How to Calculate Costs of Going Green

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Going green is the thing to do, but many people have a hard time getting over the initial investment that goes along with it. If you're on the fence, you need to sit down and calculate the costs of going green and what you save over the long run. You'll see that the upfront cost is worth the benefit to the planet and your wallet.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Switch out those light bulbs cheaply. This is one of the easiest ways to go green. Compact fluorescent bulbs tend to be a few more dollars per bulb but last 5 to 10 years before they need replacing and use about 25 percent of the energy of traditional bulbs. You can expect those bulbs to pay for themselves within the first few months of use. You can often find CF bulbs on sale for even less than normal price, which makes this one of the cheapest ways to go green.

Step2

Go with the flow. A low-flow shower nozzle can cost $20 or more, depending on the model you pick, and a water-saving toilet is around $100 or more to replace. Check with your local water board; many will have rebates and incentives for switching to water-saving devices, which can make the hit even less on your wallet.

Step3

Crunch the numbers on going solar. Solar panels are a big investment in a green home, so look at this carefully. A typical home costs about $20,000 to equip with solar panels, so you should expect to see a return on your investment within 10 to 20 years, depending on where you live. If the system is efficient enough and you live in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, you could end up getting money back from the electric company each month. Some financing companies let you make monthly payments, which spreads out the cost of the panels, so you end up with a positive cash flow at the end of the month.

Tips & Warnings

If you can't afford a new toilet right away, fill up a soda bottle with sand and place it in the toilet tank. You'll use less water without having to make the investment.