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Have you seen the new Sears TV commercial? A male consumer, not overly impressed with the idea of energy savings, shops for a new washer. The enlighten salesperson informs Mr. Consumer that the energy savings on the new washer will pay for a new dryer. His attitude immediately turns receptive.
In a recent article entitled Green Construction, the opening statement was, “When it comes to purchasing products and services, consumers are increasingly making their decisions with the environment in mind.” Sorry, but I beg to differ, I believe consumers are increasingly making decisions based on their pocketbooks. And, in this economy who isn’t??
In this super tough economy, the good news is that living green is extremely cost effective. Returning to a simpler world, free of harsh chemicals, toxic cleaners, and risky contaminants, actually saves money. Add to that the energy rewards from simple, inexpensive updates and you are putting cash in your pocket, plus saving the polar bears (even if that is not on your radar!!) Plus, these savings are tax-free, year after year.
Here are some energy saving examples:
- Planting trees and shrubs to shade your home can lower surrounding air temperatures during warm summer months by up to 9 degrees Fahrenheit and can reduce wall and roof temperatures by 200 to 400 F, Saving about $250 per year.
- Perform regular maintenance on your car to keep it running efficiently. Properly inflated tires, for example, can keep 5,800 pounds of carbon from entering the air each year. Putting about $798 in your pocket per year.
- Switch all the light bulbs in your home from conventional incandescents to compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, you’d save about $270 in one year. And, don’t forget to turn off lights when you don’t need them.
There are many other ways to “go green” yet save money. Some we have implemented include, upgrading our inefficient cooling system, driving slower to save on fuel (and nerves), adding a programmable thermostat, and the list goes on.
As I have said many times before, the living green concept will have to be consumer driven. Corporate America is waiting for us to decide if we are going to develop a new attitude and open our pocketbooks to green living. It is time for us to wake up, and make our world a better, safer place….yes, and save money, too.
Let me know about your green living ideas!!
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