Does it have to be? No, saving the Earth does not have to cost it.
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
It never ceases to amaze me how close-minded some people still are about environmental change. Being environmentally friendly is good to some, as long as there is no perceived expense.
However, it does not have to come with a high costs attached for there is not need to buy the latest “green” gadget which, on close examination, is not very green at all, like the “Eco Button”, for instance.
In all honesty going “green” and “sustainable”, although those terms are getting somewhat flogged to death nowadays, does not have to be expensive but should and could actually save money, lots of it.
I am very passionate about what I do, as regards to writing my articles, working on some books on the subject, etc., and it gives me great satisfaction to, hopefully, give people ideas and lots of food for thought.
I see part of my responsibility as a writer as to educating people as to the environmental effects that their lives have on the Mother Earth, but also to think for themselves on environmental issues and not to accept everything as gospel and to accept all the greenwash as the truth.
That is why I put great store in honest product reviews and also why some Op Ed pieces are very controversial.
However, as far as going “green” has to cost lots of money, especially not as to your ordinary household, that is a myth. It is somewhat different in businesses and also in investing in the bigger things such as solar panels, small wind, etc. where the initial costs can be high, but where the investment has to be seen in the term of a number of years as to making a difference.
Energy saving devices, such as CFLs are something that is much cheaper and can bring quite a reduction of costs over the life of the lamp.
Everyone can do their bit for Mother Earth and it does not have to be expensive. It can even save lots of money.
Think of reusing items of waste and get away from consumption, over-consumption, and you bank account and pocketbook should feel a lot better. Going “green” does not have to cost a fortune, not even a small one, but can save you one. Alas, many folks do not understand this. And that is aside from the way it is good for Mother Earth.
There are many ways to go “green” that do not (have to) cost virtually any money at all but can save a some.
Do you really have to buy that notebook for $3 or so; could you not make one from scrap paper?
Do you have to go and buy glass storage jars for your kitchen at whatever price when you might just as well use glass jars from produce you buy for that purpose.
I have seen some people go out and buy pencil bins for the desk and such for good money where the same could and can be achieved with a cleaned up tin can or two.
How many old CDs and DVDs you have laying around?I know I have tons of them because of press packs from shows and fairs, And still people, who have old CDs and such, that they then take to the recycling bins, go and buy drinks coaster sets for however much in the stores.
There are so many ways to go “green”, aside from green with envy or green round the gills, that are simple, cheap and, in my opinion, also great fun. I rather recycle and upcycle and repurpose than go out and buy.
© 2009
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