The Price of Going Green

I have blogged about the price of going green in my analysis and theory post, but I have yet to elaborate further on that topic. The price of going green is a huge factor in the argument against going green. There seems to be a common misconception that going green is really expensive. Going green may seem expensive at first, and some of it is, but not all. Also, most people find that they get a return on what they paid in five years or so because the products are more efficient. Bamboo floors are emerging as a popular new flooring option, costing about the same as oak flooring ($4-$6 per square foot). Carl Franklin Homes, based in Addison, Texas, specializes in building energy efficient homes for less of the cost. Four examples of green friendly products (shown in the pictures) they use are solar collectors for domestic hot water , bamboo floors, and stained concrete floors and eco-friendly paint. There are also always the little things like changing your light bulbs to Energy Star bulbs. They cost a little more than plain old light bulbs, but they last longer and cut energy costs. Also, when you go green, the government gives paybacks for certain things like heating and air efficiency, geothermal heat pumps, and insulating your home well. The bottom line is, going green is an investment. You invest in green technology, the government gives you a payback, and you help out the environment. What better way to go?

Green Tip Tal Ni (Number 9): As we’re entering into the month of November, we’re all starting to think about that big red and GREEN holiday around the corner (Hint: It’s not Thanksgiving!). As we all start looking for presents to buy, let’s keep the traditional colors of the season in mind (green!). One way to green shop is by shopping online. Shopping online saves you gas money because you don’t have to drive to get to a store or two...or ten. Usually you can get good deals online too. So save the $40 you would spend on gas and spend it on someone else, or yourself as a reward for being green, during the holiday season.