How to Consider the Pros & Cons of Going Green in My Professional & Personal Life

Home

• 1

  Determine how green your home is now. This may require an evaluation of energy and heating bills, taking a tally of the number of energy efficient appliances in the house, and considering where your electricity comes from. This may be a bit of a hassle but will give you a better idea of where you can save on electricity.

• 2

  Consider quick fixes that you could make to your home so that it is more energy efficient as-is. Some quick fixes include making it a point to use less electricity, turning your thermostat down a few notches, and reducing water use by taking showers instead of baths and limiting shower time. Weigh the energy and water that you could save and your devotion to becoming green with the convenience your current lifestyle provides. If you find that a little less convenience is worth decreasing your impact on the environment, consider making these changes permanent.

• 3

  Make larger-scale changes inside your home. There are many green options for those willing to remodel. For example, the installation of solar panels can help offset regular electricity use with a renewable source of electricity. You could also purchase more energy-efficient appliances. While both of these options could cost a lot of money up front, they will save you money on day-to-day energy use.

Shopping

• 4

  Bring reusable bags with you while shopping. One of the few potential cons might be that they are inconvenient to carry into the store, but if you are serious about going green, avoid using plastic bags that won't get reused again.

• 5

  Pay attention to what kinds of groceries you buy. Some organic or locally-grown foods come from nearby, meaning that they likely used fewer resources to get there. You may have to do a little research to find a local farmer or go out of your way to get there, but you could save money on groceries while also supporting a local business. A balance of locally-grown foods where possible and larger brand names may be a happy medium for most consumers.

• 6

  Consider alternative places to shop for clothing, such as thrift stores or used-clothing stores. You might not always find the most fashionable styles, but it is entirely possible to find used clothing in great condition that will cost significantly less money. This will also also decrease your dependence on clothing manufacturers that use a great deal of energy and resources that are harmful to the environment.

Commuting

• 7

  Determine how many gallons of gasoline you use per week, including your commute to work. This can be determined simply by adding your gallon amounts from each stop at the gas station. It may be a hassle to keep track of receipts, but otherwise this shouldn't be difficult.

• 8

  Carpool to work and other places. Although it may be less convenient, it will be cheaper than buying gas to only transport yourself. It will also reduce the amount of gasoline, a non-renewable resource, that you consume.

• 9

  Consider switching to a more energy-efficient car. This will save money in the long run and will reduce the amount of gasoline that you expend, helping you stay true to a green lifestyle. There may be limited options when it comes to choosing an energy-efficient car, but hybrid gas and electric cars are some of the most energy-efficient vehicles on the market.