Posted September 15, 2009 by Paul Bordelon

It Ain't Easy Being Green

Was Kermit the frog right?  Is it really that hard to be green?  Well, I guess that would depend on what shade of green you want to be.  I've found that some people want to show off their "green-ness" by flaunting their new hybrid car or telling about how they just installed a $20,000 solar panel system that powers their entire house, while others who may not have an extra 20K laying around, are taking much smaller steps, but in many cases prove to be more effective and efficient.

Green has completely transformed from being a simple color into a better way of living your life.  Not only can you live a healthier life, but a richer life as well.  The idea is that energy efficient and energy star products will cost you less annually to operate than your current product, without having to sacrifice comfort, lifestyle, and a negative bank account just so you can own one.  I challenge you to find an energy star product out there that costs more to operate than what you currently have.  Check out www.energystar.gov to see what new innovative products are out there and how yours compare.

Basic economics would support that, as this growing trend sweeps the nation, competeition will help to drive down the overall costs making it more affordable to everyone.  The Environmental Home Center in Seattle, Estimates that the market demand for sustainable building materials is about $20 Billion a year and is projected to grow more than 10% each year thereafter.  Everywhere you look these days you'll find an advertisement, article, or product that is promoting its energy efficiency along with a discount of some sort.  Next time you walk through a Lowe's or Home Depot, count how many products have the energy star logo or are made from recycled materials.  Going green is so mainstream right now that even the U.S. government is offerin up to a $1,500 tax credit just for purchasing qualifying energy efficient products.

Here are five simple ways you can go green without even spending a single dollar.

1.  Check with your local utility company to see if they are offering any incentives or rebates for selecting their renewable energy plans.  My favorite is Green Mountain Energy.

2.  Switch to paperless billing.  Activate an online account so your info is available to you virtually anywhere.  You'll be saving trees in the process, and could also knock off a couple bucks from your total bill.  Some companies are now charging an additional $1-$2 service fee just to print your bill and mail it to you.

3.  Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees fahrenheit.  It'll save on your gas bill and will help prolong the lifetime expectancy of the unit.

4.  Take out the junk in your trunk, literally.  For each additional 100lbs. of weight added to your vehicle, you can lose 2-3mpg. 

5.  Keep your refrigerator at the right temperature, 38-42 degrees fahrenheit.  Refrigerators can use up to 20% of your total electricity for your home.

Whether you're a hardcore environmentalist, hippie, or just a good old tree hugger like myself, I think Kermit would be impressed with how easy it is to be green these days...