Going Green and Saving Some Too

One of the biggest hurdles people have to overcome when deciding whether or not to "go green" is the price of environmentally friendly products. We assume that we will have to pay more for them than their counterparts and, for the most part, that assumption is spot on. So why buy a single CFL bulb for $7-$12 when you can get a 3-pack of conventional incandescent bulbs for $2.99?

If you think about the extra cash you'll drop on those green products as an investment rather than a waste, you'll begin to see that "going green" may actually pay off in the end.

Take the light bulbs mentioned above as an example. Those CFLs may cost three times as much but when you realize that they should last you ten times as long as those incandescent bulbs, you're actually saving a little bit of cash right from the get go. Granted, it's not much, maybe a few bucks here and there over the course of several years, but that's not where the value of those CFL bulbs really is; it's in the savings over time. A 100 watt CFL replacement bulb only uses 24 watts of power. That means that that single bulb cuts your energy usage 75% over its conventional cousin. Take that number and apply it to your utility bill and you begin to see exactly how green products can save you money. Imagine what your light bill would look like if you replaced all of the bulbs in your house with CFLs?

Other examples of products that can save you money over their conventional cousins include energy efficient appliances such as ranges, refrigerators, coffee makers and even flat screen televisions. Most appliances disclose their energy usage right on the labels and many show rooms have additional information in place to make your decision that much easier. For the most "bang for your buck" look for the Energy Star label on whatever products you're thinking about purchasing. The Energy Star program is a government backed initiative designed to create better products and a better environment and those labels are awarded to the top performers in their categories. Energy Star products typically use 30% less electricity than their conventional counterparts.

Actively using less electricity is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint (and ease the burden on your wallet as well) but it's not the only way you can "go green" and save some green in the end. Let's take a look at a few home improvements that can really pay off over time.

One of the biggest expenses of any home is the heating/cooling cost. Drafty, single pane windows are notorious for contributing to wasted heat/cold air, and increased utility bills. Energy efficient, double pane windows drastically reduce air flow and keep the warm air in (or out depending on the season) but newer, high-tech windows also contain insulating gasses in between the panes. These gasses respond to UV radiation and actually prevent heat loss or heat absorption depending on the outside temperature. They are very pricey and may not be a viable option for everyone but if you're building a new house, or revamping an older one, high efficiency windows will pay for themselves (and then some) after years of use.

Speaking of UV radiation, solar power is another "green" innovation that has come a long way since its first introduction to the public years ago. When you think solar power, you probably envision great big, garish panels sitting atop your house like giant eyesores. Thankfully, that's all in the past. Now, instead of having a roof-full of ugly panels, just a single smaller version can produce as much energy as a handful of its antiquated ancestors. But solar panels can do more than just convert UV radiation into electricity. Different types of panels and collectors can actually heat water to above the boiling point. That water can be used to efficiently heat your house, or even as a supplement to your existing water heater system to take the burden off it. The best part is that these new panels work much better in colder climates and in the northern hemisphere meaning those of us who live where the sun isn't always shining can get just as much benefit from these wonderful little green devices.

As with the windows, solar panels aren't cheap. In fact, they're quite expensive. But keep in mind the money they will save you over time and the initial cost becomes much more bearable. Did you know that there actually houses out there that produce more electricity than they consume?

So far, we've looked at some pretty big investments but not every green solution has to take such a big chunk out of your wallet. Fixing a leaky faucet with a 39 cent washer can save you hundreds of gallons of water and hundreds of dollars over a relatively short amount of time. Using ceramic mugs, glasses, and real plate rather than paper and Styrofoam is a simple way of keeping you from wasting your money on something that's just going to end up in a landfill somewhere. Take a look around your house. You'll find tons of little things you can do to make a big difference.

Some solutions don't even cost you anything. Shutting off the lights as you leave a room or shutting down electronics while they're not in use can save astonishing amounts of electricity. And don't forget about phantom draw. Appliances and electronics still draw minute amounts of power as long as they are plugged into wall sockets-even if they're turned off. If you can, it's best to unplug them. Giving away or selling old electronics and appliances you are no longer using keeps them from ending up in landfills, frees up space in your house, and helps your neighbors with their own needs.

But you don't have to limit your emerging Green lifestyle to inside the house. In fact, one of the biggest ways you can help the environment while saving yourself a ton of cash is by finding more eco-friendly transportation. You don't have to go out and buy a hybrid car either. Simply carpooling once or twice a week can save you tons of cash, especially when the price of gasoline spikes. But other methods of transportation, such as public transportation, or even bicycling can save you even more. Granted, not all options are available in all areas, but you can almost always walk from one store to another instead of using your car to drive across a parking lot. If you think small, it adds up.

When considering a "Greener" lifestyle, it's important to understand that you will not see a return on some of the investments you make for quite some time. It will take years for an energy efficient washing machine (for example) to pay for itself in utility bill savings. However, keep in mind that many state and local governments offer tax incentives and rebate programs for "Going Green." They include everything from tax credits for buying a hybrid car, to incentives for buying Energy Star appliances, and even coupons for CFL replacement bulbs. The Federal government also offers many such programs so it's always in your best interest to spend a little time doing some research before you go out and buy anything.

The environment is a fragile thing and with a little forward thinking and some footwork, you can really make the world a better place. It may cost you a little bit more up front, but investing in a greener future will always pay off-and sometimes put a little more green in your wallet.