Saving Money and Going Green: Two Problems with the Same Solutions
by There seems to be two looming headlines in the media: a global economic recession and our planet slowly being destroyed by a myriad of man made issues. Could these two problems have some of the same solutions?
The media is always hungry for bad news. Lately, they’ve been focusing on the global economic meltdown. People are losing their homes, retirement funds, and jobs at an increasingly alarming rate with no end seemingly in sight. The planet is also a popular “hot topic” as we become increasingly aware of the damage that has already been done by us and is still occurring. It helps that many celebrities have taken up going green environmental awareness causes too…at least it helps keep the topic in the news!
So, the question is how did this problems get created? The financial crisis started with the mortgage system in the United States collapsing because of the way banks had structured and granted the loans. Essentially, the global economic meltdown has been caused by people spending money that they don’t have. The planet is being damaged partially by over-consumption which is caused by people spending money to buy things they don’t need. So two of our main problems are caused by people spending money they don’t have to buy things they don’t need.
How can you save money and go green at the same time? The first solution that I propose is that people pay attention to where their money is going. If you track your spending and actually look at what exactly it is you’re buying, you are on the right track to solving both of the big problems mentioned here. In virtually all households, money is being wasted by buying too much food, for example, and throwing it away. Not only is this throwing away money, it’s throwing away all of the environmental resources that went into producing that food. When you throw away half a bag of rotten carrots, you might only waste a couple of dollars but you are wasting all of the water that went into growing those carrots. You’re wasting the resources it took for you to drive your car to the grocery store to buy the carrots as well as the resources used by shipping the carrots from the farm to the grocery store. Buy only what you actually need.
Another solution that can help you save money and go green is to go back to basics in the home. Make your own meals — it will save money and cut down on emissions from your car by traveling less. Make your own cleaning products — you can go chemical free quite easily and save money at the same time. Cook from raw ingredients instead of premade foods. This is better for you health wise, financially and environmentally.
Finally, consider downsizing your lifestyle. Do you really need two vehicles? Does your family really require 3,000 square feet of living space in the home? When you consider what is really a necessity and what is not, money can be saved along with the planet. Consider what is important before pulling out your wallet next time…you and the planet will be glad that you did!
Liked it
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post CommentSotiris
On January 14, 2009 at 6:54 am
You have a good point here! You have right, we don’t need 3 cars, 5 televisions etc. We should choose carefully what we really need and save our planet! Nice article!
Abdul Sabour Ayoubi
On January 14, 2009 at 7:32 am
A great article that focus on the main issues, I agree with above points you have mentioned in regards to save the environment and economy. Well written article with excellent research.
Emma J Kerry
On January 14, 2009 at 9:36 am
A really nice, well written article and I agree 100% with what you are saying here.
Glynis Smy
On January 14, 2009 at 10:17 am
It is a scary world out there, we have downsized, grow our own and have one treat a month ie meal out. We appreciate things far more now. Good article.
Louie Jerome
On January 14, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Very interesting and lots of food for thought!
Ruby Hawk
On January 14, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Just what I have been preaching since Heck was a pup. We don’t need all this stuff. It’s a lesson more people are beginning to learn.
Debra.
On January 15, 2009 at 4:21 am
Well written, Paula. Human beings have become way to greedy? Loved it and point well taken!
A very wise and intelligent write.
LG
On January 16, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Thank you for explaining how the country got into this recession and what we can do to get the in to the green way of doing things. Paula, we have two cars and I need my transportation so I will just monitor my driving to make sure that each trip is necessary. Especially since the gas prices seem to be going up again. You write like a pro, keep writing.
Dee Gold
On January 17, 2009 at 7:55 pm
An article that everyone should read.thanks
eddiego65
On January 17, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Great work. Thanks for bringing to my attention some important issues I sometimes take for granted.
nutuba
On January 23, 2009 at 2:47 pm
This is a good article, and I think it’s sort of the tip of the iceberg. There’s SO MUCH we can do to save money AND not buy as much stuff. Gardening could be a big win … homegrown produce tends to be significantly cheaper and taste much better. We have a big garden, most for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, lettuces, and various herbs. We’ve planted some fruit trees so we get our own pears, cherries, blueberries, and peaches. We buy as much stuff second hand as we can … honestly, most of our clothing comes from Good Will. We’ve cut way back on luxuries and we can probably cut out more. We rarely go out to eat, we have an old TV, we have an old audio stereo system … so what do we do for entertainment? We tell stories, we play musical instruments, we enjoy each other’s company … Anyway, sorry I’m being long-winded here. Your article is good food for thought, and I think each person can take it the next level and identify specific things to be done in households all over. Thanks for presenting this catalyst for conversation! Cheers, Joel
Rookie Expert
On November 13, 2009 at 2:03 am
I love your green articles Paula! Limited but to the point and sure winner ideas. Like i always say ‘ Go green and save some Green ($’s) ‘
Mark Bentley
On November 18, 2009 at 4:06 pm
You can find more of Paula’s writing highlighting environmentally friendly products, services, innovations and issues at her new blog Green Colored Glasses. Living green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
A Bromley
On January 9, 2012 at 9:55 am
Very, very excellent article. Go green. I’m 100% for it. It would also solve a lot of our health issues. I’m working very hard at this.
Super good share. I hope it gets lots of reads. Keep sharing. I’m friending you as I want to read more and hope you will do for me also. Will be checking out your blog. Keep up the good work.