Going Green: Does It Actually Save You Money?

Will I save money by going green?

Will I save money by going green?

In the United States, conventional wisdom tells us "living green" is for the rich. The evidence is everywhere -- Whole Foods versus Walmart, $100 LED light bulbs versus 79-cent incandescents, solar panels versus grid hookup, $4 organic red pepper versus the still-ludicrous $2 conventional one.

Such compelling evidence aside, conventional wisdom is, as is so often the case, wrong. Going green is often the cheaper option, and by a lot. Just ask your grandmother which costs more, hanging laundry on a line or a using high-efficiency electric dryer. (We'll save you a phone call: The dryer costs about $95 a year, and the line method runs about $5 -- and that's just if some of your clothes pins break.)

That's a simple one. There are dozens of ways to save money while decreasing your environmental dark side. Here's a little taste:

Power off

The screensaver on your computer uses the same amount of power as when it's on and being used. Switch your PC off if you're going to be away for a while. Get more tips at FutureFriendly.com

Launch Video Jon & Kate Plus 8: Go Green and Clean

Around the House

• Power -- Each kilowatt-hour is another burst of CO2 into the atmosphere. Lower your carbon footprint and monthly energy bill by turning on your computer's energy-saving setting, turning off your dishwasher's heated dry, and washing clothes in cold instead of hot water.
• Food and water -- Shipping grapes from Chile uses fuel. Grow your own produce where you can, and when you need to buy, buy local to reduce transportation-related price hikes and emissions. To keep plastic out of landfills, carry reusable water bottles (filled with nearly free water) instead of the ridiculously priced disposable kind.
• Cleaning -- Instead of expensive, polluting chemicals that come in plastic packaging, use homemade, natural, cheap cleaners like vinegar, baking soda and good old bars of soap.

In the Car

• Fuel economy -- If you have an old gas-guzzler, upgrade to a fuel-efficient model. It'll save greenhouse-gas emissions, reduce the need for drilling, and save you money in the long run, especially as gas prices go up.
• Driving style -- To stop wasting fuel, accelerate gently, drive slower and don't idle for more than a minute. Only turn on the air conditioning when it's really necessary.
• Tune up -- Make sure your tires are inflated to the ideal pounds per square inch (PSI), replace your air filter, and get a general tune-up to make sure your car is operating at its optimum level. A well-adjusted car is a more fuel-efficient car.

Out and About

• Buying used -- Instead of investing in new, virgin-plastic lawn furniture, a new, foam-stuffed couch, or a new leather jacket shipped from China, check out places like thrift stores, consignment shops, FreeCycle and Craig's List for cheaper goods that might otherwise end up in landfills.
• Seeking entertainment -- Instead of buying new CDs, DVDs and video games, try checking them out from a library or renting them online -- at least until you know you like them. It'll keep some bad choices out of landfills and save you the wasted cash.
• Getting there -- Cars aren't the only way to get where you're going. Try public transport every now and then, or maybe ride your bike to work once a week. Or, if your destination is a half mile away, try walking. It'll save gas, money and your figure.

There are, of course, lots of green things that'll cost you lots of green things, like a hydroponic farm in the basement, or a residential windmill, or a house full of LED light bulbs, or a store-bought organic red pepper.

But there's a money-saving route to roughly the same destination: Grow organic red peppers on the deck, buy wind-power energy credits, and go with compact fluorescents until LED prices come down.