‘Going Green’ is smart because it will improve our lives in so many ways. There are monetary benefits that can be gained from going green. For example, installing solar panels can help reduce and even eliminate your electricity bill. Installing enough panels can produce more energy than an individual household can consume, and may also provide an opportunity to sell that energy to the electricity provider and earn some additional income. Purchasing energy efficient products and appliances is also another way to “Go Green”. These actions will allow us to save on our electricity bill, while being more environmentally-friendly.
Limiting our participation in certain activities and finding better ways to consume energy while completing these activities, will help with reducing greenhouse gas emission, thereby decreasing our carbon footprint.
Simpler action can be taken to combat climate change. One such way is by finding different ways to travel – instead of driving to work, try walking, riding a bike or carpooling if possible. Going car less for one year could save approximately 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide, according to a 2017 study by Lund University et al.
Though our individual action may seem insignificant, research has shown that it can have an immense impact. As noted by the United Nations campaign for individual action, “Every one of us can help limit global warming and take care of our planet. By making choices that have less harmful effects on the environment, we can be part of the solution and influence change.”