Get Green-Savvy

Why does it all even matter? We’ve all been there for the probing questions that follow habitual green activities or beliefs. While you know why you do it, it may be hard to articulate when you’re “under the gun,” so to speak.

Whether it’s lack of information, or just a twisted tongue, we’ve got your stock replies ready for those pesky environmental questions.

1. Is “going green” expensive?

You can go green without spending a dime. Implement eco-habits such as recycling everything you can and reducing your daily consumption with elementary basics, such as turning off the lights, shutting off the water and carpooling. Photo: Flickr/Darrren Hester

Most people associate “eco-friendliness” with a high price tag. We’re not going to lie: You may pay more up-front, even if it’s just a couple of dollars. However, making the green switch can actually save you money in the long run. Need some hard evidence? We did the numbers for you.

Rechargeable batteries – The average family buys 32 batteries a year, and you may be able to find them for 50 cents apiece. You could probably get by on four rechargeables at $2.50 per battery, and the charger should be about $10. Tack on an extra $5 for energy costs to charge your batteries (assuming you unplug the charger when not in use).

This means switching to rechargeables will actually cost you an extra $9 the first year, but you’re looking at potential savings of $11 per year for many years afterward, depending on your battery use.

Don’t forget about recycling those rechargeable batteries after your make the switch. For a quick and easy resource for recycling batteries, check out the Call2Recycle program.

Programmable thermostat – ENERGY STAR estimates a yearly savings of $180 by installing a programmable thermostat. The unit will probably cost about $60, and you could spend up to $50 for installation, but that translates to a savings of $70 the first year and $180 each year after that.

Energy-efficient lighting – Let’s say you want to change 10 light bulbs in your house. Incandescents will run you about 25 cents per bulb, while CFLs will be closer to $2.50 per bulb. However, your $22.50 in savings on bulbs will seem trivial when you consider those 10 CFLs could save $65.70 a year and $360 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

Hybrid automobile – The average American commutes 40 miles daily, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. According to MSN Money, “You’ll save a small fortune if you opt for a hybrid over a larger sedan or sport-utility. Buy that Civic Hybrid instead of a 20-mpg Accord V-6 and you’ll see a savings of $656 a year on $1.50 gasoline.”

Low VOC paint – According to the EPA, volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. You may pay an extra couple of bucks for a gallon of low VOC, but consider this: Low VOC paints have reduced toxins, resulting in less chemical sensitivity; they have a very low odor during application; they can be easily cleaned up with just soap and water; they perform well as far as coverage and scrubability and they are not deemzed hazardous waste, making disposal a breeze. Looking for a great low-VOC option? We love Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra.

2. Why is climate change such a big deal?

Let us preface by saying that we are not climate change experts. However, it’s our job to keep up with what’s going on in the green sphere, and climate change is a hot-button issue. Our standpoint is that the most important thing you can do is educate yourself.

In short, climate change is a big deal because it’s an international concern. According to the Copenhagen Diagnosis, “The atmospheric CO2 concentration is more than 105 [parts per million] above its natural pre-industrial level. The present concentration is higher than at any time in the last 800,000 years, and potentially the last three to 20 million years.”

The report concludes that global emissions must peak ,then decline rapidly, within the next five to 10 years for the world to have a reasonable chance of avoiding the very worst impacts of climate change. This means that global temperature changes should not exceed a 2 degree Celsius increase above pre-industrial values.

The conference in Copenhagen brought together international leaders with one goal: to make a global plan for climate legislation. No decisions were made that will be legally binding, but developed nations have set a long-term target of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The agreement is set to be finalized by 2015.

The USDA-certified "organic" label is often seen as akin to making the most environmentally conscious choice when it comes to purchasing food. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

3. How do I know if a product is eco-friendly?

Reducing your impact starts in the store. When choosing a product, considerations such as organic ingredients and fair trade materials play a big role, but packaging is also an important component of a product’s eco-friendliness. Opt for materials that are recyclable or made from post-consumer materials.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable labels, the universal recycling symbol is used to designate recyclable materials in a product or a product’s packaging. The three chasing arrows symbolize “closing the loop” by recycling and buying recycled products.

This makes it important to understand your curbside program or local recycling facilities. Once you have a handle on what is accepted, you can make better purchasing decisions.

To assure that you don’t fall victim to greenwashing (making misleading marketing claims about the environmental benefits of a product) look for one of these top 10 eco labels.

4. How do I get more involved in the green scene?

So, you’ve already put in place daily eco-habits, but what’s next? We say: Get out. Spread the word. Share the knowledge. We’re all for volunteering (and not just because you can get a free pass to Disneyland). Getting involved in a local organization is a great opportunity to not only meet like-minded people in your community, but it’s also a chance to learn more about your city’s own green initiatives and perhaps be a part of its progression. Check out local Habitat for Humanity programs or the National Parks Service.

Another great way to get plugged in is to participate in a community supported agriculture (CSA) program. Essentially, you pay for a membership that provides you with a weekly share of the farm’s producyd. Depending on the farm, you may be able to get meat, cheese, flowers, etc. in addition to seasonal produce. By joining a sustainable CSA, you are supporting local farmers who are putting their best environmental foot forward when it comes to farming practices.

Are we still not tickling your fancy? Take to the Web and spread the word. Cyber-action can be as easy as forwarding e-mails with green living tips to a friend, or posting them on an info board at school or the gym. Add a link to your fave green Web site (hint: Earth911.com) in your e-mail signature, Facebook, Twitter or blog. And remember to sign up for Earth911′s weekly newsletter for the latest green news and lifestyle features.

5. How do I know what’s recyclable?

While more than half of the U.S. population has access to curbside recycling, there are still several limitations on what items are accepted and what to do with those products that are little more tricky. In most cases, you can check your product for the standard chasing arrows, which denotes that the material is recyclable. However, the key is finding a program that accepts that specific item.

But you’re already at the best place to start recycling. Earth911′s database has more than 110,000 recycling locations across the country. With information provided by local governments, industry insiders, organizations and everyday consumers, you can recycle hundreds of products from packing peanuts to computers.

Simply type in the material you would like to recycle (i.e. “plastic bottle,” “single-use batteries”) along with your ZIP code in the green box above, and Earth911 will generate the closest recycling location for that specific item.

Still haven’t answered your toughest questions? Ask the editor! E-mail awills@earth911.com or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter.