Consumers, Government & Businesses Go Green

Eco-friendly "green" programs appear quite abundant as Earth Day, April 22nd, nears. Beyond the basic recycling of raw materials that is common in most peoples’ daily lives, other environmentally & financially sound initiatives have been sprouting up like wheat grass.

Not too long ago, global climate change was still being debated as to whether it was the natural cycle in Earth’s eco-system or the result of mankind’s doing. The consensus of science and public opinion has been that we are definitely a contributing factor and drastic change must happen fast. People are now looking for more ways to reduce their carbon footprint and damage to the environment. Consumers, government, and businesses are now all on the same page with wanting to "go green".

Many consumers are finding that going green has also been saving them money. One obvious way to save money is to save energy; setting the thermostat a few degrees lower, changing to CFL, compact florescent light bulbs, and using a "smart" power strip are all easy ways to consume less energy everyday. Recycling raw materials and electronics are great ways to keep hazardous waste out of our landfills. For the bigger eco-friendly investments, Uncle Sam has stepped in to help us.

Congress has extended the eco-friendly Energy Policy Act of 2005, which was set to expire at the end of 2007. Part of the recent $700 billion bailout plan included provisions for Homeowners who what to make their home into a "green" house. Green consumers who wish to invest in solar energy system for their homes can get a tax credit worth 30 percent of the total cost. Those who install small home windmill systems can get up to $4000 or 30 percent of the installation cost. There’s even a $500 credit for installing energy-efficient windows, insulation or a central air system. The help doesn’t stop with government; businesses are also making it easier for consumers to go green.

On top of new government legislation and tax breaks, many companies have found it financially advantageous to go green and help their customers do the same as well. Many utilities and credit card companies offer this service for free. Companies such as Discover and Bank of America have been trying to get their customers to go paperless. All you need is your bank or debit card information and an email address to set it up once. You would no longer need to write checks and spend extra money on stamps. Online tax software providers like eSmartTax.com let you e-file your return electronically and have your refund directly deposited into your bank account. That’s extra time and money saved while cutting out needless piles of paper.

With all these ways to help the environment and save money, it pays to go green!