Common Myths About Going Green
Going green — By Stephanie on March 14, 2009 at 6:42 am
Many myths surround going green
There are many common myths about going green. Some may prevent you or your family/friends from taking important steps to save the environment. Its time to put the misperceptions to rest.
Let’s expose these stories for the fairy tales that they are, and re-affirm some of the basics of how to go green.
1. I personally cannot make a difference. How many of us have not had that thought pass through our minds? Particularly with rapidly industrializing nations like China and India that seem to be polluting as fast as we clean up? But, while it may be true that these two countries alone can overtake America in CO2 emissions, we cannot adopt the attitude that if others are polluting, we should too.
Where would that get us? Even deeper!
Time for a quick fact check: while India and China are working to cap their emissions, Americans are increasing theirs on an annual basis. In addition, the average Indian or Chinese citizen pollutes far less than an average U.S. resident. So, even though there may be more people in population in these other countries, we can definitely slow our contribution to global climate change if we each do our part to reduce, reuse, recycle.
2. It takes more energy to recycle than it saves. Oh, I am so glad to expose this myth! I literally heard a friend of mine say this to me last week. Oh yeah!! He is so WRONG! Next time you hear someone tell you that it takes more in fuel to send recycling trucks around town to pick cans, bottles and papers, please correct them.
Here’s a quick fact for you: by recycling aluminum cans rather than making new ones, we save 95% in energy! Even with respect to other consumer goods, it takes about 10 times the amount to make new paper products and the like. Of course, this doesn’t even take into consideration the environmental savings that are realized by not cutting down additional trees, and using the paper we already have.
Green myths abound
3. Its better to keep your heat constant then adjusting up and down. Do you buy that? Its another green myth that it takes more energy to power up your heater from a reduced temperature. Its time to turn over a new leaf as you turn down the thermostat at night or when you leave during the day. It is much more efficient to do that than to keep your house at a constant, lower temperature. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) advises that with 2 adjustments per day of 8 degree setbacks for 8 hour periods, you will save up to 32% on your energy bill.
4. You cannot adequately disinfect with “green” cleaners. In truth, even E.coli cannot run and hide from natural cleaning products. The only thing you need to wipe out dangerous food-borne bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and Shigella, is a homemade, safe concoction of vinegar and household hydrogen peroxide. Spray one liquid right after the other on the surface you wish to clean and then wipe away. Done. Not only are you saving the planet, but also pennies from your bank account!
5. Hybrid cars are not environmentally-friendly. This rumor is based on a 2007 urban legend that claimed the Honda Prius has a greater carbon footprint than a Hummer H3. Dream on! The basis for the “study” was the energy required to produce the Prius’s battery, and a flawed assumption that the car would have a short life span. The Department of Energy and MIT more accurately estimated the life cycle of the Honda Prius and also concluded that the savings of the higher fuel economy of the hybrid car would beat the Hummer H3, hands down!
What other green myths can you help us dispel?
Can you help shed some fact-based light on how to go green?
Tags: green myths, how to go green, myths about going green
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11 Comments
I am TOTALLY guilty of #4.
Hi Fawn, me too! Plus, after drafting this post last night, we turned down the thermostat an additional 2 degrees overnight. Hopefully, we’ll see some savings in our energy bills. Best, Steph
thanks for exposing these myths. i hear people using them all the time. I usually fire back with two words: no excuses. Now i can be a bit more diplomatic and offer a little more insight.
Thanks Al – you are right. If people want excuses, they don’t have to look hard. Those that are interested in saving the environment need to fire back.
Steph
Hey everyone,
I saw the article about going green and being more environmentally friendly and think it is great that so many people are waking up to the fact that the planet is in trouble and that we need to act now in order to help out. I think we can all do that little bit extra to try and help save the planet. Whether that be the little things, such as making sure all water taps are properly turned off when you leave the kitchen or bathroom, switching all your electrical appliances off instead of standby. I do all these, but I have also changed the way I send greetings cards. The amount of paper birthday cards, and Christmas cards we send every I was shocked to think at how much money I was spending, and the amount of resources I was using. To change my ways, I have now become a bit of a fan of e-Cards. I think they are such a good way to help the environment, no paper required, so less trees to be cut down! This has to be a good thing! I have done my research and I have finally come across a really good Environmentally Friendly e-Card site. One of the things I like about this site is it is so easy to use, I am not that confident with using computers so this site was really good for me, everything was easy to use and the instructions were easy to follow. Another great thing about this site is that it is totally free, this makes me very happy, saves pennies!! I know e-Cards are not going to be for everyone, but I think they are worth a try! Hope you all find this useful, Kind regards, Nicole.
Good overview, thanks. This information is part of the global self re-education going on. I think all of us are in transition, learning to see everyday objects and buildings differently. We are only at the start of what I hope will be a long transition to a situation where excess waste is seen as shameful by all of society, and where taking care of the environment is understood as a basic of being a good member of society.
David, you are right. It will take more articles like this one and talking to friends and colleagues to start to change minds. I think we’ve started down the path. It just may be a bit longer for some people. Cheers, Stephanie
Great list, I live in Seattle and have been recycling for over 25 years so I’m always kind of shocked when I’m at someone’s house and I see them throwing stuff away like cans and paper.
#5 is so typical, but I guess if you want to pay all that money for gas and have nowhere to park and look like an idiot on the road, buy the hummer instead (sorry… you can tell how I feel about it, can’t you).
I also appreciate #2 about turning your heat up and down, that’s really good information.
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
I agree with you – I can’t believe what people throw away these days. I really love your comment. Let’s hope more people get on board!
Stephanie