What is Going Green?

The definition of Going Green may depend upon who you ask. To some it may be an expression, lifestyle or moral choice of how a person can take steps to reduce his/her actions that are harmful on the environment. For others, it could be an economic choice. Yet, for even others, it could be considered a sales ploy or even a short lived trend. No matter what your definition, going green is something to give thought about.

Most of us recognize that we need to change the way we live in order to protect the earth and its environments for ourselves and future generations. The question we may have is how do we do that and how fast or how much of it should we do?

As you begin to consider what steps you can take to improve your daily lifestyle, going green doesn't have to drastically change the way you live and is much easier than you may think. In fact, you don't need to run out and purchase solar panels or wind turbines. Going green can be done a little bit at a time and is more about being environmentally conscious and personally responsible for your actions. Then, over time and as you continue to make green choices, you can incorporate some of the larger changes.

The only problem with trying to green your life, home and workplace is that some choices may not be so clear.

If you are like me, you question whether some of the green choices are really healthier or better. The reality is that we must make some educated choices and guesses and even weigh the options against each other.

For example, let's look at Compact Fluorescent light bulbs.

The Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL) claims to be more efficient by using less energy and also lasts longer. While the claims may be true, the bulbs are more costly and contain mercury which is toxic. Because the mercury is hazardous, the EPA recommends using specific steps for clean up and disposal. (Please see the EPA FAQ's and guidelines for cleanup.) So, in deciding whether the CFL is a green product for you, you must decide if the efficiency of the CFL outweighs the hazardous risk posed by the mercury.

The bottom line is that we can make better choices and decisions in the way we live our lives. By doing so, we can keep our planet a healthy place to live for ourselves and future generations. Unfortunately, in some cases the answers just may not be so clear.

So, if you are looking for a one line definition, I would say that going green is an expression, lifestyle or moral choice of how a person can take steps to reduce his/her actions that are harmful on the environment.

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