Going green seems like a concept that the world should be on board with. In fact, you see many companies promoting a “Go Green” concept, product or service. The problem is there are very few times the companies tell consumers or the public in general why they should go green or how their green choices will impact the world around them locally and globally. Here are a few reasons to go green that may give you some food for thought.

Going Green Supports Local Economies

One of the reasons that many cities are now facing bankruptcy has been contributed to the lack of going green on a local level. By supporting organic farms and local farming you can create a stimulus to the local economy. By buying locally from meat, dairy, fruit and vegetable farmers you are putting money in their pocket on a local level. Globally this will mean less toxic emissions in the air from produce traveling across country. In your own home it effects your health by reducing the number of preservatives and treatments that your food goes through to make it across country and onto your plate.

Self-Reliance

It has been shown that people who live a green lifestyle are more self-reliant in times of economic stress or catastrophic natural disasters. Think of it this way. Let’s say you go green by growing a small vegetable and fruit garden in your apartment or townhouse. You go a step further by recycling rainwater and by using solar power backup systems for charging batteries and running your home during a power outage. If there is a major issue due to a natural disaster or other issue you will have food, water and power to your home. Not a bad deal for changing a few minor things in your life is it?

Reduced Energy Bills

The fact of the matter is the more you green living changes you make in your home the lower your energy bill will be. If you were to start using solar power chargers for your cell phone, mp3 players and other small electronics you would reduce a bit of energy costs immediately. If you were to start unplugging your electronics such as your computer and it’s components each night when you sleep you would see drastic changes in your bill and you would be helping with overall energy consumption and waste.

Reduced Waste and Purchases

One simple green option you can take today can reduce the waste you produce in your home, cut back on an often costly expense and possibly give you free drinks throughout your day. Replace your water bottle with a reusable steel water bottle and replace your coffee mug with a reusable travel coffee container. You can get free water throughout your day and it stays colder for a longer time period, even in hot weather, in the steel bottle. The reusable coffee container means you can get a discount at certain coffee shops by using your own cup and you aren’t adding to the waste in the landfills. You cut back on your own garbage at home, which means less trips to the trash can, and you save money throughout the day.