I want to "go green" at home... but startup costs are overwhelming! Are there contests or programs to help?

Question

I would love to "go green" in my house.... but things where I feel can have a major impact (solar/wind energy, solar hot water, etc..) have large initial startup costs. While I know there is no such thing as a free lunch, what I would really like is if there was like a tv show, a "beta testing" program for a new system, or some way for me to go green for a lot lower startup. Can anyone help? Thanks!

Answer 1

without knowing what country you live in its impossible to tell you if their are any contests there or not...

some things are simple and pretty much FREE to do..

eg planting a row of lettuce costs only 79 cents (for a packet of seeds) but will save you money in the long run and  help the environment (every time you buy fruit and vege from the store they have to get more fruit and vege shipped to them - by eating more things you grow yourself you can  help reduce this) - or buy from a farmers market instead.. hey at least plant a tomatoe plant!!

Answer 2

If you have any dark rooms you could consider installing tubular skylights, at a very reasonable cost, so the lights do not have to be used during daylight hours.

Answer 3

you can just start off easy...

replace light bulbs with compact bulbs, create a compost pile and create your own soil. Get recycle bins and sort out paper, aluminum, glass, plastic, etc

conserve water: put a water proof brick in the toilet tank so water wont be wasted. Change water faucets with the water conserve one, and change low flow shower heads. Wash cloths using cold water, and wash only full loads on lowest wash.

unplug unnecessary electric plugs (even when it's off, power is still being flowed into the plug)

heat and cooling: Keep theromstats in the summer for... i believe it was 70 degrees, if not 73 degrees. In the winter keep it 68 degrees or 70 degrees

theres more you can do. just google Going Green and it has tips that wont cost you much, but save you alot on bills

INFACT!!! Yahoo! has its own Going Green page where you can even plan out how to help the enviroment by making a plan

http://green.yahoo.com

Answer 4

You can get tax credits, but the reality is that green technology usually pays for itself.  It may take several years of use to break even, but the decreased energy costs will eventually pay off.

Answer 5

There is no way around it. If you want to go green you will have to pay. Please....If you go green don't push it on the rest of us!

Answer 6

To go green start by saving money

eg turn lights off when not required, if you have 6 lightbulbs in one room consider removing 4 to create a better ambiance; walk or cycle to school/shops/work and save on your gym fees;

turn down your heating or up your a/c a few degrees; join your local permaculture group for local resource sharing, money saving ideas  ...

Going green should not involve increased consumption/cost; any that does is not "green".

http://www.greatturningtimes.org

Answer 7

Do a Google Search for the Energy Policy Act of 2005 I believe there are certain tax credits people may use to lessen the burden on the costs of going green.  To justify some of these investments in your home you may been to forecast future energy usage compared to what you may save if you enact the systems today.  I do agree some of these installations are rather expensive.  Good luck with what you decide to go with.

Answer 8

Well, if you haven't done the little things to help reduce your energy usage, you can start with that.  Replace all your regular light bulbs with compaq flourescent bulbs and you'll save about 75% per bulb.  Try insulating your home better, including putting weather stripping around your doors and windows, to help keep the cold (or hot) air out.  

You can also contact your local utility to see if you could purchase any renewable energy credits, a lot offer them now.  This would be on top of your regular bill but would help your utility pay for solar or wind projects.  It would also show them that people are interested in getting their energy from clean sources and don't mind if they have to pay a little more on their bill every month.

Answer 9

there are alot of little things you can do..that have a huge impact in the end..

-changing to lightbulbs to energy efficient

-turning all power off at the wall after you finish using the appliances

-recycle

-re use things, such as containers and/or bottles

-use less time in the shower

-dont leave water running while brushing your teeth

-buy energy efficient appliences.. like a fridge or washing machine.. (my old fridge broke down..so when i went to buy a new one i bought one that was energy efficient)

- dont have the fridge door open for to long..so know what you are planning on getting out before you open it..if you leave the fridge door open for long you waste more engergy.

- walk more instead of using the car or public transport..or ride a bike.

- turns light off that you are not using.

i cant think of any more..but if you google or yahoo search it..there are alot of options you see about helping the environment.

GOODLUCK.

Answer 10

Good luck with your project.  I would recommend checking out http://www.greenandsave.com --- they have a list of over 50 green home improvement projects that you can do, plus they give you the info and the ROI calculations.

Answer 11

Yes, start adding a little at a time. Not all at once.

www.motherearthnews.com has some really great low cost ideas.