In recent years, people have grown to be much more conscious and concerned about the planet's health than ever before. The clarion calls of environmentalists warning about climate change and carbon footprints have been heard and heeded by the masses. People have always done small things like reusing grocery bags and repurposing mayonnaise jars to house the old used cooking oil collection. But now, people are going beyond reusing plastic bags and glass jars to using renewable energy to power their lives.
Going green is good for the planet, but most people tend to do what's best for their bank account. Continue reading to see whether or not switching to green energy is the right move for your household.
It's Good For Your Wallet
The best way to get people on board with any initiative is to save them money. If you tell somebody that going green will save the planet, then you might spark some interest. If you tell people that going green will save them money, well then, you have their full attention.
Of course, that begs the question, "Is renewable energy cheaper than fossil fuels?" The simple answer is yes. In 2/3 of the world, renewable energy is cheaper than coal and natural gas. But this hasn't always been the case. Within the last ten years, the costs of wind and solar power have plummeted. The price of wind energy has dropped by nearly 50% and solar energy by a whopping 85%.
Does that mean that switching to green energy will save you money? Absolutely! When companies save money, they pass those savings on to their customers. Both wind and solar power are cheaper to harness and their plants–cheaper to run. That means that what they save in overhead costs, they're able to pass on to customers.
In addition, if you were to get solar panels on your house, any power you get from your solar panels doesn't show up on the electric grid. The electric company only gets a readout of the electricity that comes from the grid. If you only use solar power, then you'll eliminate your electric bill.
In a country like Australia that gets plenty of sunshine, you could save a lot of money on energy by switching to solar power. Before you make any decisions about switching over, compare energy plans with iSelect and make an informed decision.
It's Good For The Economy
One of the main concerns that a lot of people have with the push to go green is the effect it will have on the economy. This is a country that's been powered by coal and natural gas for ages. Billionaires have made fortunes off fossil fuels, and hardworking men and women have fed their families with it for just as long. Because of that, many people regard fossil fuels with a fervor that rivals nationalism.
The fact of the matter is that ushering in the new age of clean energy will create jobs. Plants have to be built, which will require a substantial workforce. And for some forms of renewable energy, converting or harnessing the energy requires heavy labor. Switching to green energy may be one of the best things to happen to the workforce since coal mining was introduced.
It's Good For The Planet
The main reason that renewable energy has become a dinner-table topic recently is that it's better for the environment. That doesn't mean that renewable energy doesn't impact the environment, but certainly not as much as fossil fuels.
The main thing about renewable energy supplies is that you don't ever have to worry about them running out because they're renewable–just like those grocery bags you save. Also, you don't have to mine, frack, and drill for renewable resources the way you do for fossil fuels. That means you don't have to tear into the earth to harvest renewable energy. Renewable energy is also much kinder to the air you breathe and the water you drink.
Going green saves the planet, saves lives, and saves money. That's something you and Mother Earth can toast to.
