Why People Are Not Living Eco-Friendly?

In the past few years, we hear people talking about “Going green,” or living an “eco-friendly lifestyle”… But what does it all mean? Does it mean that you recycle everything or you have to become a “tree hugging hippie?” Not at all, but recycling is a great start! But, to “go green” or live a more eco-friendly lifestyle means that you are seeking out knowledge and practices that promote environmental and social responsibilities that we can incorporate into your daily lives. That is sustainable living, and it plays a major role in helping protect the environment and preserving our natural resources from man-made damage for generations to come.

Climate change is a real issue that impacts everyone in the world. So, if “green living” is so beneficial for the environment, why aren’t more people doing it? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 2020, renewable energy accounted for only 12% of total US energy consumption and 20% of electricity generation.

There is obviously more work to be done with renewable energy. If we can clear up some myths and get accurate information about it, the sooner we see more changes. But with so much information at our fingertips, it can easily become difficult to understand what’s accurate information and what’s not. If you have been interested in going green but have talked yourself out of it because of the many common myths about an eco-friendly lifestyle, you have come to the right place. 

Here are some common myths and biggest reasons that might be stopping you from going green.

It’s Way Too Expensive

Cost is usually, the number 1 reason why people are not living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. To be fair, if you are thinking of having solar panels installed on the roof of your home, the upfront costs can get expensive. However, with the rising costs of electricity from traditional sources and declining costs of solar technology, making the decision to switch is a no-brainer for many.  Many people don’t realize is that renewable energy isn’t just something people are doing simply because it helps the environment. As consumers, people care more about the fact that it helps lower their monthly utility bills.

If are considering that for the cost of 4 reusable sandwich bags you can get 200 disposable plastic sandwich bags, the upfront costs don’t make sense. However, if you consider that you can reuse the reusable sandwich bag a thousand times, the long term savings is undeniable.

Many of the long term options payout and even help you to save money.

You Have to Be All-In, All at Once

There is a lot that goes into energy-efficiency, and it doesn’t just happen overnight either. A lot of the people you see who have adopted the lifestyle have been living the lifestyle for many years. They’ve become very knowledgeable and have adjusted properly over time.

Don’t think that that you have to embrace the lifestyle all at once and drop off the grid tomorrow. Or buy an electric vehicle today. If you try to change your entire lifestyle overnight, you will quickly become overwhelmed. You don’t have to make major changes. However, don’t let the thought of not doing enough stop you from doing something. Take baby steps and get yourself informed so that you can truly appreciate your efforts and understand how you’re not only helping yourself but the environment too.

Start small. Get a recycling bin. Or switch to canvas bags instead of plastic bags. Maybe start out by simply recycling and eliminating your use of plastic water bottles, and instead use reusable bottles. The average American spends $100 per year on plastic water bottles. Once you’ve incorporated that into your regular routine, you can then start to incorporate other eco-friendly habits.

Sustainable Energy is Not Reliable 

One of the biggest misconceptions about renewable energy in the form of solar energy is that people think their house will “power off” and stop working if there is no sunlight to be absorbed by solar panels, and that’s just not the case at all. With new technology, even on the cloudiest of days, your panels will be able to generate power.  You can expect them to produce 10-25% of their normal power output. You have to realize that just because you can’t see the sun, that doesn’t mean it’s not out. 

In the end, there are many misconceptions about an eco-friendly lifestyle. But it’s not really all that hard.