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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Question about going "green"
I was thinking about this the other day and the question came to mind...
Why is everything that's supposedly better for the environment more expensive?
Organically grown food
Organic landscapers
Hybrid cars
Lightbulbs
Those are just a few examples...
But seriously, besides the obvious reason of helping to save the environment, in this day and age where the cost of living and family bugets drive most people what is the incentive to go green?
Is there a "cost-effective" way to go green?
I currently use my own shopping bags, recycle plastic bags that I do get every now and then, buy those new energy efficient lightbulbs, all our appliances are "energy star" and I don't use pesticides.
What else can I do?
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Posted 8/27/07 7:32 PM  |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question about going "green"
same logic as... why are carbs and junk food so cheap but buying produce is 
weird! 
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| Posted 8/27/07 7:34 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
same logic as... why are carbs and junk food so cheap but buying produce is
weird!
I've wondered about that too!
ETA:
I really need to stop thinking so much when I shower!!! 
Message edited 8/27/2007 7:36:59 PM.
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| Posted 8/27/07 7:36 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Question about going "green"
I know it so annoying, I was thinking about this yesterday when I was watching "Living with Ed" on HGTV. I think some of the reasons are because
1) the demand is not very high
2) its more expensive to produce
3) the technology is fairly new
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| Posted 8/27/07 8:30 PM |
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alisonggg
Cutie
Member since 3/06 4749 total posts
Name:
a
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Re: Question about going "green"
I think that a large part of it is the actual cost that producers take on by going organic. To convert a regular farm into an organic one takes a huge amount of cash up front and many farmers don't see it as cost effective.
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| Posted 8/27/07 8:46 PM |
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itkocak
Member since 7/07 7639 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question about going "green"
Message edited 11/10/2011 8:47:45 PM.
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| Posted 8/27/07 8:51 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Question about going "green"
It's not a conspiracy - these things are actually more expensive to produce.
Organic food requires more hands on deck -- more people to actually tend to the plants and fields personally on a daily basis to check for any problems, pests, etc. (I've seen this firsthand from visiting some organic vineyards). Organic production usually generates fewer plants / produce / etc. than non-organic farms, so their overhead per unit is higher.
Hybrid cars - the technology is newer, likely protected by more intellectual property (patents, etc.) than gas engine technology is. It's not that the demand isn't high (High demand actually drives prices UP unless supply is super-abundant. Low demand lowers prices b/c otherwise the goods wouldn't sell)
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| Posted 8/27/07 9:41 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by alisonggg
I think that a large part of it is the actual cost that producers take on by going organic. To convert a regular farm into an organic one takes a huge amount of cash up front and many farmers don't see it as cost effective.
I also think that you can't be certified organic until no pesticides, etc. have been used on the land for a certain number of years (3, maybe?). So, for a few years, they are producing organic, but cannot label themselves as such. That's a lot of extra work and expense when you can't even get the benefit of calling your production organic.
Also, there are fewer organic suppliers / other green producers. This means supply is lower, which usually means the cost is higher.
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| Posted 8/27/07 9:44 PM |
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Bellaocchi
Hope Faith Love
Member since 2/07 5694 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by SweetTooth
I know it so annoying, I was thinking about this yesterday when I was watching "Living with Ed" on HGTV. I think some of the reasons are because
1) the demand is not very high
2) its more expensive to produce
3) the technology is fairly new
I agree with this poster
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| Posted 8/27/07 10:53 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by imthekevinofcindyandkevin
As far as fruits and vegetables go there is more crop loss due to the fact that no pesticides are used.
Fast food is cheaper to produce as opposed to healthier food. As well as hybrid vehicles and the fluorescent bulbs having mercury in them all contributes to the higher cost as well as less of a demand.
HTH
Thanks...
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| Posted 8/27/07 11:03 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by Kara
It's not a conspiracy - these things are actually more expensive to produce.
Ok, I understand what you're saying but then what else can I do? I need to be conservative in my spending so where else can I make a difference?
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| Posted 8/27/07 11:04 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by Kara
It's not a conspiracy - these things are actually more expensive to produce.
Ok, I understand what you're saying but then what else can I do? I need to be conservative in my spending so where else can I make a difference?
1. Don't litter
2. Recycle (just be smart about what you do recycle - Read up on what sorts of recycling harm the environment. Aluminum cans are great to recycle
3. Buy canvas bags for your groceries to use instead of the paper / plastic at the store
4. Turn off your lights and electronics when you are not using them. Unplus your AC, computer, and other electronics when they are not in use. Even if they are turned off, if they are plugged in, they are still using electricity
5. Replace just 3-5 lightbulbs in your house with the more energy efficient kind. You will noticeably save on your electric bill and these bulbs last a LONG time
6. Carpool or use public transit whenever possible
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| Posted 8/28/07 7:03 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Question about going "green"
You're right - organic food costs SO much money, so what we do is we bought into a farm co-operative. We pay $540 for fresh, organic produce that's delivered to our neighborhood once a week, for about 8 months. We get a grocery bag of veggies, fruit and herbs that last for the week, and then some.
If you were to buy that much organic produce at the store, it would cost twice that.
I love it because it forces us to try new things, and to eat healthy fruit and veggies on a regular basis. We bought a few "seasonal" cookbooks so we can keep up with what they give us each season.
Edited to add - it saves us money, and at the same time, helps support local farmers who utilize sustainability methods of farming.
Message edited 8/28/2007 7:49:52 AM.
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| Posted 8/28/07 7:49 AM |
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usuk2004
I'm ONE!
Member since 5/05 5150 total posts
Name:
Farah
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Re: Question about going "green"
Posted by Kara
1. Don't litter
2. Recycle (just be smart about what you do recycle - Read up on what sorts of recycling harm the environment. Aluminum cans are great to recycle
3. Buy canvas bags for your groceries to use instead of the paper / plastic at the store
4. Turn off your lights and electronics when you are not using them. Unplus your AC, computer, and other electronics when they are not in use. Even if they are turned off, if they are plugged in, they are still using electricity
5. Replace just 3-5 lightbulbs in your house with the more energy efficient kind. You will noticeably save on your electric bill and these bulbs last a LONG time
6. Carpool or use public transit whenever possible
I agree with all of this. You can also use natural cleaners like lemon juice and vinegar instead.
Take a shorter shower!  Will help save water and will give you less time to think! Also, turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth.
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| Posted 8/28/07 8:03 AM |
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