Ten Reasons To Go Green

Student SampleBy: Fallon Thompson

Electric BillThe U.S Environmental Protection Agency reports that choosing green alternatives, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs or energy-saving door and window fixtures, reduces the amount of electricity used. Making these changes can lower your bill up to 15 percent.

Water BillAccording to Scripps Networks, toilets built before 1982 use five to seven gallons of water per flush. Energy-efficient toilets only use a little more than a gallon of water per flush.

Increase Your Home’s ValueMaking energy-efficient home improvements increases your home's value. Whether your opt for energy-saving showers and toilets or make larger investments such as solar panels or wind-powered instruments, creating an eco-friendly house increases saleability in the future.

DurabilityIf you make the necessary green changes to your home, you will ensure a long-lasting and durable residence. Many of the materials used, such as recycled wood decks, are formulated to withstand years of weathering.

Improve Your HealthBy contributing to the decrease in greenhouse emissions and using natural cleaning products, you will be able to breathe better inside and outside of your home. Using chemical-free paints on walls ensures you and your family are safeguarded against toxic exposure.

ProductivityA U.S. Department of Energy study found that poor indoor air quality not only adversely affects your health and breathing, but also your brain. By purifying your residence with natural items and eliminating chemicals, you are able to increase productivity.

Share ResourcesIn a globalized world, resources should not be allocated to only one region. Going green ensures that energy sources are shared throughout the world and that sustainable living is available for everyone. By helping developing countries green their endeavors, you are not only preserving the ecosystem, but you're also assisting in a global network of renewable energy sources for future years.

For Our Future Greenhouse gas emissions play a crucial role in quality of life. Between the years 1990-2004,carbon dioxide emissions increased by 20 percent alone. Without taking the necessary steps, the future of our planet is seriously jeopardized. Ozone layer depletion and water and air pollution can cause serious complications for future generations.

The RainforestsSince 1960, global timber harvests have increased by 60 percent. It takes approximately 24 trees to produce a ton of printing and writing paper, with one ream of paper using 6 percent of the tree. Rainforests play an important role in the ecosystem as air purifiers and habitats for wildlife.

Do The Right ThingHuman development has altered 19 percent of all coastlines in the world and drastically changed the way of life for thousands of species, including humans. The price of this continued consumption is at the detriment of the planet. In 2008 alone, 80 percent of the world's principal energy supply came from non-renewable fossil fuels. Black carbon pollutants, such as diesel emissions, are toxic to both humans and the ecosystem. Going green replaces and limits non-renewable energy sources with renewable, long-lasting alternatives. This reduces the impact on Earth while promoting the health and quality of life for you and your loved ones---making it the right thing to do.