Can personal finance save the planet?

[Sporkman]

I think 'going green' is expensive. Its very expensive for industry, it's expensive for common folk. If I wanted curbside recycling pickup, I have to pay $30 every quarter of a year. Curbside recycling pickup is an oxymoron in itself because of the fuel that is used to do it.
Think fuel efficient cars, they are rising in price while the SUV is sinking in price.
Recycled roofing is more expensive than regular roofs.

'Going green' is a worthwhile cause, I gladly pay the extra $$ to leave this world a bit healthier, but it costs money.

It only appears to cost more, when in fact the costs are there regardless, except they're socialized (i.e. taxpayers pay to maintain & grow landfills, they pay for pollution cleanup, they pay for oil security via military, etc).

[cschin4]

I think there are many ways to EARN money during this present green hysteria. One must position oneself in the economy to maximize one's own income and resources. So, if green sells, then of course I will buy green stocks and invest in green companies as part of a good financial strategy.
However, I do not believe the planet is at risk, I do not believe that mankind is a parasite upon the earth, and I do not believe that 99% of the suggestions (soon to be forced upon as laws to control our lifestyles) accomplish anything other than warm fuzzies.
And, really the environmental movement is the new home of communism which will involve controlling every aspect of your life from what lightbulb you use, to how warm/cool you can keep your house, to what car you can drive, to how large your home can be and on and on and on. You should all be very afraid of this movement and the consequences of heading down this path. Of course, as already has been demonstrated, the rich politicians, movie stars and other well to do people are going to be exempt from living the life of the common man because they are so important.
This "carbon credit" nonsense is the absolute biggest scam I have ever heard. In fact, it is brilliant. Much like the empereror watching his invisible grand clothes being spun on the invisible looms.

[aida2003]

Yeah, but how much room does a few cloth napkins take up? And, you are already doing laundry. I haven't found any extra laundry really from switching to cloth things.

Paper napkins here are only for picking up gross things like cat puke or the like.

Considering that some families like to cover their tables with paper (not us ) and reusing it, after switching to cloth covers for the table they'll take place in the laundry and you don't just throw them with your socks and jeans .

[Aleta]

I'm like another poster when it comes to not noticing a few extra napkins when you're already doing laundry anyway.

I've read alot about all of the Rain Forests being destroyed and that has always stayed with me. Many trees are taken down and then it disrupts the invironment and landscape. In different regions, leeaves from the trees are the animals food. Just my thoughts.

[Terin]

IF people would just realize the money they are spending isn't worth the paper its printed on..not backed by any gold/silver/even bronze lol then the world could be saved. IF beginning on ONE specific day everyone in the USA or any other country for that matter would STOP paying their bills we would be free from the crap. They cant reposes millions of homes. Unfortunatly there are the greedy out there that wouldn't let this happen. They would just keep paying their bills and gain more valuable property due to all the forclosures that they allowed to happen.

[PrincessPerky]

Err.....If I didn't pay the electric bill I would be stealing...same for water, gas, ect.

Now if you want to go live off grid you can go make your own. but I not only do not know how, I don't really want to. I get a service I pay..sure I would like it cheaper, but I wont steal.

I feel no guilt for paying my bills, I get the 'stuff' or service I pay. period.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

IF people would just realize the money they are spending isn't worth the paper its printed on..not backed by any gold/silver/even bronze lol then the world could be saved. IF beginning on ONE specific day everyone in the USA or any other country for that matter would STOP paying their bills we would be free from the crap. They cant reposes millions of homes. Unfortunatly there are the greedy out there that wouldn't let this happen. They would just keep paying their bills and gain more valuable property due to all the forclosures that they allowed to happen.

My US paper money certainly is worth more than the paper it is printed on, but I do note your concern for the monetary system.

The rest of your comment I don't understand. If I keep paying my bills, especially my mortgage, I am greedy? And if we all stop paying our bills what would happen? Foreclosures would stop? Something more monumental would happen?

What bills are you talking about not paying? Energy for your home? Daycare for your children? The dentist who gave you a payment plan for your root canal? The package of toilet paper you charged at Walmart? The remaining $2500 you owe on your car? The cosmetologist who just cut your hair? The guy who just mowed your lawn? Are you only taking about mortgages?...I'm not understanding what you mean.

[SnoopyCool]

I think there are many ways to EARN money during this present green hysteria. One must position oneself in the economy to maximize one's own income and resources. So, if green sells, then of course I will buy green stocks and invest in green companies as part of a good financial strategy.
However, I do not believe the planet is at risk, I do not believe that mankind is a parasite upon the earth, and I do not believe that 99% of the suggestions (soon to be forced upon as laws to control our lifestyles) accomplish anything other than warm fuzzies.
And, really the environmental movement is the new home of communism which will involve controlling every aspect of your life from what lightbulb you use, to how warm/cool you can keep your house, to what car you can drive, to how large your home can be and on and on and on. You should all be very afraid of this movement and the consequences of heading down this path. Of course, as already has been demonstrated, the rich politicians, movie stars and other well to do people are going to be exempt from living the life of the common man because they are so important.
This "carbon credit" nonsense is the absolute biggest scam I have ever heard. In fact, it is brilliant. Much like the empereror watching his invisible grand clothes being spun on the invisible looms.

Truer words have never been spoken. This is already affecting us, as here we will soon only water our lawns 2 times a week (even # houses on the street Mon, Thurs; odd # Tues, Sat - something like that). If we are caught breaking this rule, our neighbors can tattle-tell on us and we will be fined. RIDICULOUS! What's next?

I really fear what will happen to this country if the government starts controlling everything. If our freedoms are taken in order to "make the nation better". We are headed for something we will regret.

[cschin4]

that they allowed to happen

Um...no. The mysterious "they" didn't cause home foreclosures. It is the home buyers themselves who bought took out ridiculous mortgages on McMansions that they can't afford on their incomes.

[cschin4]

Yes, let's all quit paying our bills! Huh? Oh yeah, you won't have any heat or water in your home. And, you will no longer be able to buy anything. Gee, sounds like a great life, I can't wait.

[aida2003]

Truer words have never been spoken. This is already affecting us, as here we will soon only water our lawns 2 times a week (even # houses on the street Mon, Thurs; odd # Tues, Sat - something like that). If we are caught breaking this rule, our neighbors can tattle-tell on us and we will be fined. RIDICULOUS! What's next?

I really fear what will happen to this country if the government starts controlling everything. If our freedoms are taken in order to "make the nation better". We are headed for something we will regret.

As far as water goes, we're allowed to water once a week. But I'm fine because people have to conserve water. I'd rather have something to drink vs. watering all week long.

I really dislike when I see people wasting water. E.g. at work in the restroom women brush their teeth while the water runs full force. Or some of them wash their hands, but don't turn faucets off until they dry their hands. The same with dishes: they wash them and dry with a paper towel, but water is left running. IMO, that's terrible wasting .