With all the “green washing” and activity surrounding the Green movement sometimes it’s true meaning can be lost in the shuffle. While it is true that being green means different things to different people, there are a few underlying key points that most green definitions have in common:
- Saving the Environment: This point is fairly simple, but is the entire basis to what being green was built on. Every green push you see has some effect on keeping the environment in great condition for future generations. From new green cleaning products that contain little or no hazardous chemicals all the way down to recycled paper made from the contents of your recycling bin, everything green is helping in some way to preserve the environment we all share.
- Saving Money: Let’s be honest, there are plenty of people out there who like to help the environment, but really have no reason to do anything outside of their normal routine. The fact that things like compact florescent lights and tankless water heaters can not only help the environment, but also save you a good deal of money in the process is very enticing to many people. While the cost of entry may be a bit high when purchasing these green goods, in the long run you will save money and work towards a great cause.
While these key points do not encompass every person’s definition of being green, it offers a basis to which many people would agree that at least one of these components is important in the overall meaning of the word.