by Meagan Macquarrie

Created on: December 15, 2009

With global warming on the front, companies and individuals alike seem to be jumping on the green band wagon. Recycling has become a normality, if not an expectation around the nation, and the how to’s of energy conservation have certainly made headlines. Americans seem to be staunchly aware of their carbon footprint, and are proving by action their take on the situation. We are making a difference and although it may be small, there is power in numbers. There is a lot be done, and so far we seem to be on the right track. 

Becoming environmentally friendly as a nation will have numerous benefits for mother earth, but are these benefits at any cost to us? Can becoming eco-friendly cause potential problems in the future for the U.S.? Just like everything, going green has its ups and downs. Fortunately in this case, the ups far outweigh the downs. If we didn’t take the initiatives we have been taking as a nation, there would be far more serious concerns for the future. We know the importance of becoming eco friendly is no question, but for the sake of argument, let’s consider both.

It goes without saying that recycling is beneficial for the environment. Waste and Landfills pose a problem for the U.S., and recycling is helping to alleviate the issue. If we were not recycling materials, landfills would be growing at an accelerated rate, and the result of that is self evident. In conserving energy and gasoline we are cutting costs and helping to reduce fossil fuel emissions, which both pose a threat to our environment. With green living growing in popularity, environmentally friendly products are widely available and encouraged for everyday use. Using eco friendly detergents and household cleaners is one more way we can make a difference.

Keeping in mind the pros and how important it is to take care of our environment, going green can be time consuming, expensive, and at times inconvenient. Sure, cutting costs by slashing electric bills or recycling can go a long way for a large corporation, but on a smaller scale is it really worth it? Yes, even when considering the negative aspects of going green, in the end it is always worth the time, money, and effort hands down. 

Like everything, being environmentally aware has its good sides and bad. However in this case it is obvious which is more important. If we weren’t taking the precautions we are as a nation now, we would have a much bigger problem on our hands in the future. Although taking the time to recycle or change our daily habits might not always be convenient, it is always worth it. Jumping on the green band wagon is the right thing to do, and we should all do our part no matter how insignificant we may perceive it to be. In the end, we are doing our best, and yes it’s a good thing.

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