Do you think more people would be more "green" if they saw the financial benefit to them?

Question

Don't get me wrong, I think global warming has been used as a political tool to gain votes, and has been seriously blown out of proportion. I think there's probably a natural cycle to the earth's temperature, but I don't think our SUV's are going to cause the world to end like some people are claiming.
I'm buying bamboo flooring for my house, not because they're the most eco-friendly flooring, but because they're inexpensive and they look nice. I don't drive an SUV, not because I think they're ending the world, but because I can't afford to put gas in one.
I use fluorescent bulbs, not because I want to be green, but because I want to save money and change my bulbs less.
SO - maybe I'm the only one who feels this way, but wouldn't it be a much better political tool to point out the financial gain of doing things that are environmentally friendly, versus alienating everyone who doesn't jump on the bandwagon?? I think most people are reasonable, they just don't like to be insulted

I don't know about the whole green party thing, they're anti-guns, aren't they? Sorry, if we can't defend themselves, the only people who will have guns are the criminals.

Maybe we could make it a requirement to do business with our country that these developing countries have to have their standards equal to ours in 10 or 20 years so we can be sure they're doing their part? I don't know that I think we should stop our efforts just because other countries aren't following suit, but I do think we're a large enough of an economy to influence them if this is truly important to us. This probably could have been a worthy cause if politics hadn't gotten in the middle and skewed the facts so much that nobody believes anything anymore. People are talking about how we shouldn't be allowed to eat beef because cows promote global warming. Seriously, I think the libs had the vegans on their side already, no need to go to this level. It just disgusts me the way this has divided our country. We're arguing about something like this and we don't even see terrorists trying to get licenses to drive school buses & kill our children?? C'mon people! United we stand...

Answer 1

Americans definitely live by the motto "If it feels good, do it." Different things feel good to different people, though. It makes you feel good to save money. Some people feel good driving giant vehicles. Some people feel good eating meat. Others feel good about saving an animal's life. etc, etc.

So, in answer to your question, people who really feel good saving money might turn more "green," but other people won't, because they don't care as much about money as other things (image, etc).

Answer 2

It depends on what aspect of 'green' you are discussing. Buying MORE 'green' items as opposed to cutting down on your own excess consumption?

Raising taxes so people can't afford to use or run some items so these become ultra taxes? Again it put you off your SUV so if you feel that only the rich should have some items, it may work.

Investing in 'green technologies' smart technologies? These will be expensive until they are embraced by the masses when the costs will reduce rapidly. However, by the time you get your 'newest technological whatever' it will be outdated and made obsolete. More trips to the tip. But again it may.

How about just legislating and controlling all 'non-green' items This can be done, but it takes time, a long, long time. For example The UK have only just banned smoking. Again legislation may work.

I too, like to believe that most people are reasonable, however sometimes the evidence does not point in that direction.

Answer 3

I think global warming is a major issue but,
I do agree that many things that prevent it are cheap.
I also, think thatmore people should by solar panels because you can make up for what they cost in ten years (about 20,000 dollars to power whole house) also this price will go down as more people buy them.
Vehicles that run on other fuels are also more cheaper than gas and will help our country become energy independent.
One other example is that if you cover your heater with a insulated blanket then it will save you money and reduce your energy
There are many ways to prevent global warming and save money so people should do this stuff no matter if it is real or not.

Answer 4

I also completely agree.
Economics drive politics always.
It is unreasonable to expect people to do things when they little result for them, and the potential harm is fairly unscientific evidence of flooding sometime in the future.
I am not big on global warming, but at the rate the human race is going, something bad is bound to happen, so we would be wise to put in some economic incentives.

Answer 5

I like your angle, and I think that would draw people to the Green party.
My only problem with the Green Party platform is the fact the want to disarm. Ideally this would be great, but in reality it might not be such a good idea.

Answer 6

Yes I totally agree.

If gasoline gets very expensive people will buy hybrids.
If electricity gets very expensive people will turn off their AC's

That is, unless you're rich like Al Gore and the entertainers he had on his show.

Answer 7

My problem is the environmentalists want to rub it in our face that we are destroying the planet when most carbon comes from China, India, and most developing countries.

Answer 8

You make good points.

Answer 9

yes, I like green dollars.