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There are many myths when it comes to going “green.” One of the most common green myths is that going green costs more, however in most cases this is not true; however, a return on investment table illustrates the payback on over fifty items. Other common green myths are worth discussion.
Green Myth #1: When Appliances Are Turned Off, They Don't Use Power
While turning off your appliances when not in use is a great first step to reducing energy usage, these appliances continue to draw energy. Phantom load or vampire power occurs even when appliances such as your computer or television are turned off.
In a study done at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, researchers found that vampire power may consume as much as 15 to 30 watts per appliance. It is estimated that more than five percent of your power bill can be attributed to appliances in standby mode, which equals about $4 billion homeowner dollars each year in wasted energy costs. Contributors include any device that relies on standby power, such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, computers, cell-phone chargers and any appliance that maintains and displays a clock.
The best way to combat vampire power is to unplug the appliance or to use power strips with an off switch.
Green Myth #2: Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Are the Same
Energy efficiency is not the same as energy conservation. Each one of us consumes energy as part of our everyday lives. We heat and cool our homes, commute to and from work or school and turn on lamps or televisions throughout the day. Conserving energy and choosing energy-efficient products are both key to energy sustainability. They may sound similar but, in fact, they are two very different things.
Energy conservation is any activity where the outcome is the consumption of less energy, such as choosing to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Energy efficiency is any technology that requires less energy to carry out the same task. A good example of energy efficiency is using compact fluarescent light bulbs (CFLs), which provide the same illumination as standard incandescent bulbs but use just one-quarter of the energy and last 8 to 12 times longer.
Green Myth #3: Organic Is Always Better
Choosing organic fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats is smart. While there is no definitive evidence that organic foods have any significant nutritional benefits over conventional foods, they must be produced without antibiotics, growth hormones, and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing your exposure to potentially toxic substances. And because organics are grown and produced using sustainable, regenerative farming methods, they're good for the soil and good for the planet.
Except when they aren't … Organic foods are only good for the planet when they're not trucked, shipped or flown around the world before arriving at their final destination. Food miles are the distance your food has traveled from farm to store. The idea is the higher number of food miles traveled, the greater amount of energy consumed and pollution released, both of which contribute to the problem of global warming. According to ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, on average most of our meals have traveled about 1,300 miles before they are placed on our table. Think about it: How did fresh strawberries get to your local store in the middle of winter? A Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) study, showed that in 2005 the total amount of fruits and vegetables that were flown into California released more than 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide, the same amount of pollution produced by 12,000 cars on the road.
The solution to this problem is to choose locally grown organic foods. You can visit your local farmers market or join a local community supported agriculture (CSA) group, which will guarantee that your food has taken the road less traveled.
Green Myth #4: Hybrid Vehicles Are A Better Choice Than Standard Cars
If you have to drive a truck, a hybrid may be your most eco-friendly option. But an oversized hybrid is no comparison to a standard compact car. The current price of gas may have you thinking about trading in your gas guzzler for a hybrid. The NRDC estimates that hybrids cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than one-third compared to many non-hybrids.
Before buying a hybrid you should consider the following:
First, consider the amount of energy needed to make a new car. To make a new Toyota Prius, roughly 113 million BTUs of energy are used, which is equal to 1,000 gallons of gasoline. Also consider gas consumption. Small hybrids are some of the most fuel-efficient cars on the roads, and not all hybrids are equal. Some gas-only used cars may actually have smaller carbon footprints. Take, for example, large hybrid SUVs and trucks. While they are made with hybrid technologies, their gas mileage doesn't measure up against some of the conventional fuel-efficient compact cars on the market.
Green Myth #5: Planting Trees Will Solve Global Warming
The value of forestry offsets depends on where they're planted, among other factors. Forests have a three-pronged effect on our climate:
- They cool the air through the process of evapotranspiration.
- They reduce air pollutants (including carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas) through photosynthesis.
- Their dark, dense leaves absorb sunlight that otherwise warms the planet.
Most people are familiar with the idea that trees and vegetation help to protect the planet against global warming. However, recent scientific studies show that such benefits depend on where trees are planted. Plant in the wrong part of the world and you may be wasting time and money. Forests in the tropical belt around the equator benefit the planet. They absorb carbon dioxide in a process called carbon sequestering, which helps lower temperatures.
Conversely, the farther away from the equator forests are, the more likely they are to trap heat in their dense canopies, raising temperatures. This is known as the albedo effect. In a study conducted by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Carnegie Institution and Université Montpellier II, scientists found that forests in mid-to-high latitudes could increase temperatures by up to 10 degrees F (5.5 degrees C) in the next 100 years than if those forests were not there.
With this in mind, it is important to think about which forestry projects to support. Helping to mitigate the effects of tropical deforestation is a solid choice as is keeping your community green and beautiful by planting trees around your neighborhood.
