Chingo De Dinero

My short answer is NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the capitalistic world we live in, you should always try to maximize your return. Of course, maybe you get a good feeling inside, which makes it worth it, I can not argue with that. But, you should not feel any obligation to do so.

I see so many articles about companies using solar, or some other method to reduce energy use, and how great it is. Well, did they ever figure out the return on investment? Of course, there is that feel good, Goodwill, thing, which should not exists in my opinion, but is there. Personally, I think this is awful, that it is good to make bad investments. These companies should be looked down on for buying solar panels that yield a very low, if not negative return. You may argue in the future, it will pay off. If so, bring on the numbers, then, I bet you will stop using that reason.

I hate to be so harsh on investing in eco friendly ways, because there are good things to do, such as the florescent light bulbs. They really do have good return, not only in energy use, but in time saved due to their life (less changing, more time to work!!!).

I have looked very deeply into solar, wind, and even made a stationary bike that would generate energy. All of these, were horrible investments. Not even close to being feasible.

To sum, do invest in eco friendly ways, only if there really is a return. You have a “capitalistic” obligation to do this. If we start doing all of these feel good things, without justifying the investment, we will be Cuba before you know it. By the way, in the return part, I think government incentives should not be considered, someone has to pay for them!!!! Kind of related, check out my article on the Commons.

For some great info on green ways to save money.