To Be or Not To Be Eco Friendly, That is the Question

Let's face it, we all come across a time in our lives when we must make a split second decision, “To Be or Not To Be Eco Friendly, That is the Question”. You probably didn't even realize you were making such a decision. What do I mean? For instance, when your out somewhere, and you had an empty plastic water bottle, looking for somewhere to “throw” it. Your first instinct was probably to RECYCLE it, right? But there was no recycling bins nearby, but oh wait, there was a garbage can right there. What did you do? What should you do?

Another instance, you are shopping around for Product X. You find the section that has different kinds of Product X. Now the tough part comes in when you have to decide which one to choose. There is a cheap no name Product X or the environmentally friendly but more expensive version Product X. What did you do? What should you do?

Well you get the point, there comes a time when we have to choose if we will do our part and be eco-friendly, or not.

So how do I make this decision for myself? Well, back in grade school, I always had a tough time making up my mind about everything, so my teacher always told me to make 2 lists. One list that lists the advantages for taking the first path, and the other that lists the advantages for taking the second path. Which ever list is longer would determine the path I take for my decision. So here it goes with the 2 lists method that has never let me down.

Advantages to Being Eco Friendly
- cleaner environment
- self satisfaction (feels good to do the right thing)
- save money in the long run (some things like electric cars, solar panels...)
- reduce global warming

Advantages to Not Being Eco Friendly
- easier lifestyle
- products are usually of higher quality
- cheaper in the short run
- more variety in product choice

Hmmm, seems like my method has finally let me down. But in fact it's given me exactly what I needed! Sure, the lists have exactly the same number of advantages, but comparing these very general statements, statement for statement, which statements would you prefer the most?

Well, I bet you can guess my preference!

You could probably think of a lot of additions to these lists, but I tried to be as general as possible while stating only the most obvious.

Feel free to make your additions in the comments.