Does green cost more?
Green Economy has been defined in more ways than one but a more formal definition of Green Economy in the South African context is that “it is a system of economic activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services that result in improved human well-being over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks or ecological scarcities”. People generally have many perceptions about Green especially when it comes to the cost of going Green. Here, we will look some of these common perceptions. People often overlook the impact made by the small things they do to make a difference.
Renewables cost more
The reality is that no one likes to pay more than they should, and this applies with renewable energy and other green products. Investors and families would argue that solar and wind are too expensive, but is it really? Dr Christopher Weddings, agrees with existing global data that renewables cost more but increasingly not. Some Green technologies may cost more but what you get in return is good value for money compared to conventional technologies. A study by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) shows that building green costs on average only 5% more than conventional building.
Green Products work as well
To sustain our economy, it is necessary for government, businesses and citizens to adopt Green Economy principles and create an understanding of the long-term financial, health, socio-economic, and environmental benefits of Green. People are often reluctant to switch to Green and this is not unique to renewable electricity. In reality, Green doesn’t work as well; it works better.
Green Products are hard to find
As cliché as the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” may sound, some businesses have based their business models on it and recycled products are fairly appreciated in the global market. Most of the food we consume is somehow processed at some stage, sometimes not good for our health. There are a number of restaurants that offer a healthy and organic option; in fact getting an organic meal may be as easy as ordering pizza. Nowadays, a solar technician may just be a phone call away.
All or nothing proposition
Although some publications predict that by 2024, we will have lived up to the 2015 Paris agreement of 1.5 degrees celcius, we need to, in bites, as individuals and collective do our best to tackle the issue of climate change by challenging and supporting the government to show leadership in the green space. Our website has all the information you could use to be more energy efficient or follow 110% Green on Facebook and @WCGov110Green on twitter. The recent 110% Green Event facilitated connections between entrepreneurs, inventors/ innovators in the green industry that are doing their bit to ensure a sustainable economy and future in the western cape.