How do people "go green?" Maybe they start by bringing their own bags to the supermarket instead of using plastic ones, even though remembering to bring them to the store can be a hassle. Maybe they begin recycling, even though it's not convenient. Or maybe they eat organic food, even though it's more expensive than their favorite item on the dollar menu at their favorite fast food restaurant.
We can do many things to "go green." I would like to add one more way to the list that has seldom, if ever, been mentioned. The next time you have the choice between paper and plastic, choose paper. I'm not taking about paper and plastic bags at the grocery store (even though that's not a bad idea). I'm talking about plastic cards (debit or credit) and cash.
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Being able to open your wallet, purse, etc. and physically see how much money you have promotes more intelligent and cautious spending. Many people, when they make the majority of their purchases with a card, become somewhat careless and desensitized with their spending. Trading one item for another creates the feeling that you're giving up something in order to receive something else in return. This feeling does not completely die when a card is used to make purchases, because people still understand that they're giving something up; however, the feeling significantly weakens.
Like using your own bags at the grocery store, recycling, and eating more organic food, using cash instead of a card to make purchases is not convenient. However, making the sacrifice to "go green" will help you improve the purchases you make and save you the money you need in these difficult economic times.
