I am having moments of not wanting to be green. I don't want to measure out my liquid laundry detergent or fabric softener, I'd rather just fill and dump; I don't feel like setting waste aside to be taken to the recycle bin, I'd rather just toss it in the trash can; I want a long, hot shower for no reason other than to feel the water beat down upon me, rather than shorten my shower to just clean myself; and I don't feel like cooking every night, rather I'd like to grab something from the deli or take out!
Sometimes I want the luxury of those trendy little snack packs for my kids, the best smelling laundry detergent; sometimes I want the hard flow of water to come out of the faucet; sometimes I feel like going for a drive just to get out; sometimes I don't want to check every move I make; sometimes I wish my son were in school.
Luckily, the moments are far and few in between. Overall I enjoy being more eco-aware and doing my part. It lends itself to creativity, self-sufficiency, the great feeling that comes from a challenge, and the better feeling of knowing I am doing something positive. The one area I am saddened about is not being able to drive green.
We went hybrid car shopping last weekend. I test drove a Ford Escape Hybrid. It was nice and the car runs quiet. The power was sufficient, although I missed that little kick when you truly step on the gas. However, the cost simply did not work out.
It's not that the overall cost was outrageous; it's that when broken down and financed the monthly cost was more than we were willing to live with. The car runs about $31, 000.00. Because Ford doesn't offer their 0%, 1.9% nor 2.9% financing on the hybrids, an outside bank came in with a 5.99% for a 6 year loan (much long that we want) and a 4.99% on a 5 year loan (still longer than we wanted.) The monthly payments were $600.00/month and higher!
Now I could see that my gas savings would make up the difference, but the point beyond being eco-responsible was to help with cost of living during the uncertain economic times. Putting the saved gas money right back into the car would leave us right were we are at. In addition, my car will be paid off in 2 years meaning that the new hybrid would having me still making car payments 4 years longer than the two I currently have. Read that again, four years LONGER. Meaning the two I have, plus four more years.
No thank you. Until hybrids come down in cost or until manufacturers can offer better financing, I will continue to just watch my driving habits in the car I have, and make sure that the car is maintenanced to run at the best possible mph. And I will continue to be eco-responsible in the other areas of my life.
