From Guest-Blogger Angie Freeman: Five Reasons Green Energy Results in a Happier Society
With global warming an ever present threat, society is doing its best to reverse the damage and embrace green energy. The solar industry grew by 76 percent last year and more than six percent of America currently runs on wind power. But what the statistics don’t show you is that the green revolution isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also making people happier.
Green Energy Creates Happy Energy
The founders of Dutch eco-movement Happy Energy insist that when you choose green energy you create “happy energy.” The idea is that when you take care of the planet, the positive energy of your decision boosts your own happiness.
This doesn’t just stop with green energy subscribers though. The creators of Happy Energy insist that “positive energy multiplies when you share it.” This means that green energy doesn’t just make the people who adopt it happier; the good vibes flow through to society as a whole.
With green energy on the rise, a future where fewer people need to seek addiction treatment or therapy for depression and anxiety isn’t too far away — hopefully.
Green Energy Companies Offer Better Customer Service
Green energy providers know they charge customers a premium for their services, so they pay them back with superior customer service. And when you’re treated better by others, you can’t help but feel happier.
A British study of more than 10,000 consumers found the customers of green energy firms Good Energy and Ecotricity were the happiest. Eighty-five percent of Good Energy customers said they were happy with their provider compared to just 39 percent of customers subscribing to Npower, which is considered one of the United Kingdom’s major power providers.
Green Energy Subscribers are Less Materialistic
The premium price of green energy tends to be the greatest stumbling block for those who don’t adopt it. They can’t understand why anyone would willingly spend between 15 and 25 percent more on their power bills. However, green energy subscribers know their green choice is worth more to their personal wellbeing than a few extra dollars in their pocket.
Studies show that we really only need enough money to keep a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. The more additional material wealth we have, the less impact it has on our wellbeing. In fact, in The High Price of Materialism, Tim Kasser found that chasing the almighty dollar can lead to depression, low self-esteem, antisocial behavior, and even a greater risk of contracting headaches and sore throats. The message is clear. Green energy subscribers might not accumulate the material wealth of the naysayers, but their decision brings them greater personal riches.
Green Power Energizes Us
Green energy comes in many forms. There’s the solar and wind power you pay for of course, but it can be as simple as opening the blinds and enjoying the sun’s rays. The good news is that this affordable green practice can also boost happiness.
Consider an experiment conducted by a Kansas Walmart store. The managers used natural light to illuminate one half of the store and relied on fluorescent bulbs to power the other. Employees preferred the side with natural light and their higher sales records showed they worked harder there too.
A VeriFone warehouse also saw the advantages of natural light when it began to rely on the sun to cut its energy bills. After the change, there were 45 percent fewer sick days in the building.
Who would have thought that sunlight could make for such happy, healthy workplaces?
