From actors to oil companies, everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon. Green has emerged as the new buzzword for hip, cool, and socially responsible. It is also an unstoppable movement toward an elevated consciousness and a different way of living.

We’re discovering that going green makes sense for the environment and improves our health and well-being. We’re discovering that as we evolve spiritually, our preferences also evolve. And we’re discovering new and better methods for providing for our needs, along with rediscovering ancient principles that our ancestors developed and refined over centuries. Surprisingly, many are realizing that going green in their lifestyle is also making them greener financially . . . .

Here’s my simple take on what the green movement is:

Going green is about making different choices—choices that are healthier and create greater joy for every living being, and that will sustain a better planet for generations to come. 

Now, more than ever before, it’s imperative for us to experience and express gratitude for the abundance and life-giving nurturing that our planet provides us each day. We must awaken to a deeper understanding that each of us influences and adds to the design and tapestry of our life. We have a window of opportunity to be important agents for change.

Over the years, I’ve heard many individuals complain that going green is too expensive or that recycling doesn’t help. And I’ve heard many other green myths that just aren’t true. So, here are a few green myths debunked to clear up any misconceptions you may have about all this green stuff.

Myth #1: Going Green Will Be Expensive

Busted. This is true for some things but totally false for others. Eating better with organic produce might cost more. Using green alternatives, such as coconut oil for shaving cream, usually costs less than store-bought products. Other green steps might require more cash up front, but they’ll save you money for years to come. Installing a water filter at home and using a refillable water bottle can save you thousands of dollars over buying bottled water.

Myth #2: I’ll Never Be “Real” Green Because I Can’t Afford a Hybrid Car

Busted. With a few small lifestyle changes, you can make more of an eco-wallop than buying a hybrid car ever could. For example, cutting back on how many steaks and burgers you eat can save more energy, water, and greenhouse-gas emissions than driving a hybrid.

With the energy needed to produce a single hamburger, you could drive a small car 20 miles and save about 1,500 gallons of water.¹ Also, just by switching to locally grown produce—instead of buying food that has been trucked or shipped from thousands of miles away—you can cut your carbon footprint way down. (A carbon footprint refers to the measure of the impact humans have on the environment in terms of greenhouse gases produced.²)

Myth #3: Small Changes Don’t Matter

Busted. Millions of people making small changes create a huge impact. According to Jennifer Powers, spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Defense Council, “If everyone in the country elected to buy one package of 100 percent recycled napkins instead of the non-recycled variety, that act alone would save one million trees.”