Every year, newspapers and magazines crown one word or phrase the official buzzword of that year. Often times, the winning phrase comes from a movie or television show, but this year, the phrase on everyone's mind has been "going green."

Thanks to outrageous fuel costs that have made everything from heating our homes to driving our cars a trial, there is a genuine movement within the United States to head towards renewable, clean energy like never before.

The election of Barack Obama as President also sends a signal to the rest of the world that the US is finally ready to take issues like climate change and renewable energy seriously. So, why go green? Let's take a look at just a few of the reasons why.

One of the biggest arguments against going green, whether it be on a state-wide level or at home, was cost. Solar panels were just too expensive to install in a home and wind farms were too costly compared to coal plants or nuclear power. Now, with new technology pioneered by companies around the world, the first low cost solar panel has hit the market.

Home wind generators are now extremely affordable and more and more power companies from coast to coast allow you to sell back your excess energy for a credit. If you have been waiting for costs to come down before going green, then now is the time to act.

Why go green? You'll save a bundle!

There is an old saying in the world of politics that says all politics are local. This means that the biggest, world changing movements begin in neighborhoods with one or two people. The same can be said for going green. All it takes is one or two people going off the grid and before you know it, every home in that area is outfitted with solar panels and wind generators. None of these people set out to be trailblazers, they simply want to help Mother Nature and lower their expenses, but good ideas have a way of catching on.

Why go green? Because you may be the first domino that could change an entire region!

When most of us think of going green, we think of our home, but there is so much more to living a green lifestyle than that. We can drive energy efficient cars or better yet, not drive at all. We can do our part to ensure that our workplace is as green as can be. Often times, when environmentally conscious individuals begin to make green changes around work, the response they get from those around them is, "We never thought of doing it that way before."

Why go green? You can change the way business gets done around the world!

Going green means different things to different people. For some it may be replacing old light bulbs with energy saving fluorescents. For others it may be installing solar panels and wind generators. No matter what steps you take, going green gives you a feeling of accomplishment like no other.