We are living in amazing times, where the economy, consciousness and the planet are shifting.

Living conscientiously is a holistic matter. It’s about choosing the options that will benefit people and planet. Buying fashion and products that are sustainable are some of the answers. Lowering our consumption, building green, organic urban and local farming, driving more efficient cars, and better yet – cars that can be powered by electricity from the Sun or other clean alternatives, are other things we can do.

For too long we have relied on fossil fuels that have polluted our planet and disrupted peoples livelihoods by contamination and illness. We can no longer leave it to our governments to make the right choices. They have too many interests that impede true change. The shift has to happen with us. Each of our choices makes a difference.

In 2005, I converted my first home, which I sold last year, to fully solar electricity. I cancelled the gas service and outfitted the house with efficient electric appliances. It was exciting to see the meter run backwards! We generated more electricity than we needed every day. The excess electricity that went back to the power grid was rewarded as credit. These days in California, many people whose homes are giving back electricity to the utility companies, are getting paid for the excess electricity their homes produce. Now you get state and federal incentives, as well as paid for generating electricity!

Making the switch is an empowering move that will help save you money and our planet. There are companies like Sungevity, that lease and install  solar electric systems on rooftops with no money down. You are billed monthly at affordable rates, depending on your system. It is the best alternative, so you don’t have to pay for the system upfront. A great alternative to help make the changes that we need to make as a society.

For more on being a part of the shift, get Rooftop Revolution by Danny Kennedy.