Stagecoach Designs is a pretty eco-conscious company. All our lights are CFLs, we used recycled paper in our printers, our computers and servers all using energy-saving settings, but this week when I was shopping for supplies, I think I took it a step further.

100% recycled bathroom tissue and recycled plastic trash bags.

I’m not saying these two purchases are saving the planet, nor am I looking for a pat on the back. What interests me most is why I made these purchases how I did.

Most environmentally friendly options have financial reasons to go along with the others. CFLs run with less electricity and don’t have to be replaced as often. Energywise settings on computers reduce electricity consumption as well. Our programmed thermostat keeps the equipment from freezing, but we don’t need heat blasting all night, and thus can cut our natural gas bill. What was my financial incentive for these two purchases, however? The items were the same price as their non-green counterparts, if not slightly more expensive.

As far as I can tell, my motives were pure. What does this say about others who make the same decisions, however?