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RALEIGH – A couple of dollars can go a long way in the effort to save the planet, according to N.C. Green Power, a nonprofit designed to improve the state’s environment through the public’s contributions toward renewable energy.

“When folks buy renewable energy or carbon offset through us they are supporting renewable energy projects here in North Carolina,” said Martha Gettys, the group’s business development manager. “It's really a bi-local option, it keeps the money in our state and it helps create a renewable energy industry.”

This is how it works: A person can contribute $4 to the program through their utility bill. That money goes to N.C. Green Power, who takes $1 for administration fees. The rest goes back to North Carolinians who are producing green power.

“Say for example you had solar panels on your home; you would get set up through your utility and they would provide a separate meter for you to keep track of the amount of green power being put back onto the grid,” explained Katie Shepherd with N.C. Green Power. “You would then turn that bill to N.C. Green Power and we would provide a check.”

A person gets a 15-cent subsidy for all small solar less than 10 kilowatts, which adds up. But not everyone can afford solar panels that can range between $30,000-45,000.

The average household in North Carolina uses 1,200 kilowatt hours a month. “So if you decide you'd like to contribute one $4 block each month for a year you've essentially put an entire months of green power back on the grid,” said Shepherd.

So that little green can go a long way.

“I would urge people to get involved and learn and get involved about the small steps you can take,” said Gettys. “I think a lot of people think small steps don't really count, but they really do add up.”