As climate and environmental concerns continue to grow in popularity, many businesses and organizations are changing how they manufacture products, deliver services, and operate daily. These changes also include how people can interact with and spend their money through more environmentally friendly methods.
With this in mind, it is important to know the impact consumer choices have on the environment, how simple changes can lead to more sustainable living, and ways to manage your finances in an eco-friendly manner.
The Environmental Impacts of Consumer Choices
Every purchase someone makes has a ripple effect on the environment. The production, packaging, and disposal of goods are major contributors to environmental degradation. Mass production can deplete natural resources and generate greenhouse gas emissions. Excessive packaging and disposable products lead to pollution and landfill overflow.
By grasping the full extent that even minor purchases can have on the environment, everyone can begin to make more informed and sustainable consumer choices.
Tips to Live More Sustainably
While sustainable living sounds like the latest buzz-worthy phrase, it’s more about making conscious decisions about how your everyday actions impact the environment. Little tweaks in your daily routine and lifestyle can have a profound impact overall. Here are some ways you can put sustainable living into practice:
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Energy Use: Investing in energy-efficient appliances, thermostats, light bulbs, and other products around your home can reduce your environmental footprint. Even simple changes like unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use, or using smart outlet plugs with automatic timers can significantly lower energy consumption.
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Food Consumption: Locally grown and produced foods are ideal choices because they limit transportation and reduce mass production. Visiting your local farmer’s market is a great way to eat green and support your community. You might even consider cost-saving trends like “Meatless Mondays.”
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Transportation: Using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help you save on fuel costs. If a car is essential for your lifestyle or commute to work and you are financially able, you might consider upgrading to a hybrid or electric vehicle to save money.
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Reusables: In an attempt to reduce paper and plastic waste, companies continue to invent new reusable products at lightning speed. Making the switch to reusable alternatives over single-use products has a tremendous impact on waste reduction and can also help you save money.
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Support Green Businesses: Where you choose to spend your money also impacts the environment. Many manufacturers are embracing eco-friendly processes that eliminate waste, reduce packaging, and operate in zero-emissions factories.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Manage Your Finances
You can help the environment in more areas besides your spending and consumption habits. How you manage your day-to-day finances can also reduce waste and create a healthier planet. Here are several tips on how to go green with Hartford Federal Credit Union:
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Enroll in E-Statements: Due to rules and regulations, Hartford Federal Credit Union must provide statements to members either monthly or quarterly, depending on your account type(s). By enrolling in e-Statements, you eliminate the need to print and mail a physical statement. With e-Statements, your statements are securely stored and accessible through online or mobile banking. You can print out an individual statement at home or at work if necessary.
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Utilize Online & Mobile Banking: Through digital banking platforms, you’re able to conduct most routine banking transactions in a few clicks. Check balances, transfer money, deposit checks, and more – without needing to drive to a branch.
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Schedule Bill Payments Online: With Online Bill Pay, you can pay bills from most major businesses and utility companies. This payment method is quicker and reduces the need to write and mail paper checks monthly.
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Enroll in Direct Deposit: Skip the trip to the branch and have your paychecks deposited directly into your account on payday. You can even enroll in direct deposit of other programs, such as Social Security, government benefits, and tax refunds.
Takeaway
Minor tweaks in our lifestyles and daily routines can lead to lower waste, less emissions, and a greener tomorrow. From how you manage your money to where you choose to spend it, you can positively impact the environment and encourage businesses to do the same.
We’re Here to Help!
While digital products and services are more environmentally friendly, some members find this transition challenging. If you want to learn more about our eco-friendly financial tools or have questions about enrolling in specific services, we’re here to help. Please call us or stop by any of our locations.