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8 Ways To Be More Eco-friendly (and Save Money)

April 16, 2020 Sustainable living is on the rise – and for good reason! Simple, everyday choices can reduce our consumption and minimize our impacts on the environment. Oh, and did we mention many of the habits that are easier on the environment are also easier on our wallets? (Score!) Here are a few ways you can go green while also saving money:

1. Meal prep with reusable containers.

Takeout is more than just a drain on your budget; it also affects the environment. Most of those to-go containers aren’t biodegradable, so they hang around in landfills or in our oceans for thousands of years. So skip the delivery fees and take a little time to meal prep for the week. When you’re packing your lunch, avoid using Ziploc bags – they create more waste and cost more money.

2. Plastic is so yesterday.

We all love the convenience of a recyclable water bottle or plastic utensils you don’t need to wash, but these little things add up over time for both the environment and your budget. Switch to an eco-friendly reusable water bottle (go ahead and splurge for a cute one if you like – you’ll make up for the cost of the bottle in just a couple refills), and you’ll be well on your way! And those plastic utensils? Buy a single metal set to keep at work, so you don’t have to reach for the plastic set anymore…they’ll work a little better and last a lot longer. Another easy tip: Bring your own bags when you grocery shop – especially since some retailers will stop offering disposable bags.

3. Consider fuel-efficiency on your next car purchase.

With the fluctuation of gas prices, it’s always important to keep fuel efficiency in mind. Plus, it’s great for your wallet and the environment in the long term! Ready to buy? Make sure you are comparing miles per gallon, or maybe consider if an electric car is suitable for your lifestyle. Check out the  . We’ve got online tools and on-staff experts to help you at every stage of the research and buying process.

4. Improve your current car's efficiency.

There are many cheap, easy ways to get the job done. For instance, according to  , speeding and rapid acceleration can lower your gas mileage by 33%! Another easy way to improve fuel-efficiency is to clean out your car. Excess weight will make your engine work harder and in turn burn through more gas. You should also get regular car checkups. Having someone check all the small odds and ends like the gas cap seal, air filter and spark plugs can add up to big savings. Find out more fuel-efficiency hacks here: . Who knew it could be that easy to go green?

5. Embrace the sharing economy.

You can share everything these days, from rides and rooms to even clothes! You can also save money in your everyday life by borrowing things instead of owning. So instead of buying your own leaf blower or a fancy stand mixer, ask a friend to borrow theirs – you can even coordinate an exchange if there’s something of yours they’d like to borrow in return. Additionally, check out carpool opportunities on Wisconsin’s   website or in the Waze Carpool community.

6. Declutter and donate. Then, thrift shop!

Ready to jump on the decluttering trend? Be sure to donate those items that no longer “spark joy.” Then, the next time you shop, start by hitting thrift stores and consignment shops in your area. You never know when a serendipitous find might become your new favorite piece. Thrifting can save you money and help reduce your contribution to the environmental impacts of the “fast-fashion” industry. Now that’s what we call chic.

7. Spend your money wisely.

When you do make a purchase, think twice before swiping your card or phone. We’re all guilty of an impulse buy from time to time, but one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment is to reduce your consumption altogether and aim to buy things only when they align with your values and goals. Get started by checking out these  .

8. Investigate telecommuting.

This won’t work for every job or company, but maybe it could work for you. Telecommuting even one day a week could make a dent in your car-related costs and maybe even benefit your company and your career. Just a few simple habit changes can help you be more eco-friendly and reduce your spending – it’s a win-win! Looking for more ways to save? Check out these   or   to meet with a financial expert for personalized tips to balance spending and saving. You might also be interested in Whew – what a journey! has officially come to a close, and these four teams have been impressive. And they’re leaving this program with less debt, mo Financial success isn’t how much money you have — it’s feeling good about what you’re doing with the money you have. How can we help you avoid difficult money situations and put you in the best financial position for success? This question is at the heart of so many things we do here as your financial partner – including our decision to eliminate the non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee as of April 1. Are you struggling to come up with the perfect New Year’s resolution? Here are three great reasons why focusing on your finances should be a priority this year! It’s not every day that someone gives you hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars for (seemingly) no reason. That’s what makes getting a tax return so exciting. So before that much-anticipated check arrives, stop and consider what you should do with your tax refund, as well as what you want to do. Simple, everyday choices can reduce consumption and our impact on the environment. Learn ways to be more eco-friendly…and your spending at the same time! Sometimes having a little extra cash is the only thing between you and your dreams. Check out these financial tips to be smart about borrowing money and avoid common mistakes. With a little planning, you may be able to actually save a little money during the holidays. Check out these tips to keep costs down without missing out on the holiday fun. Your home is your castle, your refuge and—let’s face it—a place where it can be very easy to sink a big chunk of money. Which is why you’re always on the lookout for “sweet spots”:  those home improvements that add comfort, safety or a little zing of style while you’re living in your house and will boost the asking price when it’s time to sell. And if you can find a way to save money on those improvements or cut home expenses at the same time, well that sweet spot just got a little sweeter! Featured Products Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Financial Education Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts About Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Help & Support Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Please read the following before proceeding to: The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. NCUA Insurance Estimator Privacy, Security & Accessibility Rates, Fees, Terms & Disclosures Routing Number *  The Wisconsin's #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2022, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23 **  SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2023. Copyright 2024 © Summit Credit Union. All rights reserved. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 608-243-5000 for assistance. Insured by NCUA