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How To Save Money and the Planet

You know how when you go to the grocery store the cashier asks if you want paper or plastic for your groceries? Until recently, most people considered this a question of preference. Would you rather methodically place your items in one paper bag like they’re Tetris blocks or strap as many plastic bags on your arms as possible to make sure you get your groceries from your car to your house in a single trip?

But now there’s another option to consider: reusable bags. With more people becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, we’re thinking outside of our usual routines and adopting new habits that are easier on the Earth.

Though it may seem small, switching to reusable bags can significantly impact the environment in a positive way, especially when it becomes a regular behavior. Such behavior changes can have a similar impact on your finances, too. Here are 6 ways living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle can literally pay off in the long run.

  1. Go Paperless

Whether it’s bills, statements or newsletters piling up on your counter before they end up in a filing cabinet or trash can, there’s a more sustainable way to receive and retain your information. If you can receive it on paper, chances are you can receive it online too. At VyStar, some options include signing up for e-Statements and paying your bills online. You can also use our VyChat service to get answers to your banking questions instead of driving to a branch.

  • How it saves the planet: Not only will you help save trees by going paperless but also you’ll contribute to reduced carbon emissions that result from mail delivery.
  • How it saves you money: When you go paperless, you save on printer paper, ink, stamps, envelopes, file storage and more. And if you use online banking, you’ll save money on the gas it would require to drive to a branch.
  1. Ditch Disposable and Invest in Reusable

Choose the reusable route for more than just your grocery bags. You can invest in reusable water bottles, utensils, cups, batteries, food storage bags/seals and much more. There’s even such a thing as reusable gift wrap, which is great news for someone like me whose heart rate rises to a concerning level any time I have to wrap a present for someone. There are other simple habits you can adopt too, like using cloth towels instead of paper towels or switching from disposable K-cups to biodegradable ones.

  • How it saves the planet: Most single-use plastics end up in landfills, oceans and waterways. The toxic chemicals used to manufacture plastic contaminate our environment and are dangerous to wildlife.
  • How it saves you money: Making a one-time purchase is much more economical than continuously buying single-use items. Even if you have to spend a little extra up front for good quality, you’ll end up saving money in the long run.
  1. Shop Secondhand, Resell, Repeat

Instead of buying new clothes only to throw them away in a few months, get thrifty with it. Sometimes you can find brand new items at thrift stores and pay next to nothing. Plus, when you recirculate an item of clothing into the market, you give it a second life and reduce waste.

  • How it saves the planet: The Balance Small Business cites that if the average lifespan of clothing were extended by just three months, it would reduce their carbon and water footprints, as well as waste generation, by 5 to 10%. Recirculating clothing ensures an even longer lifespan.
  • How it saves you money: Since the items are used, thrift store prices are really inexpensive. You can even make money by selling your own used clothes on apps like Poshmark, Mercari, eBay and Depop. Or you can take them to a consignment store and get cash up front.
  1. Unplug Unused Electronics

Do you leave your charger, computer, printer, television, coffee maker or similar appliances plugged in when you’re not home? These are called “vampire” appliances because they drain energy even when they’re turned off or in standby mode. According to the Department of Energy, vampire appliances and electronics account for 10% of energy used in an average home and can cost you hundreds of dollars each year.

  • How it saves the planet: By decreasing your energy usage, you are reducing pollution that’s emitted from non-renewable sources of energy.
  • How it saves you money: Think of it as passive income. All you have to do is unplug a few items and you’ll start to see your energy bill go down and your savings go up.
  1. Replace Lightbulbs

Similar to unplugging unused electronics, simply replacing your current lightbulbs with LED bulbs could save you as much as $75 of dollars a month. According to the Department of Energy, residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer (at least 10 years) than incandescent lighting.

  • How it saves the planet: The Department of Energy cites that LED lights have a much smaller environmental impact than incandescent bulbs. They contain no mercury and use energy more efficiently with little wasted heat.
  • How it saves you money: Because they use less energy, you’ll see a significant difference on your electricity bill each month when you switch to LED lighting — especially if you replace every bulb in your home.
  1. Cut Down on Driving

Try to get in the habit of carpooling more often. If you and your friends are going to the same place, ask if they can pick you up on the way, or offer to drive. Another option is to use public transit or even bike when you can. Not only is it good for the environment and your wallet — it’s good for your health too!

  • How it saves the planet: Reducing the number of cars on the road means emissions from vehicles will decrease significantly and improve air quality.
  • How it saves you money: Gas prices are always fluctuating, and recently it seems like they go up a little bit every day. When you hitch a ride with a friend or use public transit, that means less money going toward your gas tank — and fewer oil changes.