Protecting our planet is a collective responsibility that benefits us all. Though the idea of making these changes may seem overwhelming, even the smallest of actions possess the potential to have significant impacts as time goes on.

Be a Conscious Consumer

Being a conscious consumer helps to reduce our collective environmental footprint. Conscious consumerism means engaging in the economy with an awareness of how your purchases and choices impact the environment and society. What’s more, conscious consumerism holds manufacturers accountable for how they make their products. By making an effort to choose products that are sustainably sourced and ethically manufactured, we can help reduce waste and conserve resources. 

Recycle Clothing and Shop Secondhand

Thanks to lengthy supply chains and energy-intensive production methods, the fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than the airline and maritime industries combined. Approximately 20% of water pollution across the globe is the result of wastewater from the production of apparel and footwear. That’s one of the reasons why secondhand clothes have a positive social and environmental impact. They help reduce carbon emissions and save valuable resources, water and energy. Additionally, they prevent clothing from being thrown into landfills. Shopping secondhand is not only better for the environment, but often, buying used will save you money on high-quality clothing.

Bike or Use Public Transportation

By opting to bike or use public transportation, you reduce the number of cars on the road and save fossil fuel. Harmful particles, chemicals, and gasses are released into the air from the tailpipes of vehicles, contributing to air pollution and affecting our and the planet’s health. On the other hand, bikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) don’t use gas or release harmful emissions. Some cities, like Denver, offer an e-bike rebate program with a limited number of e-bike rebate vouchers available every other month, which offers an upfront discount from participating bike shops. Riding the bus or any other public transportation is another inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative when biking isn’t practical.

Save Energy with a Smart Home

Invest in appliances and materials that require less energy. LED bulbs, for example, are a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice, lasting up to ten years and saving money in the long run. They use less energy and reduce waste in comparison to traditional light bulbs. Ultimately, there are numerous benefits to implementing efficient appliances in the household. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart energy appliances can save up to 15 percent of energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9 percent. While some of these appliances or items may have a hefty price tag upfront, slowly transitioning your home is better than wasting energy and money over time.

Open An Account That Supports “Green” Initiatives

FirstBank concluded its Go Green Campaign, which empowered customers to choose a planet-saving cause when signing up for a new checking account. The campaign generated $60K for three nonprofits helping with reforestation, improving bee health and water conservation.

Those who opened a checking account during the promotional period were invited to vote for their favorite cause, resulting in:

• $17,000 donated to Western Resource Advocates to support water conservation and sustainability for rivers and waterways.
• $20,000 donated to One Tree Planted to support tree reforestation, improve air quality, support wildlife and more.
• $23,000 donated to Project Apis m. to support honeybee health and solutions to promote sustainable pollination and food supply.

Together, we can make conscientious choices that not only save us money but contribute to the well-being of our planet. For more environmentally friendly tips and savings tricks, visit efirstbankblog.com.

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