With increasing awareness of climate change, many people and companies are trying to do their part by “Going Green.”

You might be surprised that some simple steps to manage your finances can reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption and create less waste.

Here are easy ways to go green with your finances.

GO PAPERLESS & ELECTRONIC

Reducing your use of paper will require fewer trees to be chopped down, which reduces the carbon in the air. Making paper also emits greenhouse gases.

Many finances institutions, including Ameris, offer paperless statements.

Electronic banking is becoming increasingly popular since it’s more environmentally friendly. It allows banking from home or a mobile device, rather than visiting a brick-and-mortar location.

BUY LESS

Shopping less frequently can help reduce your carbon footprint (since you’re not driving around town as much!) while saving you money. So, it’s a win-win!

When you are shopping, one way to go green is to consider getting items second-hand. Buying used will keep items out of landfills while saving you money.

EXPLORE GREEN LOANS

Conventional green loans can help fund green-related home improvements, such as solar panels—personal green loans fund environmentally-friendly projects or green mortgages, also known as energy-efficient mortgages (EEMs).

Follow these steps to acquire a green loan:

• Check your eligibility for a green loan and your credit score
• Compare several lenders
• Submit your application (online or in person) and get approved
• Follow your debt payment schedule

TAKEAWAY

Any positive change still helps, no matter how small.

For more tips, visit our Financial Advice section on our website, or contact us.

Published November 2022