How to be financially green

_{By Bromwich+Smith Staff | 945 words | Reading Time: 5 minutes | Date: 2022/05/27}

Even Though we just celebrated Earth day in April, that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to do our part for the environment everyday. 

At Bromwich+Smith sustainability is key to how we operate and here are some of the measures we have instituted:

• The removal of all k-cup coffee machines in our offices to reduce waste
• The removal of all plastic cutlery and paper plates to reduce waste  
• Recycling and composting in all our offices
• Limiting printing and encouraging going paperless
• Moved to video signing of all agreements to reduce carbon emissions   
• Communicating via secure email rather than snail mail wherever possible with clients, staff and stakeholders 

These are just a few of the ways that we are making a difference but to be financially green really starts at home, in your household and in your neighborhood. It also starts by doing a little at a time, we can suggest picking two or three things to do from the following list that feel like an easy way to start. 

Then next month, after you’ve had some time to integrate your new habits, pick two or three more, and then a month after that a couple more, until you’ve implemented as many of the list as you can. In time you will start to see progress in terms of savings but more importantly you will feel the bigger advantage of knowing that you are helping our planet. Enabling you to be good stewards of your personal finances and the planet at the same time. 

Suggested ways to be financially green

1. Go paperless with electronic transactions and e-statements

Take a close glance at your finances and make a list of all the financial institutions you regularly use. At the top of the list are banks, credit card and utility companies. Consider opting in to paperless statements so you can receive any bills or notices over email or through an app. You might also end up saving money in the process, given that some institutions charge customers for receiving statements in the mail.

2. Consider online banks

Did you know that many online banks are free? With no monthly fees you can save over $120 a year or more depending on the service package you presently have with your bank. You might find that banking online is the best route of all, simply because they maintain a smaller overhead and carbon footprint by not operating individual branches. 

3. Thrift/Consign your family’s wardrobe or household goods

Visiting your local consignment shops or yard sales for everyday items from furniture to clothing can be both environmentally friendly and financially rewarding. As, not only can you buy and save money but you can also sell your items making it a win, win for you, your pocket book and the environment. 

4. Set aside a ‘green’ fund for new energy-efficient appliances or additions

A sustainable reason for holding back on nonessential spending: you might free up extra cash that you can allocate for more pro-environment purchases. Though some energy-efficient products and appliances might be more expensive, they can save you money in the long run. 

5. Reduce your energy consumption

Another low-hanging fruit for both saving money and helping the environment: limiting your electricity usage. It’s more than just turning off the lights when you leave a room. It is also making sure you don’t leave on any appliances that continue to hog energy even when they’re idle. Those include toasters, hair dryers and flat irons, as well as coffee pots, microwaves, televisions and toaster ovens. 

6. Cook at home more often

Cooking at home during the week can help cut back on single-use plastics used for takeout and reduce the money you spend on food away from home. While at the same time it can also be healthier and overall more affordable. 

7. Make some money with a ‘green’ side hustle

Have some extra time on your hands that you might want to put toward helping the environment? You could remove junk for neighbors or create a composting service. If you’re feeling creative, you could consider turning someone’s unwanted items into artwork. Similar to thrifting your wardrobe, even selling your old clothes can be an easy — and wallet-friendly — side hustle.

8. Bring your own utensils and bags

Those plastic water bottles you buy at the grocery store? If you go with a reusable bottle instead, you’ll likely save on costs while also helping the environment. Ordering a drink at your local coffee shop? Bring in your own mug. Sometimes, establishments even offer incentives to reduce waste. 

9. Adjust your commute

More than two years after the coronavirus pandemic shut down offices and workspaces, many consumers are still finding themselves working from home for part, if not all, of the week. That will go miles in helping to reduce your own individual carbon footprint — not to mention, the money you could save on gas.  It may also be time to contact your insurance company and change your policy to match your car usage. Remember you can always negotiate or look for another provider at anytime to ensure you are getting the most affordable car insurance policy.

In the end, there is no step too small to make a difference especially when it comes to supporting your finances and the environment. The impacts of our actions grow when more individuals adopt these ways to save money and help the planet. 

If you are facing overwhelming debt, remember that you are not alone. Bromwich+Smith has a number of debt relief strategies to help you regain control of your finances and get your life back on track. Reach out today for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation. Bromwich+Smith’s Debt Relief Specialists are available by phone at 1.855.884.9243, or request a call back at contact us page. We want to see you flourish!