Everyone can do their bit to help the planet. Even the way you bank, whether personally or for your business, can make a difference. Banks know that climate change is important to a lot of customers and you can do your part to help the environment through your banking choices.

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Go Paperless

This is one of the easiest changes. This helps the environment by using less paper, and can reduce clutter around your home and in your mailbox. You’ll also get your bank statement as soon as it as becomes available. 

Paperless could be getting e-statements, or getting text or email receipts from the ATM. It’s always a good idea to have proof of transactions, but that doesn’t have to be on paper.

Going paperless could save you money on paper statement fees, which many banks now charge to discourage people from using paper. 

If you do need a physical statement at any time, you should be able to print a statement yourself. 

Use Technology To Bank From Home

You can do more to cut down on emissions by not making a trip to the bank. Use an online bank from DigitalSupermarket, or use mobile or remote deposit capture to deposit checks into your bank account. There might be a limit on you how much you can deposit or when funds become available, so check with your bank first. 

Especially during the current global health situation, mobile deposits can make depositing a check much easier and safer, from anywhere. It can save you time too. 

Automate Your Commitment To The Environment

In the same way that it’s easier to reach your saving goals by automating your savings by having part of your paycheck automatically go into a savings account, it is also easier to put money towards supporting the environment by automating it. 

For example, at some banks, a tree is planted for each complete debit card transaction if you opt into the scheme. Talk to your bank about whether they have any schemes like this to help you handle your money in a greener way. If they don’t yet, but enough people express an interest, they may consider setting one up. It’s always worth opening up the discussion. 

Change Your Method Of Transportation 

How do you travel to the bank usually? Cycling or walking to the bank when you need to go there in person will help you get some exercise and still get your banking tasks done. This might not be an option for everyone, of course, but if you can, do it. If you can’t, try to cut down on the number of visits you make to your branch or ATM to still make a difference. 

Having an account with a bank that has a large network of ATMs might help you to not have to travel as far to find an in-network ATM and will be more convenient for you. Doing business with a bank that will reimburse ATM fees is also a good way to reduce the amount of traveling that you need to do in a car in order to get access to your money. 

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