How to save money while helping the environment

October 16, 2019

Save both kinds of green with these everyday cost-cutting measures.

Simple, everyday cost-saving measures can make a significant impact on your budget, but did you know padding your pocketbook can also benefit the environment? Whether your vice is daily trips to the coffee shop or fast-fashion retail therapy, get ready to kick those habits to the curb. These strategies will help you save both kinds of green.

 

Sip on a reusable bottle

Purchasing bottled water may not seem like a big expense. But over time, it will certainly add up to more than the cost of a $10 reusable bottle. Additionally, by switching from disposable to reusable, you’ll help slow down the amount of plastic waste created, which the World Wildlife Fund says reached 310 million metric tons in 2016. That’s over 2,200 plastic bottles per person on earth.

 

Cook at home

We get it: Meal prepping can be time-consuming. And sometimes it’s just easier to pick up lunch or dinner from your favorite fast-food joint or restaurant, rather than schlepping to the grocery store and cooking at home. Taking this shortcut, however, not only costs more money – those takeout containers also contribute to the 8 million metric tons of plastic that is swept into oceans every year.

 

Brew your own coffee

Do you rely on a caramel latte to get your day started or a shot of espresso for an afternoon pick-me-up? Then, giving up your coffee-shop habit might be a challenge. But consider the cost: if you spend $5 on coffee five days a week, that’s roughly $1,300 per year. Plus, it’s then 260 paper-and-plastic disposable cups out of the 316 billion produced around the globe in 2018.

 

Shop with your own reusable bags

To curb plastic use, some cities have started charging for disposable bags, and for good reason. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that 2.89 million tons of plastic bags, sacks and wraps were sent to landfills in 2015. So the next time you go shopping, bring your own reusable tote.

 

Purchase quality clothing

When you’re trying to save money, it may seem counterintuitive to spend more on higher-priced clothing pieces. But if you only purchase fast-fashion – inexpensive, mass-produced items – the poor quality of the garments means they likely won’t last as long. In fact, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that more than half of fast-fashion pieces produced are thrown away in under a year. So, they end up among the nearly 6,000 pounds of textiles that are burned or placed in landfills every second. If giving up fast fashion isn’t realistic now, consider buying used items and re-donating them when you clean your closet.

 

Use resources wisely

High utility bills are one surprise that no one likes to receive, but by consciously working to preserve resources in your home, you could cut your expenses and help the environment. For example, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving can save 5,700 gallons of water per year. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED can reduce lighting energy use by 50 to 75 percent. And, programming the thermostat for a lower temperature while you’re away from the house could save you up to 10 percent on your energy bill.

 

Clean green

You pay a premium for brand-name household cleaners when you could save money and make equally effective cleaning agents at home – many from ingredients you already have in your pantry (hello, vinegar and baking soda). If the cost savings of ditching store-bought cleaners isn’t convincing enough, do it for the health of your family and the environment: The volatile organic compounds found in products like laundry detergents, air fresheners and disinfectant wipes add as much pollution to the environment as vehicles.

 

Take public transportation

Transportation makes up 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Fewer vehicles on the road translates to less pollution, so do your part to help by taking public transportation (or, better yet, bike or walk where you can). Not only will this make an impact on the environment – it will also cut your gas expenses.

 

Recycle

While most of these tips focus on saving money, recycling can actually make you money. You’ve likely heard about converting your bottles and cans into cold, hard cash. Did you know you can also turn in items like ink cartridges, scrap metal and old car batteries? The next time you’re wondering how much of an impact recycling can actually make, consider this: the EPA estimates that just 10 recycled plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25 hours.

 

U.S. Bank is committed to helping the environment right alongside its customers. Learn more about our environmental sustainability practices.

Make the most of your cost-cutting measures by investing your savings in a U.S. Bank account today.

Related content

Retirement savings by age

How to track expenses

How to build wealth at any age

Good money habits: 6 common money mistakes to avoid

Loud budgeting explained: Amplify your money talk

What to do with your tax refund or bonus

Investment strategies by age

Reviewing your beneficiaries: A 5-step guide

5 financial goals for the new year

How to get started creating your business plan

How to financially prepare for pet costs

10 ways to increase your home’s curb appeal

How to Adult: 5 ways to track your spending

What documents do you need after a loved one dies?

Checklist: financial recovery after a natural disaster

Checklist: 10 questions to ask your home inspector

Closing on a house checklist for buyers

Family planning for the LGBTQ+ community

How to plan and save for adoption and in vitro fertility treatment costs

Preparing for adoption and IVF

11 essential things to do before baby comes

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Starting a family

3 tips for saving money when moving to a new home

Pros and cons of a personal line credit

Tips for handling rising costs from an Operation HOPE Financial Wellbeing coach

Tips to earn that A+ in back-to-school savings

How to manage money tips

For today's homebuyers, time and money are everything

Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

Uncover the cost: International trip

Uncover the cost: Wedding

4 reasons why estate planning is important

LGBTQ+ retirement planning: What you need to know

What is Medicare? Understanding your coverage options

Using 529 plans for K-12 tuition

Retirement plan options for the self-employed

Is a Health Savings Account missing from your retirement plan?

How to open and invest in a 529 plan

How to manage your finances when you're self-employed

How grandparents can contribute to college funds instead of buying gifts

Safeguarding the payment experience through contactless

COVID-19 safety recommendations: Are you ready to reopen?

Insource or outsource? 10 considerations

Buying or leasing? Questions to ask before signing a contract

Finance or operating lease? Deciphering the legalese of equipment finance

Common pitfalls to avoid in the equipment financing process

The costs of hiring a new employee

5 steps to take before transitioning your business

Make your business legit

How to establish your business credit score

Talent acquisition 101: Building a small business dream team

10 tips on how to run a successful family business

How to sell your business without emotions getting in the way

5 things to know before accepting a first job offer

How to save money while helping the environment

How to expand your business: Does a new location make sense?

Working with an accountability partner can help you reach your goals

7 steps to prepare for the high cost of child care

How to decide when to shop local and when to shop online

How to save for a wedding

How I did it: Turned my side hustle into a full-time job

Stay on budget — and on the go — with a mobile banking app

Multiple accounts can make it easier to follow a monthly budget

5 things to consider when deciding to take an unplanned trip

How to talk to your lender about debt

Stay committed to your goals by creating positive habits

5 tips for creating (and sticking to) a holiday budget

How to test new business ideas

How can I help my student manage money?

How to increase your savings

Bank from home with these digital features

7 steps to keep your personal and business finances separate

3 types of insurance you shouldn’t ignore

8 steps to choosing a health insurance plan

7 things to know about long-term care insurance

Preparing for retirement: 8 steps to take

How I did it: Switched career paths by taking an unexpected pivot

5 unexpected retirement expenses

LGBTQ+ estate planning considerations

Year-end financial checklist

6 tips for trust fund distribution to beneficiaries

Key components of a financial plan

Achieving their dreams through a pre-apprenticeship construction program

4 steps to finding a charity to support

How to winterize your vehicle

Don’t underestimate the importance of balancing your checking account

How to gain financial independence from your parents

The secret to successful service provider integration

What you need to know as the executor of an estate

How to build a content team

Webinar: ESG for Corporations: Building an all-weather, long-lasting strategy

Restaurant survey shows changing customer payment preferences

Do your investments match your financial goals?

Can fantasy football make you a better investor?

Year end tax planning tips

Credit: Do you understand it?

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

A beginner's guide to investing

5 things to avoid that can devalue your home

10 questions to ask when hiring a contractor

Are professional movers worth the cost?

Beyond the mortgage: Other costs for homeowners

4 ways to free up your budget (and your life) with a smaller home

Spring cleaning checklist for your home: 5 budget-boosting tasks

Home buying myths: Realities of owning a home

House Hacks: How buying an investment property worked as my first home

How to use credit cards wisely for a vacation budget

Should you buy a house that’s still under construction?

Your guide to breaking the rental cycle

Travel for less: Smart (not cheap) ways to spend less on your next trip

Should you buy now, pay later?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

Tips for working in the gig economy

Which is better: Combining bank accounts before marriage — or after?

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

Money Moments: 8 dos and don’ts for saving money in your 30s

Save time and money with automatic bill pay

Money Moments: 3 smart financial strategies when caring for aging parents

Helpful tips for safe and smart charitable giving

Growing your savings by going on a ‘money hunt’

Why a mobile banking app is a ‘must have’ for your next vacation

Tips to raise financially healthy kids at every age

Is it time to get a shared bank account with your partner?

How I kicked my online shopping habit and got my spending under control

Friction: How it can help achieve money goals

It's possible: 7 tips for breaking the spending cycle

What to consider before taking out a student loan

Financial checklist: Preparing for military deployment

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

Webinar: Common budget mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Are savings bonds still a thing?

3 awkward situations Zelle can help avoid

Allowance basics for parents and kids

9 simple ways to save

Do you and your fiancé have compatible financial goals?

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

What military service taught me about money management

6 pandemic money habits to keep for the long term

From LLC to S-corp: Choosing a small business entity

College budgeting: When to save and splurge

How I did it: Paid off student loans

The A to Z’s of college loan terms

How to save money in college: easy ways to spend less

Unexpected cost savings may be hiding in your payment strategy

Costs to consider when starting a business

Questions to ask before buying a car

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Building a home

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

You can take these 18 budgeting tips straight to the bank

How I did it: Learned to budget as a single mom

Multigenerational household financial planning strategies

Your 4-step guide to financial planning

Working after retirement: Factors to consider

Personal loans first-timer's guide: 7 questions to ask

Consolidating debts: Pros and cons to keep in mind

Improving your credit score: Truth and myths revealed

Should I itemize my taxes?

Dear Money Mentor: How do I set and track financial goals?

Retirement income planning: 4 steps to take

Lost job finance tips: What to do when you lose your job

LGBTQ+ financial planning tips

Understanding guardianship and power of attorney in banking

What I learned from my mom about money

Financial gifts can be a valuable – and fun – choice for the holidays

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck post-pay increase

Practical money tips we've learned from our dads

What you need to know about renting

What’s in your emergency fund?

Certificates of deposit: How they work to grow your money

Car shopping: Buying versus leasing your next vehicle

How I did it: Deciding whether to buy an RV

What you should know about buying a car

Take the stress out of buying your teen a car

Practical money skills and financial tips for college students

Tips for navigating a medical hardship when you’re unable to work

Money management guide to financial independence

Money Moments: How to manage your finances after a divorce

Personal finance for teens can empower your child

5 reasons why couples may have separate bank accounts

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

Co-signing 101: Applying for a loan with co-borrower

Key milestone ages as you near and start retirement

How to use debt to build wealth

How to talk about money with your family

How to build credit as a student

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

How to retire happy

How to protect your digital assets in your estate plan

Money Moments: Tips for selling your home

How I did it: My house remodel

Does your savings plan match your lifestyle?

Resources for managing financial matters after an unexpected death

Webinar: Uncover the cost: College diploma

How I did it: Bought a home without a 20 percent down payment

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce

Crypto + Homebuying: Impacts on the real estate market

Military homeownership: Your guide to resources, financing and more

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know your finances?

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Home renovation

Webinar: Bank Notes: College cost comparison

Do I need a financial advisor?

Good debt vs. bad debt: Know the difference

Parent checklist: Preparing for college

U.S. Bank asks: What do you know about credit?

Financial steps to take after the death of a spouse

Estate planning documents: Living trusts vs. will vs. living will

Annual insurance review checklist

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

How to best handle unexpected expenses

Restaurant survey shows changing customer payment preferences

Unexpected cost savings may be hiding in your payment strategy

Disclosures

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.