Everyone is talking about going green these days, how can I bank green?
Emily from Guelph emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and RBC financial expert Priscilla Yu, answered;
A lot of us are looking for ways we can reduce our personal impact on the environment.
One simple and impactful way you can make a difference through your banking habits is by switching from paper to electronic statements. There is so much paper and energy used for creating hard-copy statements, as well as mailing them out, that reducing this process can save thousands of trees and tonnes of emissions.
And electronic statements offer the same, if not better transaction tracking, so you get all the details you need to keep up to date on your bills and balances. And this way, you don't need to reserve a drawer in your file cabinet, or clog up your recycling bin with discarded statements.
Also, do you really need that receipt at the ATM? Most financial institutions offer a no-receipt option at the ATM now. If you don't need a paper record of your balance after a particular withdrawal, then select this option. You'll be saving trees again.
So if the environment is a concern for you, you can make a difference by changing some of your banking habits. It's easier than you may think.
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Priscilla Yu is currently a Product Manager for Personal Deposit Accounts with RBC Royal Bank. Priscilla is a Financial Services professional with over 10 years experience in both banking and credit products. An aspiring photographer, Priscilla is saving for her next big travelling adventure where she can get the perfect picture!