Happy Earth Day - Credit Unions Go Green

Thanks to the evolution of environmentally-friendly business practices in the workplace, many leading credit unions, such as Fort Worth, are focusing on “the green.” They are adopting practices that are designed to minimize the impact on the local environment and to cut down on costs and resources. This, in turn, is putting more life back into the communities that credit unions serve.

Since economic growth and environmental performance go hand in hand, several credit unions across the nation have made giant efforts to become more eco-friendly. Committed to integrating environmental practices and sustainability principles into their business strategies, credit unions are integrating more earth-conscious products and services, as well as educating their members on supporting such initiatives. For instance, members have been encouraged to take advantage of online banking classes where they can sharpen their skills to implement online and mobile banking tactics into their daily lives. Many credit unions have also started vigorous recycling programs that go far beyond paper and plastic to include such items as ink cartridges, computers, and other electronics. When the workplace conveys the importance of recycling, it often leads to employees being more concerned with their household recycling programs.

Reducing your carbon footprint can be a lot simpler than you think. It doesn’t have to be an entire lifestyle or business transformation. There are many simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint and become a “carbon-neutral” business. Here are some to consider:

• e-Statements

• Mobile Banking

• Energy Efficient Devices

• Energy Management Systems (HVAC)

• Document Imaging (less paper)

• Landscape Management (Water Conservation)

For Fort Worth City Credit Union, implementing environmentally-friendly tactics into their long-term plan is extremely important. The three-branch credit union has implemented an online banking platform that includes free e-Statements and electronic bill pay to lessen its overall impact on the environment by limiting the amount of paper consumption. The credit union also works to encourage members to embrace their mobile banking platform and to effectively utilize electronic bill payments by using their VISA Debit and Credit Card.

As we celebrate Earth Day today, think about the small changes you can make towards implementing sustainability into your own life. You don’t have to start big, you just have to start somewhere. Happy Earth Day!