Florida Life

4 Easy Ways Floridians Can Save Money by Going Green

Erin Palmer

April 16, 2018

A happy family walks through their backyard garden

Florida is the perfect state for saving money! You probably know we’re one of the few states without personal income tax. But did you know that many environmentally-friendly practices also can help you save?

It’s true, going green is a major money saver. With these easy tips, you can reduce waste, reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your spending!

Get Green Vehicle Discounts From the Largest Credit Union in Florida!

Suncoast offers special discounted loan rates for purchasing a green vehicle.

Choose a Green Vehicle

Green vehicles can save you money across the board. First, you may qualify for a lower interest rate when you buy a green vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy lists qualified vehicles, like electric cars or vehicles with a combined EPA rating of 28 MPG or greater.

Next, you can check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for a lower rate for driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Some all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars may also be eligible for a federal income tax credit, according to the Department of Energy.

And of course, you can save money on gas all year long when you drive a green vehicle!

Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency in your home can cut costs down. Solar panels are an investment that can drastically reduce your energy bills and have a positive impact on the environment. You can also purchase energy efficient appliances for your home. These energy efficient upgrades may even qualify you for tax credits!

There are even small things you can do around the house to help reduce your energy usage and costs. You can turn off lights and unplug appliances that you aren’t using. Or plug your devices into a power strip that you can switch off when you’re out.

Try Some Simple Swaps for Savings

A few simple swaps around the house can help your budget and the environment. For example, consider trading plastic baggies for washable containers that you can reuse.

Instead of buying small packages of food, you can reduce the cost and cut down on packaging when you buy items in bulk. You can switch out older light bulbs for LED options that use much less energy and last longer, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

Other simple swaps that can make life easier include changing from paper bills and statements to electronic options. Not only is it usually free to pay bills online and get electronic bank statements, but it is also helps protect your identity and keep your private information secure!

Be on the Lookout for Suncoast’s Free Shred Days!

Suncoast partners with Secure On-Site Shredding to help members safely and securely discard documents containing sensitive or personal information. Find upcoming Shred Days on our events calendar.

Make the Most of Florida’s Weather

Floridians are lucky to have beautiful weather all year long. This makes it easier to take advantage of the natural resources available and save some money at the same time!

For example, try going camping instead of taking expensive vacations. Or use a clothesline or drying rack to dry a load of laundry on a sunny day.

Even rainy weather can have eco-friendly benefits. Turn off automatic sprinklers during storms and let nature take care of your lawn. You’ll save money and water!

Find a Branch or ATM

We’re local, serving multiple counties in Florida