5 habits to help with sustainability and saving money

Money and Mindset | April 2025

Keeping sustainability in mind when making financial decisions can be a way to align your money with your values—and it may even help you spend less.

The highlights

  • Sustainable shopping and spending practices may be good for the environment and your bank account.
  • Small changes—like cutting back on fast fashion—could help you make an impact.
  • Environmentally responsible investing is another way you may be able to align your financial choices with your core values.

Making financial decisions that align with your values can help support the things you care about and your well-being. “Over time, it gives us higher satisfaction with our lives,” says Bright Dickson, an expert in positive psychology and co-host of the Money and Mindset podcast.

If you’re passionate about protecting the environment, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that 73% of Gen Zers and 77% of millennials are actively trying to decrease their carbon footprint.Disclosure 1 And if you’re looking for ways your money choices and habits can help with this, then spending and investing with sustainability in mind could help make a difference. Here are some habits that may even be able to help you save money.

1. Spending and consuming less

When you’re buying something new, it’s a good idea to pause and ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” That’s especially true on social media—where 78% of users have purchased a product after seeing it on TikTok.Disclosure 2 While influencers may drive trends that encourage overconsumption, a growing “de-influencing” movement is shifting the narrative.Disclosure 3

Research shows that the fashion industry is responsible for up to 8% of carbon emissions worldwide,Disclosure 4 and discarded clothing contributes to landfills. Buying fewer new clothes can help you save money and reduce waste.

For dressy events, consider sustainable shopping alternatives like renting items you may only wear once or twice. For everyday wear, thrift shopping or exchanging clothes with friends can help reduce resource overconsumption. Sustainable style can still be chic—and by taking good care of the clothes you have now, you can also make your wardrobe last longer.

Beyond clothes, applying that less-is-more mindset to other things you buy—whether it’s smartphones or energy-efficient appliances—can help you save more money and safeguard the environment.

Making greener technology choices

Consider repairing broken devices or purchasing certified refurbished devices instead of buying something brand new. This could save you money and help keep electronics out of the landfill.

“I love the idea of just allowing your things to go further,” says Brian Ford, head of financial wellness at Truist. “You can be grateful for what you have and know that you’re using less of the earth’s resources.”

2. Buying from sustainable brands and shopping closer to home

Consider heading to the farmers market for groceries or buying from shops that stock goods from local vendors. Buying products made in your community, from local produce to handmade jewelry, may be able to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that come with long-distance production, storage, and transportation.

When you’re shopping, remember to bring your own shopping bags to reduce your need for single-use plastic bags. Avoiding buying individually wrapped items can also be a way to reduce single-use plastic waste.

“Being frugal and buying less stuff can actually be good for the environment.”
—Brian Ford, Head of Financial Wellness, Truist

3. Being mindful of energy consumption at home

Lowering your thermostat a degree or two in the winter or raising it in the summer can help you save energy and money.Disclosure 5 Changing your HVAC filters regularly and turning off lights and electronics when you aren’t using them can also help reduce your utility bills and conserve energy.

When it’s time to replace them, you may also consider investing in more energy-friendly appliances. This can include bigger investments, like solar panels or a geothermal heating system, or smaller ones, like your washer and dryer or dishwasher.

10% – 40%

Potential savings on your lighting expenses from turning off lights during the dayDisclosure 6

4. Choosing greener ways to get around

Outside of the house, how you get around can make a big difference for both your wallet and the environment. If public transportation is accessible where you live, taking a bus or train instead of your own car can help you reduce carbon emissions. It could also potentially save you thousands of dollars a year.Disclosure 7 Even if owning a car is a necessity for you, you may be able to save a little money and help the environment by choosing public transit if it’s ever an option.

If you have a bike and live in a bike-friendly area, replacing just one daily car trip with a bike ride can also help you reduce your carbon emissions. And you’ll never have to pay to gas up your bike!

5. Investing with sustainability in mind

If sustainability is one of your top values, you can invest in organizations that commit to environmental solutions. These could be companies that are involved in renewable energy, green transportation, or clean technology.

If you do invest in companies like this, Ford recommends working with a financial advisor to make sure your portfolio stays properly diversified so that you don’t put your long-term financial well-being at risk. Ask them about ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing.

“When it comes to investing, there are some investment funds that are meant to support sustainability,” Ford says. “You can ask an advisor to guide you so that your portfolio has more companies that agree with your values.”

Next steps

  • Review your budget and spending. Think about whether any of it could be shifted toward more sustainable choices.
  • Create small sustainable goals, like keeping your phone for another year or changing the thermostat by a degree or two at night.
  • Consider scheduling an appointment with a financial advisor to learn more about sustainable investing.

This content does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or mental health advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or mental health professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.