Sustainability: All Things Green

Green isn’t just the color of money. It’s the new way of looking at the environment. As part of our effort to address the issue of global climate change, Wachovia is proud to announce the opening of its first green financial centers in California this fall, the first of 300 such centers planned nationwide by 2010.

These new centers are constructed with green construction materials, and will consume 25 percent less water than traditional buildings, reducing carbon emissions by at least 20 percent. That’s the equivalent of taking 1,200 cars off the road.

While determining what to do about global climate change can be overwhelming, at Wachovia we believe by taking meaningful steps, we can have a measurable and immediate impact on the environment.

Go Green with Us
The good news is, if we all conserve energy, recycle, and change our routines at home and work a little bit every day, the environment will be impacted in a positive way. Small actions will go a long way to save energy and subsequently reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and add up to a big difference in the world.

It Starts at Home
Here’s ten ways that you can be greener at home.
1. Rather than dry clean delicate items, hand wash them; and only do full loads of laundry or dishes.
2. Good thermal insulation and draft–proofing reduces energy costs and decreases carbon emissions.
3. Purchase toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels made from recycled paper.
4. Use energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs.
5. Look for energy efficient appliances featuring the Energy Star.
6. Take heavy-duty canvas bags to the supermarket.
7. Recycle the bags from vegetables and loaves of bread to line litter boxes and pick up after the dog.
8. Unplug coffeepots and chargers for electronic devices such as cell phones and MP3 players—they can add 5% to your energy bill.
9. Install a programmable thermostat for heating and air conditioning. You will feel comfortable when you're at home and save money when you're not.
10. Reduce the paper flow in your household by paying your bills through Wachovia Online BillPay and sign up for eBills, to receive electronic versions of your paper bills. You can also sign up for Online Statements to begin receiving your bank statements online rather than through the mail.

It Works at Work, Too
Carpool or take public transportation once a week or look into car sharing, where you register for a fleet of vehicles which can be used on an as needed basis.

Forget the take-out coffee cups and water bottles and use a thermos. If you’re a business owner, install flat-screen computer monitors. They use up to one-third of the electricity of conventional screens. And, use less paper when you manage your business finances online with Wachovia Business Online.

Read online newsletters like this one. There, you already are on the road to being green!