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Feeling helpless about climate change? Here’s what you can do (to save money, too!)

A cartoon woman holds her head over a desk. Money swirls away while a plant grows beside her.

In the face of overwhelming but completely understandable climate anxiety, it’s time to get proactive. So roll up your sleeves: let’s see what you can do.

Eco-friendly homes

An eco-friendly home with solar power, a rain tank, and good insulation.

Three years in a row of drought, bushfires, floods, and floods again (again!) have put natural disasters on every Australian’s mind. Recovery from these events is projected to cost Australians a devastating $39 billion per year by 2050.

Ultimately, the best way to safeguard your home in the long-run is to reduce your carbon footprint and go greener with your home. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Buy local and sustainable. Turn off the lights. (You know the drill).

  • You can take it a step further though by comparing energy plans to see if you’re getting an efficient deal. Browse our collection of energy saving guides for inspiration. You can even save energy costs up to 25% by improving your home’s insulation, as this will keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
  • If you’re looking to buy property, why not compare green home loan options? For those thinking of renovating a home they already have, consider these eco-friendly renovation tips alongside fire and flood resilience measures.

Investing in an eco-friendly home now will also save you big time later: architect Sarah Lebner estimates that eight-star energy efficient homes use 53% less energy than six star ones.

Eco-friendly banking

Green finances (money, calculator, credit cards).

Vote with your dollars by switching to a green bank, or employing these four green finance tips. After all, diverting financial support away from carbon-emitting corporations is a surefire way to make a sustainable impact.

You could rethink your budget so that you’re able to make a donation to sustainable nonprofits fighting for climate justice. In fact, going green in your finances can save you $2,300 a year.

RELATED: Ethical investing on your mind? Here's 4 savings accounts where your money isn't invested in fossil fuels

Eco-friendly cars

A cartoon car drives alongside a green footpath with dog walkers and bike riders.

Rising petrol prices have got many Australians rethinking their transport options (like, 221.4 cents per litre is too much, right?)

Instead, you can save money (and the environment) by revising your work commute. But if a car is non-negotiable, go green through either an eco-friendly car loan or switching to an electric vehicle. 

Fun fact: literally green cars also have the cheapest car insurance premiums. Go figure!

If you want to learn more about making your lifestyle or your finances green, make sure to check out Mozo’s family finances page.

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Evlin DuBose
Evlin DuBose
RG146
Senior Money Writer

Evlin is RG146 certified for Generic Knowledge and has become a leading voice in finance news since joining Mozo two years ago. She is regularly featured in Google's Top Stories alongside major publications like News.com.au and Yahoo Finance, and seasoned journalists. Despite being in the industry for just two years, she is Mozo's go-to writer for all things RBA and her research has been referenced by the Victorian Government. With a Bachelor of Communications degree from UTS, where she won the Dean's Merit Award and acted as the Director of Student Publications.