Gateway Bank: Aussies’ new savings habits are benefiting the environment
In the months when Aussies retreated to their homes to stop the spread of Covid-19, something unexpected happened. A large number of people across the country picked up paint brushes, shovels and sewing kits, to do DIY jobs, grow food and mend clothes.
According to a report by Gateway Bank, two-thirds of Aussies who adopted eco-friendly habits during lockdown did so in order to save money.
Gateway’s chief executive, Lexi Airey said of the findings, “Australians are inherently resourceful and are using their time during lockdown to acquire new skills that can help them save money for the future.”
Veggie patches thrive
The Google search term ‘how to grow vegetables’ was almost four times as popular in March this year, compared to March last year*. It would seem that food shortages in supermarkets and more time at home led to many people, literally, taking matters into their own hands to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
In fact, Gateway Bank’s research revealed that 34% of Aussies started growing their own veggies in the past three months. This new trend was even more popular with young families, as almost one in every two households started cultivating their little ones’ green thumbs.
Less food wasted
Speaking of food, the report also found that an impressive 52% of people across the country worked to actively reduce food waste.
This is welcome news considering Australia’s less than positive relationship with food waste in recent years. Indeed, Australia is the fourth highest food waster in the world, despite only having the 55th largest population, according to a report by Rabobank last year.
DIY home repairs
Gateway Bank’s report found that not only has spending on new items decreased by a whopping $5.1 billion since last year, but that 60% of Aussies are now more likely to use a Repair Cafe, where volunteers help fix broken items for free, than they were in 2019.
An example of this is 24-year-old Charlotte who recently moved apartments in Sydney. Charlotte said she wanted to buy new bedside tables, but instead decided to save money and refurbish her old ones.
Airey says that around two in five Australians have started doing similar DIY jobs in recent months.
“This trend is likely to continue as more Australians look to learn new skills that can save them money in the long run,” she said.
More conscious energy use
Working from home and the threat of a large energy bill could be the reasons why 53% of Australians are taking active steps to reduce their energy usage. According to the report, more and more Australians are conscious of turning off lights and appliances with some even switching energy providers to save money.
Thirty one-year-old Heather says that since she started working from home in March, she has been able to avoid using the dryer. Instead, she’s been saving energy by hanging her washing outside in the fresh air.
Green is good
If you’re one of the many Aussies who has adopted one of these eco-friendly habits in the past few months, then you’ll probably know already that what’s good for the planet is also good for your wallet.
The question is what to do with all this money you’ve been saving? If you are unhappy with the interest rate that comes with your current savings account, why not check out the accounts on offer below. Or if you want more options, head to Mozo’s compare savings accounts page.
Compare savings accounts - last updated 19 March 2024
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- No Strings Savings - 2023
Savings Account
5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareSavings Account
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Macquarie Savings Account
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Reward Saver Account
5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
CompareCompareReward Saver Account
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
- Access
- ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the IMB Bank Reward Saver Account
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Kick Start Savings - 2023
- No Strings Savings - 2023
High Interest Savings Account
5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Savings Account
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.
- Maximum rate
- 5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
- standard interest rate
- 4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening, reverting to standard variable rate. Rate shown is for Personal customers and is subject to change. Different rates apply to Business/SMSF customers.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account
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High Interest Save Account
5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Save Account
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
- Maximum rate
- 5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Account can only be opened through iOS or Android app, but may be accessed through internet banking.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ubank High Interest Save Account
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Hero Saver
4.60% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
1.00% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,001)
Yes up to $250,000
Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
Earn a generous variable rate on balances up to $250,001 each month you deposit at least $200 (excluding interest) on or before the last business day each month and make no withdrawals during the month. $0 account maintenance fees. Create a goal, set up regular deposits and track your progress on the Bankwest app.
CompareCompareHero Saver
Earn a generous variable rate on balances up to $250,001 each month you deposit at least $200 (excluding interest) on or before the last business day each month and make no withdrawals during the month. $0 account maintenance fees. Create a goal, set up regular deposits and track your progress on the Bankwest app.
- Maximum rate
- 4.60% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
- standard interest rate
- 1.00% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,001)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
- Access
- Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Bankwest Hero Saver
Your selected savings accounts
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*Information collected from Google Trends, correct as of 23 June 2020
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards
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