Happy Earth Month: Celebrate our planet

April is here, and that means its time to enjoy the longer days, sunshine, and Earth Month! The celebration of this special month is all about appreciating the wonderful planet we call home and taking steps to protect it. Anyone can have a positive impact on our planet, no matter how small the act or gesture. Here are some easy ways to get involved and have a positive impact on our planet!

Plant something green. Whether it’s a tiny herb in a pot or a tree in your yard, planting something is a rewarding way to give back to the Earth. It’s also a great family activity! Grab a plant or some seeds and watch your new little green friend grow and thrive.

Reduce single-use plastics. Start using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. Challenge yourself to avoid single-use plastic items for the entire month.

Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. Replace regular incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. This simple swap reduces energy consumption and can save you money on your electricity bill!

Create a “no waste” day. Designate one day to focus on creating no waste. Try to use what you have, avoid buying anything new, and get creative with leftovers!

What’s Centra doing to help?

Centra is dedicated to the well-being of our Team Members, Members, and the Communities we serve. Here are some ways we’re working toward an eco-friendly environment!

Paper savings. We’re focused on saving paper at all Centra locations and across our footprint! This means moving to paperless options for Member statements and loan documents as well as reduced paper needs for Team Members as they do their daily work. Here’s what we saved in 2024 by moving to more paperless options!

• Reduced printing by 35,000 pages which means around four trees saved!
• Reduction in printing led to reducing CO₂ emissions by 378kg which equals 4,500 plastic disposable water bottles!

Bottle filling station. In an effort to cut down on disposable water bottle usage, we installed bottle fillers during the construction of our headquarters for Team Members to use. This has helped us eliminate more than 30,000 plastic water bottles since installation! We’ve also provided reusable water bottles to Team Members and Members in an effort to reduce single use plastic. 

Recycling. We offer recycling options at our Centra locations and prioritize biodegradable food utensils when holding Team Member or Member events!

Green lending. Not all sustainable practices revolve around what we can do physically. Some are about how we approach lending and the products and services we offer our Members. Centra is currently evaluating sustainable lending options for our Members, which could include:

• Loans to help upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances.
• Loans to refinance or purchase a tiny home.
• Loans for solar panels or other energy-saving home upgrades.

You don’t need to take huge steps to make a difference during Earth Month. By incorporating simple and easy actions into your daily life, you can contribute to a healthier plant and inspire others to do the same! Every little bit counts! Happy Earth Month!