10 Ways to Go Green This Spring

On the Central Coast, “going green” means a lot of things — doing your part for the environment, supporting Cal Poly, hitting the green, saving your green (money), and eating your greens to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whichever you prefer, here are a few ways to go green this spring:

1. Are You HomeFREE?

SESLOC’s HomeFREE Checking™ account is the best checking account on the Central Coast for a reason — no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and fee-free access to more than 50 local ATMs and 30,000 nationwide. Plus, you earn rewards points with debit card purchases and get free identify theft recovery and mobile phone coverage.

But wait, there’s more! If you go paperless with automatic, recurring transfers from your HomeFREE Checking account to make your auto loan payments, you could take advantage of our exclusive HomeFREE Discount Program, which reduces your new auto loan’s annual percentage rate by 0.25%.¹ If you are getting ready to purchase or refinance a consumer vehicle loan, or were just funded in the last 60 days, learn more about this program »

2. Sign Up For eStatements

Take your banking “tree free” and embrace digital statements and bills. Making the switch is environmentally friendly and protects you from mail theft identity fraud. Simply log into Online Banking to convert to eStatements, or enroll in Bill Pay. Bill Pay is a secure service that allows you to pay your bills online — saving you the cost of an envelope and stamp.

3. Go Mustangs!

Support Cal Poly, our local university in San Luis Obispo. Take a gander at their merch and rock your green in — and out of — the (virtual) classroom. Or, get your own fan cutout to be displayed at Cal Poly Athletic events.

4. Maximize Your Car’s Efficiency

Whether your car runs on gas, electricity, or both, proper care and maintenance goes a long way in maximizing the energy you need to get from point A to point B. Wonky alignment, underinflated tires, unnecessary cargo, and aggressive driving habits seriously strain your fuel efficiency. Learn more money saving tips for car owners »

5. Keep Your Greens Green

Don’t let your spinach wilt — keep it green. Before you put your greens in the fridge, make sure they’re dry, then put them in a reusable food storage bag with a paper towel to keep them fresh longer. Storing your food correctly to optimize freshness has a big impact on your budget. In fact, it’s estimated that the average American household of four throws away $1,500 in food waste each year. Learn more ways to save money in the kitchen »

6. Give Your Green to a Local Nonprofit

Our local nonprofits — and the passionate people who run them — truly make the Central Coast the best place to live. With our beautiful coastline and gorgeous mountains, it’s no accident we have so many organizations committed to preserving our environment. Whether you volunteer for a socially distanced beach clean up or make a donation, supporting these organizations goes a long way. Here’s a few to check out:

• EcoSlo
• Ecologistics
• Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center
• Los Padres Forrest Watch
• Morro Bay National Estuary Program

7. Need to Practice Your Swing?

Did you know you can redeem your SESLOC Rewards points for merchandise? If you’re planning to enjoy the spring on one of our beautiful Central Coast golf courses, check out our favorite gear. 

8. Help Cultivate Future Leaders

Cuesta College in SLO County also reps the green. The Cuesta College Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with the community to ensure higher education stays accessible and affordable, and opens career paths in our community. And for those in Northern Santa Barbara County, blue is another great color for spring — and the color of Allan Hancock College. Like the Cuesta Foundation, the Allan Hancock College Foundation partners with the community to support local students and cultivate the next generation of leaders. Consider making a contribution.

9. Save Green at the Pump

Did you know you can also use your SESLOC Rewards points for a discount on fuel at participating gas stations? Just swipe and save when you go to pay at the pump. Use the handy fuel finder to locate a station near you.

10. Get SESLOC’s Go Green Special

Bring your auto loan to SESLOC and you could save with our Go Green Auto Refi Special. When you refinance your auto loan from another lender, you could lower your monthly payment or defer car payments for 90 days. ² Apply now… It just takes minutes!

¹The HomeFREE Discount Program (Program) is available within the first sixty (60) days after original loan date to those with a consumer vehicle loan. If your consumer vehicle loan is more than sixty (60) days old, a refinance application is required and a $150 refinance fee applies. To be eligible for the Program, you must agree to maintain a consumer HomeFREE Checking account to qualify for the initial loan discount, and set up automatic recurring vehicle loan payments via transfer from your SESLOC HomeFREE Checking account. If you cancel your automatic recurring vehicle payments you will no longer be eligible for the Program and your Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will increase by 0.25% as disclosed in your Loan Agreement(s). The increase in the rate will result in more payments of the same amount. You will not be provide a separate notice if the discount is discontinued. See your Loan and Security Agreement and Disclosure and Subsequent Action Agreement (if applicable) for complete loan terms and conditions. If you fail to maintain eligibility in the Program and the discount is discontinued, your loan cannot again qualify for the Program, even if Program criteria are met. HomeFREE Discount Program cannot be combined with any other special offer or promotion. Membership in good standing required for all credit union benefits.

² All loans subject to credit union approval. Terms, conditions, restrictions and eligibility apply. See complete details and rates at www.sesloc.org/auto-refi-special.