Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, chances are you care about protecting the environment – and saving money. Here are some tips from the American Bankers Association to help you do both.

Location, location, location efficiency.

Carefully consider the location of your home. If you’re close to work, shopping and entertainment, you may not need a car. Without a car you would save money on gas, car insurance and maintenance, not to mention reduce pollution. If you’re thinking about moving further out, try to find something near public transportation and shopping.

Light up the house, not the electric bill.

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs will save you about $6 a year in electricity costs per bulb and more than $40 over its lifetime. According to ENERGY STAR, if every American home replaced just one light bulb, we would save enough energy to prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Remember to recycle used CFL bulbs. Go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling for recycling locations.

Some like it hot, hot, hot…or cold, cold, cold.

Closely monitor your thermostat. Adjusting it just a few degrees while you’re out can save energy and money. You can make it easier by installing a programmable thermostat. Use fans and close the blinds during the warm months and let the sun in for natural warmth in the winter. Also, change your filter every three months.

How low can you go?

One way to save water is by using low-flow toilets. The most cost-effective way to do this is to simply take a 1 liter plastic bottle, fill it with water and place it inside the tank. This will reduce your water use per flush. Another way to save water is placing an aerator on all of your faucets.

Make it mean-green-clean.

Cleaning supplies can be expensive and are made with toxic chemicals. You can save money and the environment by making your own cleaning supplies. All you need are some basic household ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and borax to clean everything from windows to tile. Look online for recipes and suggestions.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Sticking to this mantra can help you save money around the house. Use a rag instead of paper towels. Buy products in bulk, concentrate or refillable containers to reduce packaging waste. Look for products made from recycled content. And don’t forget to recycle!

Win-dos for your windows.

There are a number of ways you can make your windows more energy efficient without replacing them. For better insulation from the weather you can caulk exterior joints, put shrink wrap on them or hang blackout curtains.

Fan the green flames.

To keep your refrigerator running efficiently, keep the fan clean. The motor won’t have to work as hard if the fan is clear of debris.

Decorate green.

Houseplants are like living air-filters. English Ivy, rubber trees, peace lilies and red-edged dracaena can help clean the air and look pretty too.

Vampire energy is sucking you dry.

On or off, anything plugged into the wall sucks energy. Vampire power costs U.S. consumers more than $3 billion a year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Unplug your electronics and appliances when they’re not in use.

From Our Customers

"We were very pleased with the professional manner that Steve addressed our questions and concerns. The entire process was a great experience with everything handled in a timely manner with all time lines met. We are truly grateful for the friendly atmosphere and casual approach Steve has to knowing and greeting his customers needs. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to have worked with Steve Hayward."

William M.

Trimble, MO · Home Refinance

From Our Customers

"Steve is very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire loan and closing process. He guided me throughout, answered my questions, and made sure everything was in order and timely. The process couldn't have gone any smoother. I really appreciate his work in making this happen."

Sean M.

Holt, MO · Home Purchase Remodel

From Our Customers

"I've had a working relationship with Platte Valley Bank and Keri Rotterman for the last 16 years. She's always professional and keeps the process running smoothly by making communication a priority. Lending guidelines are increasingly complex but Keri's knowledge and experience keep my buyers on task. She goes the extra mile to get us our ultimate goal... A new home. I believe in Keri so much that she has done my personal home loans!"

Paige S.

· Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"Keri was phenomenal. She made the entire process from start to finish super easy and with little stress. I would highly recommend her and Platte Valley Bank to anyone looking for a home loan."

Chris S.

Platte City, MO · Bought a home in June 2016

From Our Customers

"I am so pleased to have been referred to Rob Bradshaw by my real estate agent. He is able to combine professionalism and genuine friendliness, which makes for a very pleasant banking experience. I was treated as a person and not a number, which is rare in current corporate environments. My entire experience with Rob and staff from opening new accounts to the mortgage process has been positive."

Theresa C.

Smithville, MO · Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"John is fantastic to work with. He knows the mortgage lending and underwriting process! He will help streamline your home loan at Platte Valley Bank and offer wonderful & competitive rates and closing costs! Five Stars!"

Gus S.

· Builder/Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"Thank you, thank you to Steve Hayward! You went above and beyond with answering questions and prompt attention on paperwork, making all it all go so smooth. You were on top of it!"

Kristy W.

Liberty, MO · Refinanced Home

From Our Customers

"When clients are needing a lender, my first recommendation is Platte Valley Bank. Rob Bradshaw at the Smithville South location has been a tremendous partner in the mortgage process. Everything is done professionally and timely. He keeps all parties well informed during the whole process."

Phil W.

· Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"I would like to commend Steve and his team of loan professionals on our recent house loan. Applying for a house loan is more complicated now then it used to be. You explained the loan process in detail, guided us each step of the way to ensure we understood your loan process, and provided a timeline. You have a very customer service oriented team, I would recommend PVB to anyone looking to secure a house loan."

Darrell B.

Kansas City, MO · New Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"We own a very unique home and my husband and I are both self-employed, so we were prepared for a very difficult situation. She knew what documents we needed to complete, she went to work and closed on our refinance in a matter of a few weeks. It was a very smooth process, she answered our questions about refinancing. As an added bonus, she is one of the best closers I have ever worked with as a realtor. She's a 10 on a scale of 1-5!"

Anne R.

Kansas City, MO · Refinanced Home in 2015

From Our Customers

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Aaron is very responsive, got us a great rate, and he made it extremely easy on us with use of technology (only had to physically sign documents for him once). Our Realtor even commented multiple times about how great THEIR experience was with him. Overall, very impressed and would absolutely recommend.“

Reid K.

Gladstone, MO · Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"From the first inquiring phone call to the final signing of papers, Steve Hayward at Platte Valley Bank was kind and professional. He kept us informed and responded to all our questions in a timely manner with patience and knowledge. When we came up against a hurdle, his team dug in and found the solution. We appreciate his hard work and would definitely recommend his services."

Chris & Melissa K.

Independence, MO · Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"Just wanted to say thank you to Jason Payne for all of his help and patience! I love my new home and I'm looking forward to spending many years here creating wonderful memories!"

Nancy L.

Kansas City, KS · Purchased New Home in 2016

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