Earth Day 2023

20 April 2023 | by Alex Cuff

Every year on 22 April, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

This year's theme is ‘Invest In Our Planet‘, and we'd like to tell you more about how we're doing just that here at Kroo. We've also put together a few suggestions for how you can be more sustainable while saving yourself some hard-earned cash. 

First off, our partnership with One Tree Planted. We're sure you've heard about our tree planting programme and ambition to plant 1 million trees by 2024, but do you know where we plant them? Well, when you open a Kroo current account, we'll plant two trees on your behalf in two communities where it will make a real impact. 

Restoring the southwest coast of Guatemala

Planting mangrove and broadleaf trees along Guatemala's southwest coast to restore 1,025 hectares of land while increasing livelihood opportunities for over 400 families.

Fruit trees to fight hunger in India

Improving employment opportunities and gender equality by employing local women at newly-built Uttar Pradesh and Haryana nurseries.

“Giving something back is at the heart of Kroo. It's in our nature. Whether it's putting money back into our customers' pockets or supporting communities worldwide through our partnership with One Tree Planted.

We launched Kroo to change banking for good and won't stop until it's done.”
Andrea De Gottardo, CEO

How you can do your bit

We're not here to preach. All of us can do more to support this cause (we're working on it). But we've come up with a few simple suggestions for how you can make an impact day-to-day.

1. Walk or cycle

Public transport can be pricey, especially in London. Walking or cycling means getting around for free and reducing emissions while keeping fit. 

2. Invest in reusables

Funding that coffee habit is expensive enough already, so why not bring your own reusable cup? It'll mean fewer paper cups in the bin and potentially a little money back in your pocket! 

3. Try second hand

It's never been easier to buy and sell second-hand clothes, shoes or furniture with websites like eBay and Depop. And don’t forget about refurbished devices. You can save a chunk of change on some nearly new tech. 

4. Go flexitarian

This is controversial, but avoiding meat and dairy is the single biggest way you can reduce your impact on the earth as an individual. You don't have to cut it out entirely, but having a few meat-free dinners a week can really make a difference. 

5. Get cooking

Lunch on the go is often slathered in plastic packaging, so why not bring in a homemade tasty treat instead? Sure, it'll take a bit of time and planning, but it can save you a ton of money every day. 

6. Eat savvy

Veg boxes have become a big thing in recent years, with loads of major supermarkets getting involved, so keep an eye out next time you're food shopping. Oddbox is also great for getting cut-price wonky fruit and veg. And Too Good to Go is a brilliant way to tackle food waste while getting some delicious grub. 

7. Shorten your shower

The average shower lasts eight minutes and uses roughly 16 to 40 gallons of water. Lathering up with the tap off helps the planet (and your water bill). Using your washing machine and dishwasher less has the same effect, so stick to full loads.