The Environmental and Personal Benefits of Paperless Banking
From forever chemicals to deforestation, environmental concerns are as urgent as ever as we head into 2025. The need to adopt eco-friendly practices is clear—and one small but impactful way we can all make a difference is by going paperless. We believe every effort counts toward making positive change, so we invite you to be planet-positive with Cornerstone. By choosing electronic statements, online tax forms, and other digital banking services, you're simplifying your life and contributing to a healthier planet.
Let’s explore how paperless banking helps the environment, why it’s so convenient, and how Cornerstone Bank makes it easy for you to switch.
The Environmental Cost of Paper: Why Paperless Banking Matters
It’s no secret that paper production significantly impacts the environment. Each year, millions of trees are cut down to meet the demand for paper products—including bank statements, tax forms, and checks.
Here’s a quick look at the environmental toll:
- Deforestation: Globally, about 15 billion trees are cut down annually, contributing to habitat loss for wildlife and increased carbon emissions. Trees absorb CO₂, so fewer trees mean higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Energy and Water Use: Producing one ton of paper requires about 17 trees, 20,000 gallons of water, and considerable energy. The carbon footprint of paper production is surprisingly high.
- Waste Management: Over 25% of landfill waste is paper. Even with recycling programs, much of this waste is not effectively recycled due to contamination or lack of facilities.
By transitioning to paperless banking, you reduce the demand for paper, directly helping to conserve resources and minimize waste. It’s a simple step with big environmental benefits.
The Carbon Footprint of Traditional Banking
Paper isn’t the only environmental cost of traditional banking. Think about the physical transportation required to deliver paper statements to your mailbox—particularly all those trucks burning fuel and generating emissions. According to a 2023 study by the Environmental Paper Network, the energy used in transporting and delivering paper statements accounts for about 30% of their total environmental impact.
When you opt for digital services, you eliminate the need for these deliveries. The cumulative effect is a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
How Paperless Banking Makes Your Life Easier
While the environmental benefits of electronic banking are compelling, let’s not overlook how much simpler it makes your life:
1. Convenience at Your Fingertips
Access your statements anytime, anywhere. No need to dig through stacks of paper to find last month’s transaction summary. Digital records are easy to search, sort, and store securely online.
2. Faster Access
E-statements and online tax forms are available sooner than their paper counterparts. Forget waiting days for snail mail—your financial documents are ready for you the moment they’re issued.
3. Enhanced Security
Paper statements can be lost, stolen, or misdelivered, potentially exposing you to identity theft. Digital statements, secured with encryption and password protection, offer a safer alternative.
4. Clutter-Free Living
Imagine freeing up your home office from piles of old bank statements and tax forms. Going digital means less clutter and more space for what matters most.
How Cornerstone Bank Supports Your Paperless Journey
We’re committed to helping you make smart, eco-friendly financial decisions. That’s why we’ve designed our digital banking services to be user-friendly and accessible, making it easy to be planet-positive.
E-Statements
Switching to e-statements takes just minutes through our online banking platform. Just log into Online Banking, select your account, click eStatements, and follow the instructions.
Once enrolled, you’ll receive a monthly email notification when your statement is ready, and you can view or download it securely.
Online Tax Forms
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With our digital tax form services, you’ll receive your 1099s and other important documents online—early, securely, and ready for submission.
To enroll for Cornerstone online tax documents, log into Online Banking, go to Person Menu, select Banking Services, then eDocuments, then select Electronic from the dropdown menu next to Tax Documents. Next, click Accept & Update Preferences.
Mobile Banking
Our mobile app ensures you can manage your finances on the go. Whether it’s checking your balance, paying bills, or reviewing transactions, everything is just a tap away.
Learn more about Cornerstone’s paperless banking services.
How You Can Get Started
Ready to make the switch? Here’s how easy it is:
- Sign Up for eDocuments: Log in to your Cornerstone Bank online banking account and enroll in eDocuments for each of your accounts by navigating to the Person Menu> Banking Services> eDocuments. Here you can select each account as well as tax forms to be delivered electronically.
- Explore the App: Download the Cornerstone Bank mobile app to unlock the full potential of paperless banking.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help. Whether you visit a branch, give us a call, or chat with us online, we’ll guide you through the process.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Switching to paperless banking might seem like a minor change, but collectively, it has the power to make a significant difference—for our planet, for future generations, and for your day-to-day convenience.
This January, make it your resolution to be planet-positive with Cornerstone Bank. Together, let’s embrace sustainability and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener, and more efficient way to bank.
Ready to start your paperless journey? Reach out today and join us in building a brighter future.
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