Go Green with Your Green

From the Payroll News Wire and the American Payroll Association.

Click here to watch video or listen to audio in several formats.

"Don't have a bank account? Ask your employer to pay you with a paycard." Getting paid electronically is not only quicker and more convienient, it can also help save the environment.

Every year, more than 146 million workers in America receive a paycheck. That's more than 3.5 billion paychecks per year. For many employees, a trip to the bank on payday is a favored tradition. But that innocent trip to cash your check costs more than just wasted time. In fact, the way you're paid could be damaging the environment.

Most American companies offer a number of free and easy ways to make how you're paid more environmentally friendly. The American Payroll Association offers these tips to "go green with your green."

Direct deposit – Only 71% of workers in America take advantage of this "green" payment method. When you sign up to receive your paycheck electronically via direct deposit, your pay goes straight into your bank account. No waiting in line at the bank drive-thru, idling your car and releasing dangerous ozone-depleting emissions. Plus, your money is always there on payday, even when you're on vacation.

Paycard – Don't have a bank account? Ask your employer to pay you with a paycard. You'll get the same conveniences and "green" benefits as with direct deposit. Your pay will be deposited into an account that's accessed by a pin protected card, similar to an ATM card. You can use the card to make purchases, get cash back at retailers and withdraw money from an ATM. Plus, no more paper as you can keep track of your pay online.

IRS e-file - This IRS program provides a way for many workers to file their income tax using a paper-free method. In fact, 70% of workers can have their taxes prepared and filed completely free using e-file! Use this "green" method to file your tax return and you will get your tax refund weeks faster. Additionally, you can choose to get your refund sent directly into your bank account via direct deposit, saving paper, stamps and delivery costs.

Direct deposit, paycards and IRS e-file are all easy, safe, secure and environmentally friendly. For more information on how you too can go "green" with your green, visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com.