Get Green Rewards with your Credit Cards
Thursday, January 17th, 2008
Perhaps you’ve heard of “Green Credit Cards”. These cards are designed for people who have an interest in supporting the environment by giving donations to green organizations through each purchase made. That’s a wonderful thing and no one is knocking it but some people really prefer getting something of their own with their cards. Sure, you like the environment but it doesn’t really feel like a “reward” when you’re not getting anything in the mail for it. If you’re the kind of spender who wants to get something back for your credit cards, something tangible that you can actually feel is yours, you might want to think about going green with the rewards that you select. You get something and you give back to the world around you by using items that are kind to the earth.
There are some credit cards which are specifically starting to offer green rewards to the people who rack up points with them. For example, Bank of America has a WorldPoints Rewards program which has just begun offering a series of green rewards. Likewise, Citigroup has plans to offer green products in its selection of rewards. You can purchase items for your home, such as furniture made from recycled materials. Or you can purchase items that turn you into a greener person, such as composting machinery to be used at your residence. These are things that you might not have bought before because you didn’t want to spend the money. Perhaps now that you can just spend points, you’ll be more inclined to go a little greener.
But what if you don’t have a credit card that offers green rewards? Chances are that you can find something in the rewards that you are offered that is good for the environment. They may not be advertising “green” but most rewards programs offer an array of different items and many of those items may be environmentally friendly. You’ll have to spend some time researching the companies and products that are offered to you. By doing so, you can probably find a few that are kind to the world around you.
Of course, you can always just get gift cards and/or cash from your rewards programs. You can then use these to purchase environmentally-friendly items at the stores that you shop at. Most stores these days offer “green” products so take your gift card and go see what you can find. Whether it’s recycled paper for your computer or a new green gadget that catches your attention, you can benefit your own life while putting your money towards a cause that also benefits the greater good.
