Best Ways to Save the Planet When You Spend

As the world continues to embrace sustainability, companies and organizations across the globe are developing green initiatives that aim to preserve the planet with the help of consumers like you. From charitable donation programs to sustainable rewards, green cash-back incentives, and tree-planting campaigns, there are a number of ways you can get involved and help save the planet while you spend.

I’ve put together a list of some of the best green initiatives and charitable companies that are perfect for the everyday shopper, the adventurous traveler, and the eco-conscious consumer. Take a look at how you can help the planet with your purchases!

Money makes the world go ’round, but you can spend responsibly and help save the planet when you know what programs, brands, and initiatives to back with your dollar! This post contains affiliate links that help me earn a small commission at no cost to you if you choose to click and make a purchase. Thanks for your support in helping keep this blog running—and for caring about the welfare of planet Earth. 

1. Choose Green Credit Cards & Investments

While many credit cards offer a variety of perks aimed at further consumerism, these cards and investments really focus their efforts on eco-friendly rewards and can help you make an impact on the health of the environment with purchases you’re already making.

Aspiration Zero Credit Card

With an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Aspiration Zero offers the opportunity for you to reduce your carbon footprint simply by using your credit card as you normally would. With each purchase, Aspiration automatically plants one tree on your behalf, with the option to plant two trees for those who round up their purchases to the nearest dollar.

Monthly cash-back bonuses are offered to those who reach a net zero carbon footprint—the equivalent of planting 60 trees! This cash-back can be used as a credit statement or to plant even more trees. Aspiration has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted, and the Eden Project to facilitate their green efforts, with the admirable goal of planting one billion trees by 2030.

Green America Rewards Platinum Credit Card

There’s a lot of buzz out there about the best travel credit cards for rewards, but very few of these cards also offer eco-friendly benefits. Thankfully, there’s the Green America Rewards Platinum Credit Card. Not only does this card offer rewards that can be redeemed for travel, it also donates a percentage of every purchase made to non-profit organizations working to overhaul America for a greener tomorrow.

The organization manages a Center for Sustainability Solutions, which works directly with companies to educate them and assist them in making sustainable changes to their operations. This is a travel credit card you can feel good about using!

FutureCard Visa Debit Card

While technically not a credit card, the FutureCard Visa Debit Card is one of the best options out there if you’re focused on ways to save the planet and save money. This secured charge card offers up to 6% cash-back on climate-friendly purchases, including:

• Public transportation
• Electric vehicle charging
• Second-hand clothing
• Bicycles
• Shared mobility like city bikes and scooters

Along with this, the FutureCard includes access to a mobile app that tracks your spending habits and helps you measure and reduce your own carbon footprint. I’ve found this to be a great feature to keep to a budget and pay more attention to savings!

Amalgamated Bank

The mission of Amalgamated Bank is to be “America’s socially responsible bank,” and so far, they’re doing an excellent job. The bank supports a variety of eco-friendly charitable causes and is powered 100% by renewable energy! They aim to reach zero net emissions by the year 2045. At the bank, you’ll find your typical checking and saving accounts, as well as a small selection of credit cards and investment services. You may want to check out their investment services, which offer fossil fuel-free portfolios and guidance on sustainable investing.

2. Shop Charitable Brands & Organizations

A wide variety of brands claim to support environmentally-friendly and green charitable causes, but I’ve found that only a few are seriously committed to initiatives to save the planet and reduce carbon emissions. These companies are leaders within the eco-friendly movement, and shopping with them can help you do your part.

Patagonia

In September of 2022, the owner of Patagonia did something previously unheard of—he gave away his company to save the planet. Today, Patagonia is owned by the Patagonia Purpose Trust, a specifically-designed organization that works to uphold the company’s values, as well as the Holdfast Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the climate crisis. These two entities work together to ensure that all profits are reinvested into the planet for the good of everyone. I knew I liked Patagonia!

The North Face

A leader in sustainable outdoor clothing, The North Face has taken great strides to protect and preserve the environment through various eco-friendly initiatives. Of particular note is their North Face Rewind program, which refurbishes and renews used The North Face clothing in an effort to reduce textile waste. They are also one of the co-founders of The Conservation Alliance, along with Patagonia and REI, and have donated more than $1 million to the cause. That’s what we love to see as we work to save the planet!

REI Co-Op

As a co-op, REI is in a unique position to give back to the community and support eco-friendly causes, and they’ve been doing it for years now. Through their involvement with The Conservation Alliance, as well their own entities (the REI Foundation and the REI Cooperative Action Fund), the company has donated millions of dollars to non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting belonging in the outdoors. They also actively engage in public advocacy and assist in efforts to pass legislation that protects public lands.

National Wildlife Federation & World Wildlife Fund

The National Wildlife Federation and the World Wildlife Fund are two of the largest non-profit entities dedicated to protecting the planet and its wildlife. Both of these organizations run their own charity shops, where 100% of the proceeds are invested into conservation efforts across the United States and around the world. If you get a chance to shop with either, do it! You’ll be putting your dollar into saving the planet.

3. Sustainable Travel That Helps the Planet

Travel is a great way to see the world, meet new people, and experience new cultures. It also happens to be an excellent way to give back to the planet and promote more sustainable tourism around the globe. If you’re interested in learning more, I share some of the most impactful sustainable travel tips here!

Volunteer Travel Companies

There are a number of travel companies that provide curated volunteer trips to destinations all over the world. Some of the most prominent and well-known companies are the International Volunteer Headquarters, GVI, and GoEco. These organizations offer conservation-focused trips that vary in length from one week to three months. While specific details differ from program to program, typical trip offerings include wildlife rehabilitation, coral reef and marine life preservation, sustainable farming, and forest conservation.

Go Overseas

For those who prefer to work directly with local volunteer organizations to facilitate trips, there’s Go Overseas. This community review website provides information, reviews, and recommendations for local non-profits all over the world. From shark conservation to marine preservation, reforestation, and wildlife rehabilitation, there are a wide variety of opportunities to explore here.

You’re Already Spending Money—Save the Planet While You’re At It!

As climate change continues to impact our lives, it’s becoming more and more critical for all of us to pitch in and make sustainable decisions. Thankfully, these mission-focused companies and organizations have made it easy for us to help save the planet through our everyday transactions and purchases. When you’re prioritizing where your dollar goes, you can help contribute to the long-term conservation, protection, and preservation of our planet and feel good about what you’re buying.

Check out my Green Guide next for even more tips on sustainable living and travel: The Green Guide: Everything You Need to Travel & Live Sustainably.

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