Best Ways to Save the Planet While 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 that you can get involved and help save the planet while you spend. Below is a list of some of the best green initiatives and charitable companies that are perfect for the everyday shopper, as well as the adventurous traveler.

Green Credit Cards & Investments

While many credit cards offer a variety of perks aimed at further consumerism, these cards and investments focus their efforts on eco-friendly rewards.

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. With each purchase made, Aspiration automatically plants one tree on behalf of consumers, with the option to plant two trees for those who round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. In addition, monthly cash-back bonuses are offered to those who reach a net zero carbon footprint, which is 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 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 green up America. In addition to this, 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.

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’d like 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, and shared mobility, such as 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.

Amalgamated Bank

The mission of Amalgamated Bank is to be “America’s socially responsible bank.” And so far, it seems to be doing an excellent job. Not only does the bank support a variety of eco-friendly charitable causes, but it’s also powered 100% by renewable energy and aims 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. Of particular note are their investment services, which offer fossil fuel free portfolios and guidance on sustainable investing.

Charitable Brands & Organizations

A wide variety of brands support charitable causes; however, these companies are leaders within the eco-friendly movement.

Patagonia

In September of 2022, the owner of Patagonia did something that had previously been 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.

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 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.

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 have been doing that 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.

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.

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. All of these entities offer conversation-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 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.

Spend Money to Save the Planet

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 companies and organizations have made it easy for us to help save the planet through our everyday transactions and purchases.

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