Head over to our My Planet section to win lovely ethical and green prizes. If you're a SmartPlanet member, entering a competition takes just two clicks.
The Co-operative has launched a new charity credit card that supports Friends of the Earth while you blow your latest salary cheque. Well, not exactly. The new card joins the Co-operative Bank's existing Greenpeace, RSPB, Shelter and the Woodland Trust charity accounts, and automatically donates money to Friends of the Earth when the account-holder spends a certain amount.
Every time a customer opens a new account, £15 of their dough will be donated to Friends of the Earth, and when they use the card for the first time, another £2.50 will be added. From then on, another 25p will be donated automatically for every £100 a customer spends.
"For every card opened and used, the bank will give [Friends of the Earth] money to campaign for solutions to global problems like climate change and biodiversity loss," says Tony Juniper, executive director of Friends of the Earth.
"Friends of the Earth can do business with the Co-operative Bank because it has a strong ethical policy, refusing to support businesses contributing to climate change. The ethical bank also joined forces with Friends of the Earth to actively campaign for a strong Climate Change Bill for two years."
That's why you'll have peace of mind on top of the warm fuzzy feeling you get from donating money to charity -- the Co-operative Bank's customer-led ethical policy guarantees that your money won't be invested in anything ethically dubious.
Plus, the Friends of the Earth card is physically greener than others out there. It's made from PETG, a type of plastic that requires less chlorine and other toxic chemicals than normal cards do. You can apply for one online or over the phone, by calling 44 (0) 800 002 006.
11 February 2008 12:32pm
Kind of a disappointing contribution at 0.25%. There are quite a few cards that return 1% cashback to the owner-- seems like it would be better to just go with one of them and donate to a green charity yourself.
11 February 2008 01:31pm
That's true, but only once you have spent enough on your card to offset the initial contribution; £1,750.
Please note: Your email address must be entered but will not be displayed
Please note: All submitted content becomes the sole property of CNET Networks UK and may be used, edited or rejected at CNET Networks UK's sole discretion. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks UK, are responsible for the contents of your submission.
Head over to our My Planet section to win lovely ethical and green prizes. If you're a SmartPlanet member, entering a competition takes just two clicks.
