I got an email this morning announcing the launch of a new "green" credit card. As the email said, the folks at Brighter Planet are:

dedicated to helping all of us take charge in the fight against global warming by providing innovative products that help you build a clean-energy future.

One such product is the Brighter Planet Visa Card.

Instead of accruing airline miles, you earn Earth Smart points with every purchase. So, rather than by compounding the problem by encouraging you to fly, or otherwise spend your miles, Earth Smart points help build renewable energy projects.

As the say in their FAQ:

Even if you drive a hybrid car, use compact fluorescent lighting and take other conservation steps, you are still going to use some energy and therefore have a carbon footprint. That's where the Brighter Planet Visa credit card comes in - it allows you to take the next step and go beyond energy conservation.

Instead of earning points redeemable for gift certificates or travel like some other credit card programs, points earned from the use of this credit card are invested on your behalf to help build renewable energy projects selected by the environmental experts in Brighter Planet's Project Selection Committee.

These renewable energy projects replace energy generated by fossil fuel burning energy sources and create carbon offsets, which are then "retired" on your behalf. Keep in mind that this card is not a free pass to pollute - it's a convenient opportunity to do even more in the fight against climate change.

Unlike the Visa GreenCard I wrote about last April, which, to my knowledge, has yet to be launched in the U.S., Brighter Planet's Visa Card is part of a total package — one that encourages folks to conserve what you can, then offset what you can't.

As they say in their welcome letter:

Here at Brighter Planet, we formed a committed team and built a proprietary technology platform to express environmental values and empower each of us to make a difference on a daily basis. We established partnerships with leading environmentalists, the renewable energy company NativeEnergy, and Bank of America. With our creativity, our commitment to enthusiastic transparency, and our rigorous Carbon Offset Policy, we give concerned consumers practical and effective ways to build a sustainable future.

It's easy to join Brighter Planet's team: all you have to do is sign up for their Visa Card.

Carbon Neutral Journal's kudos are brought to you by Grand Targhee Resort.

Popularity: 24%