Brighter Planet, lighter footprint

The genesis of a new collaboration between Brighter Planet and Bank of America is to offer consumers an entirely different kind of rewards program. Rather than frequent flyer miles or other rewards, this program allows consumers the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint.

I had the pleasure of participating in a blogger news conference with Brighter Planet co-founders Jonathan Isham, Jr, and Andy Rossmeissl, and moderator Cindy Samuels Wednesday night, (2.6.08). Brighter Planet and Bank of America have partnered with carbon offset provider Native Energy and instituted a rigorous carbon offset policy and review process in selecting the specific community projects that will benefit from their innovative rewards program.

Their environmentally-focused strategy is to encourage people to: “conserve whatever you can, and offset what you can’t.” Reduce emitting activities, replace dirty technology (replace incandescent light bulbs with cfl’s) and then offset the balance. The offset credits go directly toward clean energy, community-based projects. Missioned-based projects whose progress can be tracked via their website.

1,000 points earned on your credit card is projected to offset one ton of carbon dioxide, and according to BP, eliminating one ton of carbon dioxide has the same global warming impact as taking an average car off the road for two months.

Brighter Planet’s advisory board includes leading environmentalists such as Mindy Lubber, President of Ceres; Bill McKibben, prominent environmental author and activist; and Gus Speth, Dean of the Yale Forestry School and co-founder of the World Resources Institute and the National Resources Defense Council.

Lots more info can be found @ brighterplanet.com.