GE Goes Green, Tells Consumers to Charge It

As I was listening to the news on the radio this morning, I heard the announcement that General Electric (GE) is tackling the global warming issue through consumer spending.  GE is promoting that this new card will take up to 1% of all purchases and invest it into greenhouse gas reduction projects through its Earth Rewards website.

This is an interesting twist to help solve a global problem.  However, it is still questionable whether or not this would have a significant impact.  As the Green Wombat reports, “…given that American-style consumerism is one of the drivers of global warming, promoting plastic often used to buy things people can’t afford and don’t need isn’t exactly a solution to climate change. Cutting up one of your credit cards probably will do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

That said, GE deserves some recognition for bringing publicity to this issue.  Through its press release, GE was able to enroll the media as partners in promoting “going green”.  In addition, every consumer who uses this credit card will be promoting a miniature billboard to save the planet.

Perhaps Mastercard should consider jumping on the band wagon too with a “Priceless” advertisement!