How to Make Climate-Conscious Choices with Your Credit Card

Posted March 31, 2025

Every purchase we make has an impact - on our wallets, our communities, and the environment. While financial tools like credit cards may not seem like obvious ways to take climate action, the choices we make when using them can contribute to a more sustainable future. Here’s how you can align your spending habits with your environmental values and make a difference with your credit card.


1. Choose Paperless Statements

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to switch to eStatements. By eliminating paper statements, you help decrease paper waste, reduce energy - intensive printing, and support sustainable banking practices. Plus, you’ll enjoy secure, instant access to your statements - no more waiting for the mail.

Make the switch today: Learn More


2. Opt for Recycled Plastic Credit Cards

Some financial institutions like us offer credit cards made from recycled plastic, reducing the demand for new plastic production. If you’re in the market for a new card, consider one that prioritizes sustainability. Every step toward reducing plastic waste makes a difference.


3. Use Your Rewards for Good

Many credit cards offer rewards programs - why not put them toward a cause that matters? Some programs, like Flex Rewards, allow you to redeem points for charitable donations to environmental organizations. Whether it’s tree planting initiatives, wildlife conservation, or clean energy projects, your rewards can help fund meaningful change.

To learn more about how your Flex Rewards points can support local and national charities across Canada, click here.


4. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses

Where you shop matters. Using your credit card to support local businesses and those committed to eco - friendly practices helps drive demand for sustainable products and services. Look for businesses that:

  • Offer ethically sourced or locally made goods
  • Prioritize waste reduction and sustainable packaging
  • Invest in renewable energy and responsible business practices

When you choose where to spend, you choose what to support.


5. Monitor Your Spending for a Lower Carbon Footprint

Your spending habits can reveal more than just your budget - they can also highlight opportunities to reduce your environmental impact. Many credit card platforms offer spending insights and tracking tools that can help you:

  • Identify areas where you can cut back on consumption
  • Make conscious choices about transportation, energy use, and shopping habits
  • Set sustainability goals, like reducing fast fashion purchases or opting for digital subscriptions over physical ones

Small changes in spending habits add up over time, reducing both costs and environmental impact.


Every Transaction is a Choice - Make It Count

Your credit card is more than a payment tool - it’s an opportunity to make intentional choices that align with your values. By opting for eStatements, supporting green businesses, and using rewards for sustainability initiatives, you can take small but meaningful steps toward a greener future.

Ready to start? Enroll in eStatements today and take your first step toward a more sustainable way to bank.

Sign Up for eStatements Today