Like other socially responsible companies, Brighter Planet strives to help people make a difference through their lifestyle choices. But there are a few things that set us apart from other offset companies.
First, we only support domestic offset projects that have social and environmental value added. For example, we wouldn’t support a large wind farm if it involved the deforestation and destruction of wilderness mountain habitat. All our offset projects adhere to our rigorous carbon offset policy, RATE: they are Real, Additional, Transparent, and have Environmental and Social Value Added.
Second, we’re the only offset company that lets you earn free offsets with your everyday purchases. When you use the Brighter Planet Visa Debit and Credit cards, you earn carbon offsets — and help build renewable energy projects — every time you swipe. Through our partnership with Bank of America we have cardholders in all fifty states who are helping combat climate change by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, we’re the only social media-savvy offset company building an online community to help people measure and manage their carbon footprint. Your brighterplanet.com profile lets you track your emissions, energy-saving efforts, and any offsets you’ve earned or purchased. You can also connect with other users to share experiences. The community is backed by our presence at green- and web-oriented events around the country and our educational campaigns for bloggers, tweeters, and videographers.