Learn how the new Vancity Carbon Counter can help you estimate and reduce the carbon footprint of your enviroTM Visa* card transactions.
Just by using our Carbon Counter™, for example, enviro Visa cardholders get insights on how they can reduce their carbon footprint and potentially make more sustainable choices. This tool goes to show that even the smallest everyday decisions can have a big environmental impact. It’s about getting started, seeing where you’re at, and making changes where you can.
With that in mind, here are a few ideas for making more sustainable choices in 2023.
1. Try something new
Lifestyle changes can be big or small, depending on your needs. Choosing public transportation, trying out composting, or planning a ‘meatless Monday’ are all great ways to work towards reducing your emissions in 2023.
And viewing those changes and their impact is easier with the help of our free and optional Vancity Carbon Counter.
2. Go green at home
In Canada, home energy is responsible for 13% of our total energy consumption. But simple changes to heating, cooling, and sealing systems have been proven to reduce emissions by up to 70%.
Bigger home renovations – like switching to a heat pump or upgrading your insulation – can make a bigger difference, but they also cost more and require a larger time commitment. The good news is there are many government grants and rebates available for green upgrades, so be sure to check out the CleanBC Rebate Search Tool before you get started.
Looking to start smaller? Try switching to LED lightbulbs or turning down the thermostat in winter will help conserve energy and lower bills. Unplugging electronics when they’re not in use can also prevent unnecessary energy loss.
3. Empower change-makers
The companies, brands, and initiatives we support affect climate change around the world. Whether you’re shopping for food, fashion, or even a banking partner, consider supporting businesses that are committed to sustainability and tackling climate change.
One way to ensure you’re partnering with other change-makers is to review their investment policies and the direct actions they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Take a look at their website and ask yourself:
- Have they committed to net zero practices?
- Are they financing the climate transition?
- Are they transparent and accountable with their efforts?
- Are there clear resources you can find that speak to those efforts?
Even simply being aware of the companies, brands, and initiatives you support with your dollar and their commitment to sustainability can help you become more conscious of your environmental impact and empowered to make change.
4. Put your money where your values are
Research banks and financial institutions that have committed to responsible investing and work towards divesting your money from those that haven’t. You can also consider a socially responsible investing (SRI) plan to invest your money in companies and products that are aligned with your values.
For example, Vancity’s SRI funds ensure that all companies included pass strict screenings for environmental, social, and corporate governance policies. SRIs don’t invest in six industries considered harmful and choose companies that pursue the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
5. Consider where you bank
Every deposit, loan, mortgage, or other transaction you make is a vote for the world you want to live in. As a values-based financial co-operative, we’re committed to transforming how banking is done so we can help our members and local communities thrive financially, socially, and environmentally. Learn more about Vancity’s climate action commitments here.
6. See how your credit card spending impacts the planet
Saving the planet isn’t one person’s job, but that doesn’t mean one person can’t make a difference.
On top of supporting our Vancity enviroFund™ program through your enviro Visa credit card, you can now choose to track the carbon emissions2 of your daily enviro Visa card spending – from groceries and restaurants visits to flights and transportation – with the help of our Carbon Counter. Plus, the Carbon Counter lets you access helpful tips and resources to reduce your everyday footprint.
We’re proud to be the first financial institution in Canada to offer a Carbon Counter tool on a Visa credit card, so our cardholders can choose to not only better understand their estimated carbon footprint but feel empowered to make small changes in their daily lives to help build a better world.
Cardholders will be able to access the optional tool when they log onto the Manage my Visa card website. Visit vancity.com to learn more.
Join Vancity1 Research was conducted by Visa Inc. among 501 Canadians aged 18 and older, between August and September 2021.
2Our members’ privacy and the protection of member data is a top priority for Vancity. We’ll only share transaction information with our technology partner, ecolytiq. The only permitted use of this data is to calculate the carbon cost of each transaction. All data will be de-identified before it is shared, meaning that no personal information will be shared or stored by ecolytiq. Personal data is not linked to transaction data.
™enviro, Vancity enviroFund and Carbon Counter are trademarks of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union.
*Trademark of Visa Int., used under license.
