Last updated on April 1, 2025.

Caring for our planet is a collective effort that requires us to make conscious decisions about how we use and invest our resources.  Every choice we make—how we live, what we buy, where we put our money—can have an impact. At Vancity, tackling climate change is a top priority. We believe that a healthy planet and a strong, fair economy go hand in hand. That’s why we’re committed to making sustainable choices easier for our members and our communities.  

This Earth Day, Vancity invites you to join us in supporting the 2025 Earth Day theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.” This theme highlights the importance of having renewable energy to power our communities—like in BC where we’re fortunate to use hydroelectricity. There are more options than ever to reduce fossil fuel use and make sustainable choices that are good for you and the planet.   

Here are a few ways you can make greener choices and invest in a better planet, starting on Earth Day.

1. Greening your finances.

Every financial decision you make has an impact on the environment. From choosing a low-carbon vehicle to banking with a credit union that supports sustainability initiatives—every choice matters. 

This Earth Day, pledge to make more eco-friendly financial decisions. Shop local and support sustainable businesses that use environmentally-friendly practices, such as using recycled materials or reducing waste. Look for certifications such as B Corp or Fair Trade to ensure that the businesses you support are committed to sustainability.

Greening your finances also means using green banking services, like paperless statements and mobile banking. This not only helps conserve natural resources but it can also make managing your finances easier. 

Plus, with the use of online tools, such as our enviro™ Visa* Carbon Counter, you can track the carbon emissions of your purchases and make smarter financial decisions for you and your planet. 

2. Green your business.

If you’re a business owner, now is the time to look at improving your carbon footprint. Are there cleaner practices you could implement? How can you localize your supply change? Could you upgrade programs to reduce waste?     

Vancity offers its members exclusive access to perks such as free business sustainability support with Synergy, discounts with BC Green Business, and a free calculator to measure and track your emissions. Learn more here.   

Greening business practices can lead to cost savings, improved employee engagement, greater competitiveness, and reduced carbon emissions.  

“We are here to support our members to take climate actions that will work for their business. Staff can help members to better understand their options and connect them to the right services,” says Vancity Senior Consultant for Climate Business, Emily Pearson.  

Businesses should also assess their buildings when looking to make a positive impact. In Metro Vancouver, buildings contribute to 25% of the total emissions—90% of those emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels for space and hot water heating¹. Switching to an electric heat pump and adding insulation can reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and add cooling. Energy efficient features like LED lighting, high efficiency appliances, and automation can also help to reduce costs as well.  

Vancity offers preferred financing for building improvements through their Planet-Wise Business Loan and their Commercial Retrofit Financing program.  

3. Choose an enviro™ Visa* card.

Have you ever thought how your credit card could be used to help the environment? When you choose an enviro™ Visa* card, you earn rewards with each purchase, with at least 5% of all profits donated to local environmental projects.  

Plus, for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, Vancity Rewards™ points are earned and can be redeemed for cash back^‡, travel, charitable donations, and gift cards. 

Learn how an enviro™ Visa* card can empower you to be a part of meaningful, environmental change today.

4. Make sustainable choices at home.

Everyone can make a difference and make choices to tackle the climate emergency. Commemorate Earth Day by making small and big changes in your home that can add up over time. This can include:

• Switching to LED bulbs and energy-saving appliances.
• Installing a heat pump in your home and adding cooling too.
• Improving insulation and air sealing.
• Investing in high-efficiency windows.

Need assistance or don’t know where to start? Vancity’s got you covered. Members have access to Home Energy Advice—a free service with energy experts at City Green Solutions who can help you navigate your home upgrade project. We also offer flexible loan options for Planet-Wise renovations, with preferred rates on your home projects. There are also rebates available through the province and BC Hydro to help bring down costs. 

Vancity Planet-Wise Transportation Loan also provides financing for low-emission vehicles, such as pedal bikes, e-bikes, scooters, electric cars and hybrids. Plus, you can even get a loan to purchase charging stations or conversion kits—all of which help reduce your carbon footprint.

5. Support local businesses.

Supporting local is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact. Shopping at neighbourhood businesses, farmers‘ markets, and locally owned cafes keeps money in the community and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. Whether it’s picking up fresh produce from a nearby farm, choosing handmade goods from local artisans, or dining at an independent restaurant, these small choices add up. Plus, you’re supporting people who care about your community just as much as you do!

6. Invest in your values. 

One of the easiest ways to invest in our planet is by investing in companies and organizations that share your values. At Vancity, we take a leadership position on climate change—meaning we don’t provide services or capital to oil, gas, or coal companies.  

We also offer socially responsible investing through our Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) funds. These funds use environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria to select investments that benefit humanity. This includes companies that support the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. 

Invest in our planet, invest in our future.

On Earth Day, and every day, Vancity and its members are working together to make a difference in the world. We are proud to be part of a growing community committed to investing in an equitable, green, and planet-friendly future. Join us and become a financial force for change—speak to a Vancity wealth management professional today. 

enviro™, Carbon Counter™ and Vancity enviroFund™ are trademarks of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union.

* Trademark of Visa Int., used under license.

^‡ Vancity membership required for certain cash back rewards. Must have a Vancity deposit account to redeem for cash. Additional terms and conditions apply.