Use eco-friendly bank cards
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Photo by Adeniji Abdullahi on Unsplash
Description
Discarded plastics harm habitats, wildlife, and oceans, and contaminate the food chain. Several trillion pieces of plastic are in the oceans, which can take centuries to break down.
One contributor to the global plastic problem is payment cards that you use to swipe for everyday purchases. Each year banks produce around 6 billion payment cards, mostly made of plastic.
The card plastic is largely chlorine and petroleum, which makes the card durable, water-resistant, and protective against wear and tear. However, when the card reaches its expiration date, many end up in our environment because plastic is not easily recycled. It can then linger for over a hundred years.
You can be part of the solution by using better alternative cards made from recyclable, biodegradable, or reclaimed ocean plastics. You can even skip physical cards by using contactless payment methods with your phone. In the grand scheme of things, it is a minor impact, but every little bit helps.
Tips
• If your bank or credit card company does not already offer alternatives to a plastic credit card, ask for one. If a more sustainable card is not available, perhaps it is time to switch.
Here are some options to look out for:
o Recycled plastic cards. These card contain mostly recycled plastic. One card might have the equivalent material of a reclaimed plastic bottle, which means six billion credit cards could eliminate up to six billion bottles from just hanging around our world.
o Biodegradable plastic cards. Some issuers use biodegradable materials like PLA (polylactic acid), which is derived from renewable sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. These cards can typically decompose within a few years.
o Wooden or bamboo cards. A few niche issuers offer cards made of sustainable wood or bamboo. Since these cards are sourced from trees or recycled wood. They are biodegradable, non-toxic, and recyclable. Apart from being sustainable, they often come in visually appealing patterns.
o Contactless payment. Skip the physical card! Many merchants allow you to tap with your phone to pay at checkout. Using a card is handy, but not as convenient as tapping with your phone once you get the hang of it. It is basically the same as paying with a card, with no additional cost to you. Not sure how it works? Learn more online.
