
More people want to help the planet. They choose brands that care about the environment. Businesses see this shift and are changing how they connect with customers. Green loyalty programs are one way they’re doing it.
Instead of only giving points for spending money, these programs reward actions that are good for the planet. It’s about offering eco-friendly rewards and building sustainable loyalty.
When someone uses a green loyalty card, they might earn points and rewards for things like recycling, choosing eco-friendly products, or bringing reusable bags. This makes shoppers feel good about their choices and helps businesses stand out.
People, especially younger ones, expect brands to do more than sell stuff. They want companies to protect the environment, too. Brands that fail to do this risk losing customers.
In this guide, you’ll learn how green loyalty programs work, why they’re important, and how brands can start one. You’ll also see real-world examples and learn how to measure the benefits.
What is a Green loyalty program?
A green loyalty program rewards people for making choices that help the environment. It’s like other loyalty programs but with a focus on sustainability.
Usually, loyalty programs give points or discounts when you buy things. Green programs go further. They give eco-friendly rewards for actions like recycling, using less plastic, or picking products that are good for the planet.
Some programs offer a green loyalty card. You show it when you shop or take part in eco-friendly actions. It tracks your points or rewards.
These programs encourage people to live greener lives. And they help brands show they care about more than just sales.
Sustainable loyalty means building trust through actions, not just words. People want proof that businesses care about the environment. A green loyalty program helps show that commitment.
It’s simple. Do good things for the planet. Earn rewards and feel part of something bigger.
Why Businesses Should Implement Green Loyalty Programs
- People care about the planet. They look for brands that share their values. A green loyalty program helps businesses show they care too.
- When a company offers eco-friendly rewards, it stands out. Customers remember brands that support good causes. This builds trust and keeps people coming back.
- Sustainable loyalty isn’t only about doing the right thing. It’s also smart for business. Brands that focus on sustainability often see stronger customer relationships. People talk about them. They recommend them to friends.
- A green loyalty card can help customers feel proud of their choices. Every time they use it, they’re reminded that they’re helping the environment.
- Businesses also face new rules about protecting the planet. Governments and groups are pushing for change. Companies that act now can stay ahead and avoid problems later.
- A green loyalty program can also bring new customers. Many shoppers, especially younger ones, choose brands that protect the environment. If businesses ignore this, they risk losing out.
Helping the planet and keeping customers loyal go hand in hand. Green loyalty programs make it possible.
How to Calculate ROI for Green Loyalty Programs
To see if a green loyalty program is worth it, compare costs to results. Here’s how:
- Costs:
- Rewards (discounts, gifts, donations)
- Marketing the loyalty program
- Benefits:
- More sales from loyal customers
- Higher purchase frequency
- New customers attracted by eco values
A simple ROI formula:
ROI= Net Profit from Program / Total Costs of Program × 100
For example:
- Program cost: $10,000
- Extra profit from loyal customers: $25,000
- ROI = ((25,000 – 10,000)/10,000) × 100 = 150%
A positive ROI means your program makes more money than it costs. If ROI is negative, it may need changes.
Studies show loyalty members often spend 30% more than non-members (McKinsey, 2020). For green programs, extra benefits include stronger reputation and long-term trust.
What are the Types of Green Loyalty Programs
There’s more than one way to run a green loyalty program. Brands can pick what fits their goals and customers best.
Points-Based Eco Loyalty Rewards
This works like a regular points system. But people earn points for actions that help the planet. For example, buying products made from recycled materials or choosing eco-friendly shipping.
These points can turn into eco-friendly rewards like discounts, gifts, or donations to green causes.
Donations and Carbon Offsets
Some brands let customers turn rewards into donations. Instead of getting a discount, customers can choose to plant trees or support clean energy projects. Others use points to pay for carbon offsets.
This helps lower the impact of shipping or production.
Behavior-Based Rewards
These programs reward everyday choices. Bringing a reusable bag. Refilling water bottles instead of buying new ones. Returning empty containers to the store.
A green loyalty card can track these actions and give rewards in return.
Gamified Green Engagement
Some brands make it fun. They turn eco actions into mechanism of points and rewards. People earn badges, reach new levels, and see their progress. It keeps customers interested and motivated to keep going.
Each of these types helps build sustainable loyalty. They show customers that brands care about more than profit. And they give people simple ways to help the planet.
How to Launch a Green Loyalty Program (5 Quick Steps)
A green loyalty program works best when it has clear goals and honest rewards. Here’s how businesses can set one up.
Define Your Green Goals
First, decide what you want to achieve. Do you want to cut plastic waste? Lower carbon emissions? Help customers live greener lives? Clear goals make it easier to plan the program and measure success.
Choose the Right Rewards
Pick rewards that matter to your customers. Some people like discounts. Others prefer gifts or donations to green causes. Make sure your eco-friendly rewards match your audience. The rewards should feel real and worth earning.
Use the Right Tools
Running a program takes good systems. Loyalty software can track points and customer actions. Some tools link with ecommerce stores, apps, and even green loyalty cards. This keeps things smooth and saves time.
If you’re running your website on WordPress, it’s helpful to use other plugins to boost your loyalty program’s features. For example, WordPress map plugins can help you display locations of recycling centers, eco-friendly stores, or drop-off points for reusable products. This can make your green loyalty program even more practical and useful for customers looking to take eco-friendly actions nearby.
Keep Your Message Clear
Be honest. Tell customers exactly how your program helps the planet. Don’t make big claims you can’t prove. People spot fake promises fast. Good communication builds trust and sustainable loyalty.
Follow the Rules
Many countries have rules about green claims. Check local laws before you promote your program. Make sure your rewards and actions match what you claim.
A strong green loyalty program isn’t complicated. Set clear goals. Pick good rewards. Stay honest. And always keep the focus on real change.
How to Measure ROI of Green Loyalty Programs
A green loyalty program should help the planet and your business. It’s important to track how well it works.
- Start by looking at customer behavior. Do people shop more often after joining the program? A report by McKinsey found that customers in loyalty programs spend up to 30% more than those who aren’t members (McKinsey, 2020).
- Next, check how many customers sign up. High sign-up rates can mean people care about eco-friendly rewards. It also shows they trust your brand.
- Look at how often customers use their green loyalty card. If they keep coming back to earn rewards, your green loyalty card program is working.
- Track engagement too. For example, how many people choose green shipping or bring reusable bags? The Body Shop shared that half their customers choose ethical rewards over discounts in their green loyalty scheme (The Body Shop, Annual Report, 2021).
You can also measure brand reputation. Surveys or online reviews can show if people see your brand as eco-friendly. Nielsen found that 73% of global consumers would change their buying habits to reduce environmental impact (Nielsen, 2018).
- Don’t forget costs. Add up how much the rewards, tech tools, and promotion cost. Compare that to the extra sales and customer loyalty you gain.
A good program should bring value to your business while helping the planet. If it costs more than it’s worth, it may need changes.
How to Avoid Greenwashing in Green Loyalty Programs
Greenwashing is when a brand says it’s helping the environment but isn’t really doing much. People care about the planet. But they also hate fake claims. A green loyalty program should be honest and real.
- Always tell the truth: If you say your eco-friendly rewards save plastic or cut carbon, prove it. Show numbers, reports, or trusted partners. For example, Ecologi reports how many trees they plant and how much CO2 they offset. This builds trust.
- Use simple language: Avoid fancy words that hide the facts. Don’t say “sustainable” unless you can explain how.
- Keep records: If you offer a green loyalty card for recycling, track how much waste you collect. Share updates with customers. Let them see the impact they’re making.
- Follow laws: Many places now check green claims. The European Union plans strict rules under the Green Claims Directive. Brands can get fines for false statements.
- Don’t exaggerate: Saying you’re “saving the planet” is too big. Instead, talk about the real changes your program makes.
Sustainable loyalty only works if people trust you. Greenwashing destroys that trust. Be honest, clear, and ready to prove your efforts.
9 Inspirational Green Loyalty Program Examples
Many brands already use green loyalty programs to help the planet and keep customers loyal. Here are ten examples showing different ways to offer eco-friendly rewards and build sustainable loyalty.
1. The Body Shop Love Your Body Club

The Body Shop lets members choose to donate rewards to eco causes instead of using them for discounts. About 50% of members choose ethical rewards (The Body Shop Annual Report, 2021).
2. Starbucks Rewards

Starbucks gives stars when customers bring a reusable cup. This has saved millions of single-use cups worldwide (Starbucks Global Environmental & Social Impact Report, 2021).
3. H&M Conscious Points

H&M’s program gives points for recycling old clothes. Members get discounts and exclusive offers. They collected over 18,000 tonnes of textiles for reuse and recycling in 2021 (H&M Group Sustainability Performance Report, 2021).
4. Lush Bring It Back

Lush rewards customers with free products for returning empty containers. In 2021, Lush customers returned over 500,000 black pots for recycling (Lush Environmental Impact Report, 2021).
5. IKEA Family

IKEA offers rewards for buying eco-friendly products. Members also get tips on living more sustainably. IKEA aims to become climate positive by 2030 (IKEA Sustainability Report, 2021).
6. Yves Rocher Green Club

Yves Rocher’s program rewards customers who choose eco-friendly products. They also plant trees for customer engagement. The brand has planted over 100 million trees since 2007 (Yves Rocher Foundation, 2022).
7. Patagonia Worn Wear

Patagonia gives credit for trading in used clothes. This keeps items out of landfills. Patagonia repaired over 100,000 garments in one year alone (Patagonia Environmental & Social Initiatives Report, 2021).
8. Ecologi Partnerships

Ecologi works with brands to let customers fund tree planting or carbon offsets as part of loyalty programs. Ecologi reports over 70 million trees planted and over 2.7 million tons of CO₂ offset (Ecologi, 2023).
9. Etihad Airways Green Loyalty Miles

Etihad offers extra loyalty miles for eco-friendly choices, like flying with less baggage or choosing direct flights to reduce emissions (Etihad Sustainability Report, 2021).
Each of these programs uses a green loyalty card or tracking system to reward people for helping the planet. They show that small changes can build trust and loyalty while making a real difference.
The Future of Green Loyalty Programs
Green Loyalty Programs will keep growing. People want brands to help solve climate problems, and this pressure will only increase.
Technology will play a bigger role. Brands may start using blockchain to prove eco claims. Blockchain records can show exactly how much carbon was saved or how many trees were planted. This can help fight greenwashing and keep trust high.
Personalized rewards will also get smarter. Brands could use AI to suggest eco-friendly rewards that match each shopper’s habits. For example, a customer who buys green cleaning products might get rewards tied to other sustainable goods.
Some programs may turn to digital eco credits. Customers could earn credits for green actions and spend them across many brands. This could strengthen and make sustainable loyalty even more flexible.
Younger customers, like Gen Z and soon Gen Alpha, will expect real action. They’re quick to call out fake promises. They want proof and clear results. Brands that ignore this risk losing them.
Governments will also tighten rules. The EU’s Green Claims Directive and new laws in other regions will demand honest reporting. Brands will have to prove every claim about helping the planet.
Final Words
Green loyalty programs are more than just rewards. They’re a way for brands to show real care for the planet. Customers notice this. They want to support businesses that match their values. With myCred, building a green loyalty system is easier. myCred lets you create points, badges, or even custom rewards that fit your brand’s goals. You can connect these actions to a green loyalty card or your online store. Green loyalty is here to stay. And with myCred, brands can make it part of how they grow and make a difference.
FAQs
Q1. What is the green loyalty program?
A green loyalty program is a rewards system that encourages people to make choices that help the environment. Instead of only earning points for buying things, customers can get eco-friendly rewards for actions like recycling, using reusable bags, or buying sustainable products. It’s a way for brands to show they care about the planet and build sustainable loyalty with customers.
Q2. What is green customer loyalty?
Green customer loyalty means customers keep coming back because they trust a brand’s commitment to the environment. People want to support businesses that share their values. When brands offer green loyalty cards or eco rewards, it helps build this trust.
Q3. Is the green program legit?
Most green loyalty programs are real and run by trusted brands. But some companies make claims they can’t prove. This is called greenwashing. Always look for clear facts.
Q4. What is the green reward platform?
A green reward platform is software that helps businesses run green loyalty programs. It tracks customer actions like recycling or eco-friendly shopping and gives out points, discounts, or donations to green causes.
Q5. What are the three R’s of loyalty programs?
In sustainability, the three R’s are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In loyalty programs, brands use these ideas to shape rewards. For example:
- Reduce: Encourage buying products with less packaging.
- Reuse: Offer rewards for bringing reusable bags or containers.
- Recycle: Give points for returning used items for recycling.
These actions help the planet and build sustainable loyalty.
Q6. Is green marketing worth it?
Yes, when it’s real. Studies show that people prefer brands that protect the planet. Nielsen found that 73% of consumers would change their buying habits to reduce environmental impact (Nielsen, 2018). Green marketing can bring new customers and keep current ones loyal. But it has to be honest.