More people are paying a lot more attention to Green these days, and not just in their accounts and in their wallets. They are also paying attention to how environmentally friendly the companies are that they interact with.

How “green” a business is can even be the deciding factor in whether or not they are selected as a business partner. As a result, there are a lot of questionable claims being made by companies that are trying to connect with this green movement, which in turn makes skeptics of us all. So if your credit union is “Thinking Green” for your next marketing pitch, just be sure it rings true.

Here are five ideas (and the financial institutions that have used them):

1. Shredding Days to help members get rid of documents that could expose them to identity theft, plus sign them up for bill pay and e-statements. (Spokane Teachers CU)

2. Green Accounts that let current accounts change to avoid unnecessary paper (no paper statements, no checks, no mailings, etc.), get cash rewards for doing so, and help plant some trees. (HSBC)

3. Lower rate home equity loans for energy saving home renovations (VanCity) or lower mortgage rates for greener houses. (TD Canada Trust)

4. Discounts/lower rates for fuel efficient car loans. (VanCity, Credit Union Atlantic, Florida CU, NIH FCU, MIT FCU and many, many others)

5. Visa cards that accumulate points/share profits with local environmental groups. (VanCity)

Kent Dicken is El Queso Grande of iDiz Incorporated, where they help marketers make better credit unions. Contact him at 317-576-0602 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Reprinted with permission.