Gemalto has launched the world’s first bio-sourced degradable smart cards. According to the company, "the card body is made from renewable material, is easily recyclable and compostable, and can be incinerated without emissions of toxic fumes. Additionally, Gemalto offers packaging made from recycled paper and vegetable inks that significantly reduce the product’s environmental impact. Gemalto’s bio-sourced smart cards will be ready for mass production in the first quarter of 2010." READ MORE

Fiserv and SunTrust have announced 'they will donate one tree for every SunTrust customer who signs up for electronic bill (e-bill) activation or pays at least three bills online or via a mobile phone between April 14 and June 30, 2008. With assistance from the Arbor Day Foundation, Fiserv and SunTrust have set a goal of planting more than 10,000 trees as part of the campaign.' READ MORE

Wells Fargo has announced it is 'offering consumers a $250 incentive for the purchase of new residential photovoltaic solar energy systems, hosting a sweepstake to encourage customers to bank online, and expanding its Wells Fargo Rewards program to include a line of eco-friendly options.' READ MORE

Citi, the world's largest provider of credit cards, has announced the launch of its EcoSweepstakes, "a promotion to encourage customers to go paperless. Every time cardmembers enroll in one of Citi's convenient online account management services or perform eligible activities, they are automatically entered to win great green prizes, including a Brand new hybrid car or a green home makeover." READ MORE

The PayItGreen Alliance says it is "asking consumers to turn off paper bills and statements and make payments electronically. The Alliance, comprised of leaders in the financial and consumer billing industries, was formed in 2007 to educate consumers about the positive environmental impact of choosing electronic bills, statements and payments over paper alternatives. The Alliance has named April as PayItGreen Month to launch this initiative."

In an article titled 'Credit Cards' Latest Pitch: Green Benefits', Carolyn Cui writes for the Wall St. Journal about various card issuer initiatives 'designed to cash in on people's worries about global warming.'

Bank of America has announced that it has teamed with the organization Brighter Planet to "offer a credit card that helps customers reduce their contribution to climate change and invest in the development of clean, renewable energy projects."

Cherie Berkley writes for Bankrate.com about "the greening of credit cards".

NACHA has announced the formation of a "green coalition" to educate consumers about the positive environmental impacts of choosing electronic bills, statements, and payments over paper. The leadership partners include Bank of America, CheckFree, Citibank, Citizens Bank, EPN, the Federal Reserve Banks, Fiserv, JPMorgan Chase, Wachovia, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank.

Claudia Deutsch writes for the New York Times about GE Money's expected launch today of the GE Money Earth Rewards Platinum MasterCard - a card that "allows cardholders to forgo a 1 percent cash rebate on purchases and earmark that amount for projects that reduce greenhouse gases."

Javelin Strategy & Research has published a new report titled "2007 Online Banking and Bill Payment: Trends, Forecasts, and Strategies for Reinvigorating Growth and Adoption" that suggests that "consumers can financially do well by doing good, improving financial control while eliminating the paper bills, statements and checks that harm the environment through forest destruction, wastewater, fuel consumption, air pollution and landfill waste."

As part of an initiative to integrate its business practices with environmental responsibility, PNC Bank has announced plans to ensure new bank branches meet U.S. Green Building Council Standards.

"As a bank we recognize the importance of wise investments and that the integration of green principles into our business practices enhances the value we deliver to customers, shareholders, communities and employees," says Neil Hall, CEO of regional community banking at PNC. "Good environmental sense makes good economic sense."