Tom Ryan of RetailWire.com recently started a discussion on greening loyalty programs. From chlorine-free diapers to recycled trash bags, brands are coming up with creative ways to join the green movement. How can you make your green customer loyalty program stand out? One way to make your loyalty program stand out is by having exceptional green customer benefits.

Green Customer Benefits

Many brands will offer reward points through a credit card or debit card. Customers can then use these points to donate to a “green project” of their choice that the brand supports. However, this only appeals to a select group of customers. The majority of customers would rather use the earned points to reward themselves. How can you provide a green reward system that can benefit more customers as well as the environment? Offer eco-friendly products such as green home products or organic pet toys.

For Earth Day on April 22, Toys ‘R’ Us launched an eco-friendly line of toys including Natural Wooden Toys, Natural Cotton plush animals, and Organic Cotton Dolls. More children and parents are becoming environmentally conscious and the introduction of eco-friendly toys by Toys ‘R” Us shows how the company is making an effort to cater to this lifestyle.

Toys ‘R’ Us further differentiates their product offerings and has a competitive advantage over other retailers who do not have an eco-friendly line. For children, they can enjoy the benefits of all natural toys that do not have chemicals or lead paint which other toys non eco-friendly toys might have.