To reward consumers for making green-friendly purchases, the UK's Co-Operative bank recently began issuing its "Think Credit Card." The card is made from PETG plastic which is a bit more eco-friendly than the usual PVC plastic that other cards use.

When card holders make ethical purchases from participating stores like Lush (natural products), Ikea (common sense?), Raleigh bikes (to reduce driving) and others, or take public transit booked with thetrainline.com or Arriva, card holders will only have to pay 7% interest instead of the regular rate of 14% for a period of 6 months.

Plus, shoppers can receive discounts from participating stores. And, the Bank will donate 25p for every £100 spent with the card to Cool Earth (a rainforest charity).

Like most charity credit cards, the donations are very low. This card donates only 0.25% of purchases to charity, but will also protect 1/2 acre of rainforest through Cool Earth for each card holder that uses the card at least once.

Do you think this is just a clever marketing tactic to get green-conscious shoppers to sign up for one more credit card?

~Linda Bustos is an Editor for Creditorweb.com where you can learn about credit cards and other loans.