By: Erika Stevens

Companies like Recyclebank and Bolder have been receiving press regarding their efforts to encourage change by rewarding people for doing good.  Recyclebank uses a points based loyalty program that rewards members for different recycling efforts including at home recycling in select communities, electronics recycling and using greener electricity options.  The points can be redeemed for rewards through an impressive list of partner companies.  I had the opportunity to see Morley Ivers, Chief Rewards Officer, speak at the Loyalty Expo in June 2010 about this exciting company.  The nugget that stuck with me is every city utilizing the Recyclebank program has at least 70 local business partners as well as national business partners like Coca Cola who provide rewards to engage members.  It is amazing to me that I could get a free dinner from a local restaurant just for recycling. 

Check them out at:  www.recyclebank.com

Bolder is a company that is rewarding members in San Francisco for participating in weekly challenges to do something good.  This week the challenge is “Discover Your Local CSA Farm.”  Other challenges included “Make a Car Trip a Bike Ride” and  “Eat a Superfood”.   Different local companies sponsor the weekly challenges and offer rewards to those that participate.  By posting how you completed the challenge you receive the reward from the local business.  The common link between these loyalty programs is that doing something good is used as the motivation for increased member participation. 

Check them out at:  www.actbolder.com

Loyalty programs can have a direct impact on behavior, and as demonstrated above the behavior does not always need to be a new purchase.  Loyalty can incent people to try activities they have never done before.  The ideas and options are endless. 

Please share other loyalty for good ideas or programs that you are familiar with.