# Greencentives Increasing eco-friendly actions through the use of rewards. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Feb 28, 2012, updated Mar 14, 2012 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/greencentives ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 10 ## What is the Greencentives trend? **Greencentives:** Although many consumers have good intentions to contribute more to environmental causes, the truth is, many can't be bothered -- unless there is something in it for them. To get more people on the green band wagon, brands and organizations are creating rewards-based programs that provide incentive for performing eco-friendly actions like recycling, biking or sharing vehicles. As a result, consumers get small- to medium-sized rewards -- for instance, coupons at their favorite retailers -- and the motivation to continue decreasing their ecological footprints. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 10 featured examples - Articles from: May 25, 2011 to Jan 25, 2012 - Published: Feb 28, 2012 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Greencentives trend ### Rewards-Based Programs Brands and organizations are creating rewards-based programs that provide incentive for performing eco-friendly actions like recycling, biking or sharing vehicles. ### Social Media in Eco-Friendly Programs Social media is being used to promote eco-friendly programs that are designed tohelp consumers make more eco-friendly choices. ### Employee Eco Tracking Companies are turning to eco-friendly practices by tracking employees' carbon footprints so they can be rewarded accordingly. ## What the Greencentives trend means for industry ### For Gamification Industry Incentives and rewards-based programs in eco-friendly practices have huge potential in gamification industry. ### For Social Media Industry Eco-friendly rewards-based programs that use social media as its main promotion have high potential in social media industry. ### For Corporate Sustainability Industry Employee eco-tracking programs have significant innovation opportunities in corporate sustainability industry. ## Trend signals for Greencentives Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 25%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 25% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Greencentives trend 10 featured examples from May 25, 2011 to Jan 25, 2012. - [Rewarding Recycling Bins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yunjin-changs-recycling-machine): Yunjin Chang's Recycling Machine Trades Treats for Trash (Category: Eco) Implication: Implementing innovative waste management practices for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. - [Retailer Fashion Recycling Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marks-spencer-clothes-exchange): Marks & Spencer 'Clothes Exchange' Project (Category: Eco) Implication: Retailers can seize the opportunity to implement fashion recycling programs and strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives. - [Employee Eco Tracking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainability-momentum): Sustainability Momentum Helps Brands Monitor Workers' Carbon Footprint (Category: Eco) Implication: The development of programs like Sustainability Momentum by CloudApps presents a significant opportunity for the Sustainability Software industry to innovate and grow - [Rewards-Based Biking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pleasecycle): PleaseCycle Offers an Air Miles-Like Program for Cyclists (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Potential for employee benefits companies to offer rewards-based programs that incentivize biking. - [Charitable Social Media Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-impact): Double Impact Rewards You for Eco-Friendly Living (Category: Eco) Implication: Integrate charitable components into games to engage users and encourage them to make a positive impact on society. - [Tagged Reusable Rewards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coca-cola-recycling-king): The Coca-Cola Recycling King Competition Uses Facebook to Give Back (Category: Marketing) Implication: Promoting eco-friendly initiatives, sponsoring contests, and incorporating social advertising can create opportunities for the beverage industry to gain a competitive edge and bui… - [Green Lotto Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thecarbonlottery): The Carbon Lottery is the First Environmental Lottery (Category: Eco) Implication: The renewable energy industry can leverage the concept of a green lottery to encourage public participation and investment in renewable energy projects. - [Consumption-Cutting Incentives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banco-cyan): Banco Cyan Rewards Customers Who Cut Back on Their Water Usage (Category: Eco) Implication: The innovative approach of Banco Cyan in incentivizing customers to reduce water usage presents an opportunity for banks to create similar reward programs that encourage sustainab… - [Rewards-Based Eco Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/changers-solar-charging-system): The Changers Solar Charging System Racks up Credits for Perks (Category: Eco) Implication: The renewable energy industry can develop more user-friendly products that allow customers to track their energy usage and emissions, while creating a rewards system for eco-frien… - [Electric Car-Sharing Schemes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-vehicle): Getaround Gives Deals to PlugShare Members (Category: Autos) Implication: Getaround's platform for peer-to-peer car sharing is disrupting the traditional car rental industry, providing a more flexible and affordable option for transportation. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Eco - [Backpack-Sized Folding Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blizwheel-f05) - [Aftermarket Cyclist Motor Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-oxiis-e250g1) - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Sustainability-Focused Brand Progress Reports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-summary) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)