With growing public awareness on the harms inflicted by plastic on the environment. Many have started turning away from plastic packaging, bags, and straws alike. However, most may not consider less obvious sources of the plastic crisis – like those found in your plastic credit card. Partnering with environmental organization, Parley for the Oceans, American Express is planning to provide its customers with the first credit card ever made using ocean plastic. The finance company also states its commitment to reduce single-use plastics in its global operations.

With the intent to raise awareness on the environment, the ocean plastic credit card will be manufactured using plastics recovered from coasts and oceans. In their press release, American Express revealed that the card was at prototype stages, and may be slated for a release after a year.

Parley for the Oceans’ “Avoid, Intercept, Redesign” (AIR) philosophy has also inspired the finance corporate to pledge to “limit single-use plastics, intercept plastic waste and redesign existing materials and plastic products.” They have already stated several measures to be taken, including the phasing out of single-use plastic straws and stirrers for Centurion airport lounges and major offices in roughly a month. American Express will also undertake annual company-run coastal and river clean-ups, and is set to entirely cut single-use plastic in all operations by late 2018. Lastly, the company is aiming for a zero waste certification by 2025 for its Headquarters in New York City.

Parley for the Oceans founder Cyrill Gutsch states: “Every second breath we take is created by the oceans, without them, we can’t exist. American Express is creating a symbol of change and inviting their network to shape a blue future, one based on creativity, collaboration and eco-innovation.”

Source: Inhabitat