Association for Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Asia
Press releases & notable news
HSBC Plants Shrubs in Advertising for First Time to Promote Green Credit Card
HSBC Release
Date: April 15, 2008
HSBC is planting green spots at some unexpected but busy places around Hong Kong to bring to life the appeal of its green credit card for environmentally conscious consumers. For the first time, plants are featuring in outdoor advertising. An LCD screen in Central is also displaying the hand prints of Hong Kong people who wish to send messages of support for the environment.
The green credit card promotes awareness that it is possible to benefit the environment while shopping for fashion, dining out or enjoying entertainment. In a special green promotion for the launch, successful applicants will receive a HK$500 spending credit, a set of three limited edition Envirosax® eco-friendly shopping bags and an annual fee waiver for the first two years.
A green panel 90 metres long with large displays built from plants has been erected at the travellator linking Central MTR and Hong Kong MTR stations. The LCD panel measuring 62” x 84” shows handprints and messages left by commuters who want to “make their green mark” at an electronic kiosk linked to the large monitor.
In the shopping, dining and entertainment mecca of Causeway Bay, a massive six metre green logo with the stylish “g” of the green credit card has been erected atop the Hang Lung building. Grass sculptures standing 1.5 metres tall have been erected in Paterson Street to give consumers a taste of green in the busy district. Buses have been turned green with environmental messages on exteriors with plants placed inside, also sculpted with the “g” mark.
“Hong Kong people want more green in their lives. That’s why we are planting these innovative sculptures in some of the busiest parts of the city: these decorations remind people it’s possible to make your green mark while shopping, dining, enjoying entertainment or travelling,” said Louisa Cheang, Head of Personal Financial Services for Hong Kong.
Designated merchants that offer environmentally friendly products or services have special privileges for green card customers:
- The Body Shop is offering 10% off purchases over HK$350 on regular priced products.
- Origins is providing the green credit card holders a 15-minute Origins Wellness Massage and a complimentary trial-sized skincare sample set with any purchase of skin care and body care products.
- Aveda is offering 5% discount on regular-priced products and 10% off regular-priced treatments at the Aveda Lifestyle Salon / Spa.
- The Hong Kong Wetland Park is offering a complimentary admission ticket for an adult when presenting the HSBC green credit card on Saturdays from 9.30am to 12pm.
- Ocean Park is offering green credit cardholders a 10% discount for the Dolphin Encounter package and Behind-The-Scenes tour.
- The Organic Times Organic Store and Café is providing 12% off any purchase of regular priced items of HK$200 or more (except for already discounted items or special promotion items).
With the Bank’s first green credit card, which is now open for applications, customers will also be contributing to the setting up of green roofs in a number of schools in Hong Kong, as HSBC will donate an equivalent sum of 0.1% of cardholder spending to the HSBC Green Roof for Schools programme.
The green card campaign, carrying the “Make Your Green Mark with the HSBC green credit card” tagline, kicked off on 23 March 2008 with an event featuring actor and environmental campaigner Leonardo DiCaprio. HSBC also sponsored the Hong Kong premiere of The 11th Hour, Mr DiCaprio’s feature-length environmental documentary.