Three reasons why I’m slicing up my Chase Visa card today

A couple of months ago, a group of six of us — friends and fellow authors — were having lunch at a local Bethesda restaurant. As we got ready to split the bill six ways, we all pulled out the same credit card from our wallets: the United Airlines Explorer visa card, issued by Chase Bank. What a sight and I wish I had thought to snap a photo.

One of the six — Lawrence MacDonald — who is writing a book on what Boomers can do to save the planet said this: “Imagine if all of us and thousands more cut up our Chase visa cards on the same day to send a message to United Airlines and to Chase Bank that we will no longer funnel our money through Chase as long as they continue to fund fossil fuel companies?” Well, this is exactly what is being done today across the globe through an initiative organized by Bill McKibben’s Third Act. Their aim is to get customers to close their bank accounts and credit cards at the four biggest banks lending to oil companies: Bank of America, Chase, CitiBank and Wells Fargo.

After more than two decades of using this visa card and enjoying the benefits of racking up 100s of 1000s of miles, here are the reasons I’m cutting up my card today:

First, it’s empowering to be a part of a bigger movement. When I cut up my card in a few hours, I know that my individual action will be amplified many times over. This increases the likelihood that the message will get across to my target audience.

Second, it’s good to practice what I preach. My current career focused on zero waste is based entirely on empowering individuals to make changes that reduce their carbon and waste footprints, and to use their behaviors and leverage to influence others in their spheres. What better way to accomplish this than to take this simple act and let others know about it?

Third, it’s the least I can do. There is so much that needs to be done in the coming few years to avert the worst climate change scenarios. (Have you seen the latest UN climate report that came out today? Oh boy). Some actions require more sacrifice, some much less. This is an easy one. Forbes estimates that the average American holds three credit cards at the same time. I have four in my wallet. I intend to use my local credit union card instead of my Chase visa one. Not much of a sacrifice at all. I guess I might miss accumulating all those miles, but frankly, this is a First World problem.

If you join the effort, be sure to let United Airlines and Chase Bank know why you are cutting up their cards. My friend and publisher, Tim Ward, wrote a great article on Medium which includes the language he is using to let United Airlines’ CEO know why he is quitting their card with Chase.

Collective action helps us make an appreciable difference. That’s why I’m joining others today in taking this action.

Originally posted to Zero Waste in DC.