OUR GENERAL CONCEPT

This is the general idea that we have all decided to follow... It needs refining, so Leah and i came up with a list of areas that we will need to research in order to shape our idea in terms of budget constraints etc. Emma also suggested that we research other countries and see if a similar scheme exists to base our pitch on.


Idea:

A points system that rewards and provides incentives to encourage people to use public transport and purchase environmentally sustainable products and services.

Points are received when a card/keyring/barcode is swiped at public transport ticketing machines and at retail outlets. Retail outlets and suppliers must comply with “Eco Card’s” sustainability standards to qualify for participation rights in the rewards incentive program.

Users must register on the “Eco Card” website where they will then be able to access a record of points accumulated via a username/login system. This website will act as a database which provides the user with information about where they can spend their points. This will be determined by sponsors that qualify for the program. Points can be spent online to receive discounts on bills or to purchase environmentally friendly products that are certified by “Eco Card”. Or discount vouchers can be printed off and used in-store.

This system provides incentives for the consumer to be more environmentally aware and to encourage further use of public transport and to purchase environmentally sustainable products over other non-sustainable transport and products.




Research:

• MyKi Card – what services it provides, what does it do? What is it made of? Does it have an existing barcode/electronic strip to record info? Do you have to pay for it.

• FlyBuys Card – How does the system work – is there any potential to expand on the program (ie. “Green Card”)

• Costs behind manufacturing new cards and keyrings or Barcode printing to stick onto cards.

• Carbon credit trading programs in other countries? Do they exist?

• Biodegradable or recycled plastic (in terms of card manufacturing).

• Costs behind implementing a website/database.

• Look into appropriate sponsors/contact them: Green energy suppliers Energy efficient products, ie light globes, shower head, water tanks etc Free advertising and promotion – Channel 10, Media Puzzle (Billboards), Government funded advertising.
  

If there is anything else, please add it to this list. I think we should delegate a research task to each person, so we can cover all areas...