Earth Aid is about educating households about your energy and water use, helping you save, and rewarding you when you do save.

.

Q: Does this service cost me anything?

A: No. This is a free service, and that's the way we'll keep it. There are no hidden costs.
Back to Top

Q: How does the point system and the Earth Aid Rewards Program work?

A: Every time Earth Aid retrieves your latest consumption readings, you earn Earth Aid Rewards Points for each kilowatt-hour of electricity, each ten cubic feet of natural gas, and every twenty gallons of water that you save relative to your baseline. You can redeem your Earth Aid Rewards Points for special offers from our network of Earth Aid Rewards Partners in certain locations throughout the country. It's very easy to redeem your points for an offer: simply select your offer from the Earth Aid Rewards listings, press "Redeem" to cash in your points, print your coupon and present it to the Rewards Partner!
Back to Top

Q: How much energy do I have to save in order to participate? Is there a minimum?

A: There is no minimum. And there is no penalty if you don't end up reducing your energy use over the course of the year, so participation is risk-free. But once we provide you with customized tips on how to lower your monthly utility bills - along with the promise of rewarding you when you reduce your use - we'd be surprised if you don't save energy!
Back to Top

Q: If I give Earth Aid access to my utility account information, what can you see?

A: We can only see what you see on a monthly statement from your utility company: How much energy you've used, and how much the utility company has charged you. By signing up you are allowing us to "read your meter" so that we can measure your energy use and report back to you on the amount you save over time. Most people don't mind sharing this information. We don't have access to any information related to the payment of your utility bills.
Back to Top

Q: How does Earth Aid protect my privacy?

A: We take both the security and privacy of your information very seriously. Only you can see your energy and water consumption information unless you choose to share it with others. As per our membership agreement, we simply do not share your personally identifiable information with third-parties without your explicit consent.
Back to Top

Q: How does Earth Aid make money providing all of this for free?

A: Some of our Rewards Partners pay Earth Aid for promotional consideration as part of our innovative new framework that makes it possible for businesses to effectively sponsor sustainability in their neighborhoods. In some cases, we may receive a fee or other payment by bundling certain of our members' annual energy savings with those of thousands of other households and representing them on efficiency or other commodity markets. We work hard to keep Earth Aid free for all our Members.
Back to Top

Q: How do you determine a "baseline" of energy use?

Your baseline is calculated based on your past consumption. Earth Aid uses all available historical data generate a representative annual consumption profile (your “baseline”) against which each of your new statements are compared.
Back to Top

Q: Once I sign up, how long do I have to participate in order to earn rewards?

Currently, Earth Aid requires one full year's worth of past consumption data to establish a baseline. We're working on some new features that will allow all new members to begin earning rewards immediately.
Back to Top

Q: Is there a way I can help spread the word about Earth Aid?

A: Definitely! The Earth Aid team is made up of community organizers from a wide variety of backgrounds, and we're already working with students and neighbors to help spread the word and to create new incentives for households to save energy all around the country. If you have an afternoon, evening, or weekend that you can bring to the cause, please reach out and contact us to get involved!
Back to Top

Q: How can I sign up my business as an Earth Aid Rewards Partner?

A: Signing up a business anywhere in the United States is easy and free! You can contact us at anytime with any questions or proceed straight to signing up by completing the form at: earthaid.net/rewardspartner. We'll be in touch to confirm your offer and to help you get started as an Earth Aid Rewards Partner!
Back to Top

Q: Are there other ways I can become involved?

A: We'd love to have you involved in any of several organizing campaigns we'll be unveiling shortly. If you'd like to learn more, please send a note to Andrew at andrew [at] earthaid [dot] net.
Back to Top

Q: What if there aren't any Earth Aid Rewards Partners near me?

A: We'll be expanding the Earth Aid Rewards Program across the country as quickly as we're able - and there may yet be new Rewards options in your area soon! You can help to start things off talking with the folks at your favorite local business about the Earth Aid Rewards Program, and asking them to sign up for free at: earthaid.net/rewardspartner. If you'd prefer to earn cash payments instead of Earth Aid Rewards Points, you can participate in Earth Aid's voluntary carbon market program instead.
Back to Top

Q: If I participate in the voluntary carbon market program, how do you sell "saved" energy?

A: Think of it this way: Just like there is a market for using energy, there's a market for saving energy. How much less energy you use in your home between one year and the next, according to your utility bills, can be calculated as a carbon credit. A carbon credit can be sold to anyone participating in what is referred to as a "voluntary carbon market." In the U.S., companies of all sizes - ranging from the Fortune 500 company to the corner store - are already spending millions to voluntarily purchase carbon credits that support green projects all around the world. Earth Aid allows businesses to partner with American household to help fight global warming.
Back to Top

Q: I know I can lower my utility bills and receive rewards too - but what is the benefit to the planet?

A: Making your home more energy efficient not only lowers your utility bills but also reduces your energy consumption. Cutting back on your energy use decreases greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming. It's a win-win for you and the planet!
Back to Top