Groupe Aeroplan,  a loyalty program, similar to Southwest’s “Rapid Rewards” or Discover Card’s  “Air Miles” is a Canadian based firm that offers similar benefits to Canadian travelers and credit card holders.

Today, GA announced that they are joining efforts with a organization called Offsetters, which is another Canadian group whose focus is providing environmentally friendly technological solutions.

What this means to Canadians (and the rest of us) is that Canadians will have the opportunity to use their air miles/rewards toward the purchase of carbon offsets and when they do so, GA will contribute an additional 20% towards these offset purchases.  Essentially, the fiscal equivalent of accumulated air miles that a travelers wishes to contribute plus 20% contributed by GA will be transferred to Offsetters who in turn will invest it in “new, energy efficiency and fuel swtching projects around the world.”

Redeeming air miles or rewards for carbon offsets is not new for GA members. Aeroplan Canada has been actively encouraging its members to use their rewards to offset their air travel and daily activities since 2007.  GA believes their partnership with Offsetters demonstrates an increased commitment to environmental stewardship.

Offsetters is reported to be Canada’s top provider of carbon offets for both public and private organizations.  The company was founded in 2005. Their mission is to create permanent reductions in emissions by promoting the adoption of new, low emissions or renewable energy technology.  Companies such as GA look to working with Offsetters to improve their corporate footprint.