Bright idea: Online sales fund solar energy

The Netherlands – When consumers make purchases on Dutch website Do The Bright Thing, 10% of their money is invested in solar energy.

Do The Bright Thing links to more than 500 online retailers and sells over 1m products, from books and DVDs to toys, games and laptops. Customers must first sign up to the site before they can search for products. Next to the prices, the company has listed the amount of energy that was used in the manufacture of each product. It promises to fund solar panels that produce the same amount of energy used to make the chosen item.

Prices on Do The Bright Thing are no higher than on the original brand websites. The company is funded by affiliate marketing revenue – 20% of which it keeps, the rest going towards the solar investment. Customers are sent news about the solar panels funded by their purchase by email. Around 5% of the investment will take place in developing countries.

For more examples of brands with consciences see our Conscience Commerce microtrend.