Credit cards, for many Americans, are not single-use plastic.
But with such an emphasis on the topic these days, American Express and environmental group Parley for the Oceans is out with news about a new credit card aimed at the issue.
American Express is launching what the financial company calls "the first ever" credit card primarily made from plastics reclaimed by Parley from beaches, islands and coastal communities.
The company also is creating a project to help clean up to 1 million pounds of plastics through beach clean-up efforts in conjunction with Parley.
American Express also is developing a credit card recycling program.
The new credit card made primarily from recycled plastic will launch later this year, and the recycling program is set for next year for consumer, small business and corporate cards in the United States. Users can send expired or defective cards to the company for recovery.
"We're committed to raising awareness for the issue of marine plastic pollution and doing our part to care for the oceans and coastal communities that we all share," Doug Buckminster, a group president for American Express, in a statement.
Cyrill Gutsch is founder for Parley, and does not hid his disdain for plastic, calling it "a design failure."
"By making their legendary green card with Parley Ocean Plastic, American Express introduces another symbol of change — and with it, a powerful commitment and an invitation for everyone to support our movement," he said in a statement.
The clean-up efforts are tied to a social media campaign that urges people to use the #BackOurOceans hashtag on the @AmericanExpress or @parley.tv Instagram accounts and explain why they want to be involved. American Express and Parley will pick up 2 pounds of plastics for each person who comments, up to 1 million pounds.
Along with backing Parley, American Express also wants to eliminate single-use plastics at company operations around the world.
A first step has been to discontinue use of plastic straws and stirrers from the company's headquarters, office facilities and operating centers.
The company also replaced single-use plastics in all cafeterias in the United States. Employees are now offered reusable or compostable packaging and utensils, the company said.
In a public facing move, plastic reduction efforts are taking place at the company's Centurion Lounges located at airports and open to certain card holders. All single-use plastic has been removed from those sites currently located in Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, the company said.
America Express also is providing nearly $2 million in grant money to Ocean Conservancy and National Geographic Society to help fund marine plastic pollution efforts.