Nick Cooper (left) and Matt Cosier, Co-founders and Directors, GAIA Card Ltd.
Published: November 22, 2020 | Updated: 22nd November 2020
It’s a new way to enjoy goods and services from eco-friendly independent and local businesses – and give back to the planet at the same time.
GAIA, described as the UK’s first sustainable membership card, has launched across Dorset.
Co-founded by Matt Cosier and Nick Cooper, the card already has 23 partners – all hand-picked – ranging from coffee shops and restaurants to door-to-door delivery services and health and nutrition brands.
More are joining every week.
Card holders receive a membership login for the GAIA website and a sustainable birch, bamboo or cherry membership card.
The site features the latest partner discounts and special offers.
Members can then tap the GAIA card onto their mobile device.
They search for an offer and, once selected, can save money but also earn loyalty points and rewards.
In return GAIA will plant five trees a month in a reclaimed field in neighbouring Somerset.
The GAIA Forest is being created in partnership with Tomorrow’s Forest.
GAIA’s environmental commitment includes:
GAIA is based in Bournemouth but the card goes across Dorset as well as the New Forest.
Matt, 28, who has a Master’s degree in marketing from Bournemouth University and is the Founder and Creative Director of Big Influence Media, said he came up with the idea of GAIA about 18 months ago.
He went for a drink with Nick, 26, Founder of event organiser Suddenly Funk, and both immediately agreed to turn the idea into reality.
Nick said: “We’re not eco warriors but we do believe that each of us can make a small difference and, collectively, have a big impact.
“Membership offers small, but valuable, steps in enabling people to buy services that help reduce their carbon footprint, while saving money.”
Matt said: “Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of their everyday actions.
“They are looking for products and services that do more for the people and the planet.
“GAIA is all about incentivising consumers to think and behave differently by making ethical products more accessible and affordable.
“The global pandemic has been a massive wakeup call for everyone.
“We’ve seen the lowest carbon emissions in years and in a matter of months the world has started to heal itself.
“If we can take one good thing from this; we know we can make a difference.”
GAIA is based on a subscription model.
Monthly costs are £3.49 for students/NHS staff and £4.49 for others.
Currently founding members receive free membership for their first month.
Full details can be found here.
The 23 partners already offering goods and services on GAIA are:
Nick said the business had a seven-strong team with everyone “incredibly passionate” about the project.
“We’re really excited to get going on this and, collectively, make a huge difference,” he added.
