We first heard about Earth Aid last autumn, when the D.C.-based group enlisted several D.C. Council members to launch a green rewards network. Earth Aid encourages residents to lower their utility usage by helping to monitor their electric, natural gas, and water bills. Consumers earn points, redeemable for rewards from local business partners, when their usage drops a certain amount below their own personal baseline. One point can be earned for every kilowatt hour of electricity, 10 cubic feet of natural gas, or 20 gallons of water saved.

Most of the rewards run around 75 points, and the choices range from not bad to nearly worthless. Founding Farmers and Farmers and Fishers restaurants are Earth Aid partners, and both offer $25 gift cards for 75 points. There are also free yoga classes, coupons for $15 off a $100 purchase from organic meal delivery service Healthy Bites, buy one get one free frozen yogurt deals, free desserts with entrée at various restaurants, or even just a dollar off one “green lift” juice at Busboys and Poets.