The Fine Print
(Because every good adventure needs a map.)
First things first: welcome.
The Sustainable Steps Step Counter exists for one reason — to encourage more people to make small choices that add up to a healthier planet.
It began as a rewards system for purchases — to give repeat buyers a loyalty perk. That’s why the Steps add up faster for purchases than anything else. (1 Step per dollar spent.)
But then we wanted to add something cool: a way for people to wear the message without any money down. To do this without going broke — and to make sure the free t-shirts go to people who care, who really mean it when they wear the message — we added a Step Counter for just participating in the process.
These points — the honour system check boxes and link clicks — are slower to earn, but if you keep at it, it shouldn’t take long to walk a quarter mile and earn a $5 coupon. To earn a t-shirt free and clear will take a bit longer — but by the time you’ve earned one, we’ll be very happy to put it in the mail for you.
Our Right To Change
Your Step Counter is provided free of charge. The points you earn have no cash value and aren’t a bank account, investment, cryptocurrency, or retirement plan (sorry!).
They’re simply our way of celebrating positive action.
Sometimes you’ll be able to exchange points for discounts, prizes, digital rewards, or other goodies. Sometimes we’ll create fun challenges. Sometimes we’ll invent something completely new.
Because we’re constantly improving Sustainable Steps, the program will change over time.
That means we reserve the right to:
- change how points are earned
- change point values
- add or remove rewards
- create new badges, challenges, or bonus events
- introduce or remove earning limits
- change redemption requirements
- pause or discontinue any part of the program
- update these terms whenever necessary
We’ll always try to make changes thoughtfully and fairly, but flexibility helps us keep the program fun and sustainable.
Play Fair
We believe most people are genuinely trying to make the world better.
Please prove us right.
That means no:
- creating fake accounts
- using bots or automated systems
- exploiting bugs or loopholes
- repeatedly claiming activities you didn’t actually do
- manipulating referrals or shares
- attempting to inflate your points unfairly
- interfering with the experience of other members
If we believe an account is abusing the system, we may:
- remove points
- remove badges
- reverse rewards
- suspend or permanently close an account
- block future participation
We don’t enjoy doing any of that.
We’d much rather celebrate your next Sustainable Step.
Points Aren’t Permanent
Think of points like stickers in a fun challenge—not money in a savings account.
Points:
- have no monetary value
- cannot be transferred unless we specifically allow it
- cannot be exchanged for cash
- are not property
- may expire if we introduce expiration rules in the future
- may be adjusted if awarded by mistake
If our system accidentally gives you 50,000 points because the internet had a weird day…we’ll probably take those back.
Fair’s fair.
Reward Limits (Because Balance Is Good)
Some actions deserve unlimited celebration.
Others need a few guardrails so one enthusiastic person (or one very determined robot) doesn’t earn a billion points before breakfast.
Here’s how earning limits generally work.
Daily Limits
Daily limits reset each day.
Earn 1 Step for:
- visiting the site (1 point for showing up — only counts if you’re logged in)
Earn 5 Steps each for:
- commenting on a blog post
- reviewing an item
- sharing content on social media (once we work out the tech glitches to get that online!)
Why the daily limits? We want you to relax and enjoy the journey, and give each action meaning — not race through steps to get them done.
Lifetime Limits
Earn 1 Step for most checklist items. These are scattered through the site, and we’re adding new ones all the time. Once you’ve checked it off, it’ll stay crossed off as a little reminder of one more sustainable choice you’ve made.
Earn 10 Steps for creating your account.
No Limits
Some items have no cap.
Earn 1 Step for each dollar spent in our shop. We will reverse Steps for refunds/returns, and we reserve the right to reverse Steps if we smell a scam, but overall, this one is pretty solid in its no limit plan.
Earn 10 Steps when you invite a friend to join the site. They don’t have to shop here, just set up an account and be part of our community. There’s no current limit to how many friends you can invite, but if we feel that one account is adding robots (or robotically inviting friends), we’ll investigate that, too.
We May Ask for Proof
Most activities operate on the honour system.
Occasionally we may ask for verification, especially for larger rewards.
That could include:
- a photo
- a receipt
- event confirmation
- a short explanation
- another reasonable form of verification
If we can’t verify an activity, we may decline or reverse the associated points.
Bugs Happen
We work hard to make everything accurate, but technology occasionally does something unexpected.
If the Step Counter behaves strangely, awards incorrect points, or experiences technical issues, we reserve the right to correct mistakes—even if that means adjusting your balance.
We’ll always aim to do what’s fair.
Rewards May Change
Rewards come and go.
Sometimes a reward becomes more popular than expected.
Sometimes a partner changes their offer.
Sometimes we discover an even better reward.
Because of that, rewards may be added, removed, substituted, paused, or changed without notice.
If a reward is unavailable, we’ll do our best to offer something equally awesome.
Be Kind
Sustainable Steps is built around optimism.
Treat fellow members, partners, volunteers, and our team with kindness and respect.
Harassment, hate speech, fraud, or illegal activity may result in removal from the program.
The goal is simple:
Leave the world—and this community—a little better than you found it.
One Last Thing
If you’re here because you genuinely want to make a difference, we’re thrilled you’ve joined us.
These guidelines aren’t here because we expect the worst from people.
They’re here so we can protect something good.
Thanks for helping us build a community based on trust, curiosity, and thousands of small steps that really do add up.
Now go earn some Steps.