Sustainable and ethical investment options
Your banking institution. Choose to bank with a community bank, local community credit co-op or a bank that is known for its social, ethical and environmental credentials. Be sure to get past the ‘green wash' and check claims; just because a banking institution advertises social or green credentials does not mean it really has them.
Your superannuation scheme. Check your super scheme's sustainable investment packages to see if any suit. Remember that you can now choose your preferred superannuation scheme regardless of whether you are with an industry scheme or not, so shop widely and wisely.
Your electricity. A simple and fantastic way to invest in a low-carbon future that guarantees new renewable energy sources for electricity is to purchase 100% accredited GreenPower for all your electricity needs. Select a cost competitive and credible retailer from the Green Electricity Watch website.
Your shares and stocks. Australia has one of the highest share-market participation rates in the world. Invest in stocks and shares of companies that:
- use sustainably sourced, renewable and recyclable materials for their products.
- produce renewable energy or are involved in low-carbon alternatives.
- are developing green technologies.
- practice environmental and social responsibility in manufacturing processes through waste minimisation, efficient use of energy, water, fuel and resources, and with no loss of local community wellbeing.
- produce natural, organic, non-toxic and biodegradable food and products.
- invest in local social and environmental health.
- investing in developing new and bio-diverse ecosystems and rainforests as ‘greenhouse sinks' (i.e., places that help to ‘clean up' carbon emissions).
- do not support or have subsidiary companies that manufacture greenhouse-intensive or polluting products and services.
Your mortgage. Investigate lending institutions that offer ‘Green Loans'. A discounted interest rate is offered for purchases and renovations that result in at least 5-star building energy rating performance. The Federal Government has also introduced an interest free loan scheme of $10,000-20,000 to green up your home to increase its energy- and water-efficiency and minimise heating and cooling costs.