February 2021: Finances Challenge
We don’t tend to think about what our banks, pension providers and insurance companies do with our money, but they invest it. And most are investing it in fossil fuels! HSBC and Barclays are the biggest offenders.
One of the highest-impact things that we can do for the planet is to put pressure on the institutions that hold our money, and to vote with our feet (well, wallets).
So let’s green up our finances. Pick one of more of the following challenges to do this month – or make up your own.
We don’t tend to think about what our banks, pension providers and insurance companies do with our money, but they invest it. And most are investing it in fossil fuels! HSBC and Barclays are the biggest offenders.
One of the highest-impact things that we can do for the planet is to put pressure on the institutions that hold our money, and to vote with our feet (well, wallets).
So let’s green up our finances. Pick one of more of the following challenges to do this month – or make up your own.
- ACTION: Switch bank accounts so that your money is not a part of investments in fossil fuels, fracking, and/or nuclear. Take a look at our page on Divestment and Positive Investment for where to go instead. Tell your old bank why you left!
- ACTION: Ask your pension provider how your pension pot is funded. Demand change or move your money if you don’t like the answers. Consider the Nest Ethical Fund among your options if you decide to switch, as well as looking at our Divestment/ Investment page.
- ACTION: Ask your insurers two questions: which industries are they insuring, and where are the company’s funds invested. Tell them you’re worried about climate change, and want their policies to be in line with a 2030 carbon-neutrality goal. If you don’t like their response, you know what to do…
- ACTION: Your savings! Off we go again…
- ACTION: Donate to a local environmental campaign. Bear in mind that we are one! We rely on donations to support our paid secretary, without whom we couldn’t keep going. Here’s how to donate to us.
- RESEARCH: Read Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth.
- RESEARCH: Watch Kate Raworth give a potted version of her Doughnut Economics ideas in this 15-minute TED talk.
- RESEARCH: Watch The Economics of Happiness, which is now free on Vimeo.
- CAMPAIGN: Sign the petition telling the Bank of England to stop funding the climate crisis!
- AMPLIFY: Boost any positive efforts you’ve made this month by encouraging friends along. Bear in mind that when referring a friend to Triodos, Triodos will donate £25 to your choice between Friends of the Earth, the RSPB, or the Soil Association.
