GreenChoices

Money

What we do with our money sends powerful messages and demonstrates our choices. Spending money on green and ethical products and services clearly indicates our preference for those products or services. As consumers we have power - something to think about every time you open your purse or wallet, or take out your credit card or sign a cheque.

Not only do we have power when we spend, withholding our money, by boycotting products or companies, can be effective. Ethical Consumer has a list of list of current boycotts, focusing on those affecting consumers in the UK, but stresses that inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement of a particular boycott. It also explains why boycotts are used and lists some successes.

You may wish to consider moving your money to a greener bank or investing in ethical funds. Fair trade is another means of making your money contribute to a more just world, while Local Exchange Trading Schemes, Timebanks and credit unions are among the alternative financial institutions. So there are greener ways of using your money regardless of how much, or how little, you have. And, for the enthusiastic 'green economist' see more information.