Don’t finance a polluter
Large (and small) corporations which are responsible for environmental pollution, violation of human rights, manufacturing weapons, etc are all financed by either banks and/or governments. Do you have some saving money? Then you run the risk this is being used to finance exactly those corporations which undermine your efforts to create a better world. Would be prefer to be part of the solution than the problem, then it’s a good idea to check where your bank is putting your money.
I think a lot of people are not aware of this fact. But it probably comprises a large deal of the influence you have upon the world – especially when you actually do own some money and aren’t a completely broke student.
This is what you can do:
- send your bank e-mails, requesting information on which corporations they finance. If you find out they are sponsoring some Bad Guys, ask them why, and to change their policy. I am truly convinced such e-mails really help. Stakeholder (yep, that’s you!) pressure is determined to be a central factor influencing environmental proactiveness. Even a relatively small amount of such e-mails can cause relevant managers to scratch their head. A damaged corporate reputation is their worst nightmare.
- Change your bank. Put your money on a responsible bank. I don’t know about any other countries, but in the Netherlands we have two ethical banks: Triodos and ASN Bank. Their interest rates for your savings are as high or even higher than those of competitors. Small effort, great effect!
Do you have any tips regarding ethical banking initiatives, especially in other countries than the Netherlands? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
Links For Dutch:
Triodos Bank (English) or Dutch
Bankenwijzer (compare your bank)
