Ethical investments are about placing money according to morals and beliefs, not simply profit at any cost. However, that doesn't mean that you have to compromise on returns; just that the investments are made more selectively and avoid environmentally damaging practices, trade with oppressive regimes and countries with poor human rights records, gambling, tobacco companies and the arms industry.
Here you'll find a number of companies with proven ethical credentials offering a wide range of investments.
“To honestly achieve a sustainable economy, humanity must step through a paradigm shift, as profound as the transition in the sixteenth century, when Copernicus showed that the earth is not the centre of the universe. Likewise, ecology teaches us that humanity is not the centre of life on the planet. Just as the Pope's henchmen refused to look through Galileo's telescope, some economists avoid looking out the window to see what keeps humanity alive: photosynthesis, precious materials, and concentrated energy.” - Rex Weyler
ethicalfutures are ethical independent financial advisers (IFA). They specialise in ethical investment and financial planning. Based in Edinburgh, they advise clients throughout Scotland and the UK. Their job is to help you make the right decisions for your needs both financially and ethically. At ethicalfutures, they believe they can help you make your money change your world. Julian Parrott, partner with ethicalfutures, has been voted the Money Management Ethical Investment Planner of the Year 2007. www.ethicalfutures.co.uk
Looking for ethical financial advice? Investing Ethically Ltd is one of the country’s leading ethical investment advisors. Working from Norwich they provide advice to clients all over the country. The first meeting is usually free. Investing Ethically Ltd are members of Quakers and Business and The Ethical Investors Assoc. and directly regulated by the Financial Services Authority. So call now on 01603 309020 or visit www.investing-ethically.co.uk
Sceptre Group Limited is a specialist investment firm focused in the promotion of green oil investments and associated green technologies. At Sceptre they strive to enhance their core service in order to add value. Their business is divided between retail investment opportunities and consulting services for full turnkey biofuel plantation including establishment and specialised ongoing management services. Their commitment to a long-term partnership with their customers enables them to produce a service suited to their specific requirements. Sceptre's talented team of professionals will be happy to talk through all investment opportunities with you and build a winning portfolio for the future. www.sceptreinternational.com
The Ethical Partnership Ltd is an Independent Financial Adviser specialising in socially responsible and ethical investment linked to financial planning. They offer an advisory service, enabling you to take advantage of their fully qualified advisers who endeavour to provide you with professional and impartial advice on ethical investment. www.the-ethical-partnership.co.uk/ Local call rate: 08456 123410
Global and Ethical Investment Advice (GAEIA) use ethical and environmental funds offered by established companies with a good conventional performance track record and whose ethical funds are strictly vetted. www.gaeia.co.uk
Ethical Investors Group provides a specialist financial advice service to all those who care about their world and its preservation, and wish to extend this philosophy to all areas of their lives. www.ethicalinvestors.co.uk/index.php
Shared Interest is a co-operative lending society that aims to reduce poverty in the world by providing fair and just financial services. They work with fair trade businesses all over the world, both producers and buyers, providing credit to help them trade and develop. http://www.shared-interest.com/
