Banks are in business to make profits. One way they do this is by lending your money to someone else at a higher rate of interest, but they rarely disclose who they lend it to. Worse still, the credit crunch exposed the shocking truth that many banks were themselves unsure of who they had lent money to leading to an almost total collapse of the banking system!
If you are concerned about your money being invested in unethical businesses and corrupt regimes then why not switch to an ethical bank? Ethical banking helps to create a society that promotes people’s quality of life and that has human dignity at its core enabling individuals to use money more consciously in ways that benefit people and the environment, and promote sustainable development.
"Today we have a temporary aberration called “industrial capitalism” which is inadvertently liquidating its two most important sources of capital.. the natural world and properly functioning societies. No sensible capitalist would do that." - Amory Lovins
Ecology Building Society specialises in ethical savings accounts and green mortgages for properties that benefit the environment. Mortgages are available for properties requiring substantial renovation or conversion; energy efficient new builds constructed from sustainable materials; and for the addition of energy saving devices and renewable energy systems to existing properties. www.ecology.co.uk/
Charity Bank is unique – it’s a bank which is also a charity. It takes deposits from individuals and organisations, and uses the funds to provide loan finance solely to enterprising charities and community organisations. It’s a simple way to support charity without having to give your money away. www.charitybank.org
The Co-operative Bank is part of The Co-operative Group – the UK’s largest consumer co-operative – they have some 6.5 million customers and offer a range of financial products, providing high street and Internet banking, current accounts, mortgages, credit cards and loans. The Co-operative Bank is committed to leading the way on ethical, environmental and community matters. www.co-operativebank.co.uk
