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
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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
Telephone: 0131 557 6677
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/
Sceptre International Group Limited is a specialist investment firm focused in the promotion of green oil investments and associated green technologies and carbon credits. 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. www.sceptreinternational.com