We've been learning that Going Green is not only for the wealthy. In fact, everyone can benefit from Going Green. In addition, Going Green can actually lead to a More Rich Life in more ways than one. At the heart of it, Going Green is about knowing our consumption patterns and being mindful of the items we consume on a daily basis. Our habits need to change and they need to be geared towards sustainability and reducing waste. While we can do a lot to improve our day to day habits, we can also invest and take part in the growth of large companies who are making it a mission to do Green Work. I've always believed in investing. Just because I care about the environment, it doesn't mean I don't want to participate in the economic productivity and success of large companies. Investing is a great way to create security for yourself and your family. While not all of my investments are 100% Green yet, I have started investing in companies that are working to create alternative forms of energy and companies that promote sustainable practices.
The following is not investment advice as I am not qualified to provide them. I encourage you to speak with your Financial Advisor about investing in Green companies as part of a diversified portfolio.
Look for SRI funds. SRI is "Socially Responsible Investing. You can read more about what SRI means here, but the basic definition is:
Sustainable, responsible and impact investing (SRI) is an investment discipline that considers environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive societal impact.
The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment is the leading voice advancing sustainable, responsible, and impact investing across all asset classes. You can find a listing of SRI mutual funds on their site. Note that SRIs go beyond just environmental governance.
Look for companies that you support or patronize. Perhaps, some of these are publicly traded. If you shop there, own their products or use their services, it means you believe in their values, perhaps, it's time to also invest in their success and get some returns. I highly recommend doing your own research at Morningstar.com and invest in what you know and what you believe in.
