Wednesday’s article in the Gazette, detailing how some of our progressive state legislators hold stocks in fossil fuel companies, should serve as a wake-up call to all folks with investments in the stock market.
Look at your portfolios. Ask questions of your brokers. If you don’t like where your money is invested, do something about it. Divest, and then invest in companies that support your values, or, better yet, take your money out of the stock market and invest elsewhere.
Greenfield-based PVGrows is an investment fund that is actively seeking community members to invest in local farm and food businesses to help grow a stronger local food system. The Cooperative Fund of New England encourages community members to invest in cooperatives throughout New England. The Equity Trust Fund, based in Amherst, is another local option for investors looking for positive social impact.
Nationally, there is the Clean Energy Credit Union, a financial institution focused on providing loans that help people afford clean energy products and services such as solar electric systems, electric vehicles, home energy efficiency retrofits, electric-assist bicycles and net-zero energy homes. They offer CDs for investors.
These are just some of the many opportunities for socially responsible investing. You can make money while supporting your values. You can also give money away to the multitude of organizations fighting for climate justice and social reform. For those of us with the means and a progressive agenda, it’s past time to put our money where our mouth is.