I am finding that one of the things that takes me a lot of time is trying to source services and products that are ethical. Whether it is looking for a bank, a computer, or in the supermarket searching for Fairtrade items, or fresh produce NOT in plastic, it is all time consuming and often frustrating. Information can be conflicting and compromises inevitably have to be made – do I buy these loose apples from France or these English ones in none recyclable plastic?!
I have already found a few things that I think are worth recommending for your consideration.
Money to invest but want it to do some good at the same time?
Hope Into Action charity are well worth a look – you invest in a property which you, and other investors (unless you can afford a whole house!), lease to Hope Into Action for 5 years. At this point you can decide whether to reinvest or take your money back.
Lend With Care – you literally lend money to small businesses in the developing world and then when you get it back you lend it to someone else. There is a very small risk of losing it but this is very rare and if you divide up the money you are willing to lend into small/ish amounts it will not be a big problem – it will just mean that one part has been a donation. Your money can help the poorest people get out of extreme poverty over and over again. It’s interesting and very satisfying.
Purchasing
Who Gives a Crap? a very charitable company selling toilet rolls and tissues made from recycled paper on line. They donate 50% of their profits to charities who build toilets and provide hygiene training on the developing world. Their website is well worth a look – especially if you like lavatorial humour (not my thing really but have a look unless you really are very prudish!)
Regatta (UK) making outdoor Clothing are members of the ETI – Ethical Trading Initiative – and, if everything they say on their website is true, they are worthy members and deserve custom.
Louise Ann Sanderson - Violinist, Speaker and Life Coach 