Where to Invest Your Savings, Ethically
Ecology Building Society offers a range of savings accounts that blend financial strength, green ethics and genuine care for members. Most funds are used to provide mortgages to do up old properties or build new homes (especially ones with environmental credentials).
Owned by its members (not distant shareholders), profits go back to improve service or do good for the planet. Money is used to help people install solar panels or refurbish draught homes, or build new ones from straw bale or cob!
Just like any other regulated bank, your money is protected for money up to £85,000 or £170,000 (joint accounts) and you can switch in 10 minutes using the Current Account Switch Service.
Just open your Ecology Building Society account and request the switch in the app (or by phone/online) and the service will securely move your salary, regular payments and direct debits in seven days.
If you’re in debt, you can usually still switch your bank account, while paying off debt at the old bank. So don’t let that stop you switching.
This building society is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. You get all the protection you’d expect from a high street bank, with the bonus of strong green ethics.
Triodos
Savings Accounts
- Everyday Savings (save from £1)
- Ethical Savings Bonds (save from £500)
- Online Cash ISA (tax-free from £10)
- Fixed Rate Cash ISA (tax-free from £1)
- Fixed Term Deposit Account (minimum £50,000)
- Business and Charity Deposit Account (minimum £50,000)
Investment Funds
Triodos Bank also offers investment funds, which are hand-picked to ensure they have a positive impact on society and the planet. These are designed to be invested in for at least five years.
If you live in Cumbria, Lancashire or Northumberland, you could swap your bank account to The Cumberland that puts the planet and people first. It has regional branches and an online account, and uses profits to fund environmental and community projects (it does not invest in fossil fuels).
You can apply online or pop into one of their branches to switch your account, and discuss the best accounts for you. Note you must live within the catchment area to apply (the bank also covers south west Scotland).
This bank also supports nature reserves, community gardens, and rural charities that restore rivers, plant trees and make spaces safe for wildlife.
- Day2Day Account is an everyday account for daily use
- Cumberland Plus Current Account requires £750 a month minimum funding
- Freedom Apprentice is for young people on apprentice schemes
This bank also offers a range of savings accounts, from everyday savings and ISAs, to savings accounts for children and businesses. It also offers fixed rate and discount variable rate mortgages.
The Social Justice Investor (make wise financial choices)
Social justice isn’t just about rallies or sharing posts online. The money choices you make each day can lift communities and spark real progress. Andrea Longton, a respected voice in ethical finance, shows how everyday actions can nudge society towards fairness. Here’s how you can use your wallet to build a better world for everyone.
The Social Justice Investor is a good book, if you invest your savings in banks or on the stock market. There is always a risk, but if you go down this route, use these decisions , to wisely invest for a better future for all. Changing the world, often starts with where you decide to put your money.
Bank with Purpose
Where you keep your money matters. Many large banks invest in industries that don’t line up with social justice values. Look for banks or credit unions that invest in local businesses, clean energy or affordable housing.
Credit unions are more likely to support under-served areas, helping to rebalance opportunities. Andrea Longton recommends checking how your bank’s actions align with your values, not just their words.
Consider switching to Triodos bank, which offers current accounts.
Choose Ethical Investments
Your pension or shares can fuel positive change. Pick investment funds that screen for things like fair labour, environmental protection or diverse leadership. These investment choices push companies to treat people fairly and respect rights.
Ethical investing doesn’t just avoid harm, it can reward firms who do good. Resources like socially responsible investment funds or impact funds make it easier to see your money’s effects. Consider switching savings to Charity Bank or Ecology Building Society.
Ethical Investors can makeover your portfolio and has given over £600,000 to good causes, via its own ethical screening criteria. It can also advise on pensions and hand you over to discretionary managers to tailor bespoke investment portfolios.
US Vegan Climate ETF tracks Beyond Investing US vegan climate index, which does not invest in anything that harms animals, humans or the planet or humans. It’s listed on Cboe BZX Exchange (under ticker VEGN). Plant-based companies can visit Veg Capital.
Support Fair Pay and Worker Rights
Before spending, check if brands pay fair wages or offer safe working conditions. There are guides and organisations that rate companies for their treatment of workers across supply chains.
Buying from brands that honour worker rights helps shift business culture. When enough people demand fair pay, even large companies start to listen.
Shop Local for Local Economies
When you buy from local indie shops, your money goes directly to people who often face barriers in the market. This supports jobs and keeps profits in the community.
Even small purchases can help close income gaps and support families. Look for directories or apps that highlight these businesses, making it easy to shop with purpose.
Fund Access and Inclusion
Microloans, community funds and crowd-funding projects can all help people get started with small businesses, education or housing. By supporting these tools, you help remove barriers that keep some groups from getting ahead.
You can regularly find stories of people, whose lives changed, because others backed their efforts.
Ask Questions and Stay Informed
Even small questions about a product’s origin or a fund’s investments send signals to companies and banks. Keep learning and speaking up.
Look for news from unions, watchdog groups, and journalists who track financial justice issues. Staying informed makes you a smarter shopper and investor, able to spot when something doesn’t add up.
Make Giving Part of Your Budget
Andrea Longton often stresses that direct giving is still the fastest way to help. Even a small weekly donation to a charity, food bank or mutual aid group can fill gaps that systems miss.
When enough people give, it keeps neighbours safe and helps communities bounce back in hard times.
