Bank

When you put your money in to the bank what does it do with it?  Banks invest your money in order to provide interest and make a profit.  But what do they invest your money in?   The only bank in the UK that offers current accounts (as well as savings etc.) that has an environmental policy and an ethical policy is and its sister internet bank Smile.   These  banks consider the wider social and ethical implications of any investments.

We bank with Smile and have never been happier with a bank.  Not only do they have an award winning current account (regularly winning Your Money awards winning Best Internet Bank for 5 years running), the customer service is fantastic and they have a great sense of humour!  They also made switching a breeze.   Apparently statistics show you are more likely to change your partner than your bank, I encourage you to keep your partner and change your bank!   For more details click on the images above for links to their websites.  (You can do transactions over the phone as well as on the internet.)

Friends of us recommend Triodos bank for investments and mortgages.  Again they only invest in ethical projects and investments as well as working with a lot of charities. As well as personal banking they finance companies, institutions and projects that "add cultural value and benefit people and the environment".

Marks & Spenser's have just started a new ethic investment fund.  Details here.