There is a real thill in taking new and small steps into the unknown.
Almost at my wits end trying to work out if I could establish how to make an ethical investment, I have finally taken the plunge. The concern was that this was entirely new territory, not just trying to seek out ethical investment but just the idea of investing outside my bank and ‘on the internet’.
In this climate when we can see the general destruction that people have on the planet and on each other it was uncomfortable to invest in standard index funds tracking the S&P 500 or the FTSE 100; where would this money be going and what would it be doing? Would it be going to companies who underpaid workers, played a role in deforestation, ignored our unhealthy reliance on fossil fuels? Inevitably, because the investment is in a lump and the fund doesn’t look at anything other than financial performance, the answer is most likely yes. Its like buying something in non-recyclable plastic, or not choosing the cardboard packaging option – I am so acutely aware that I am in a position where I am privileged enough a better choice.
So, my Vanguard ESG Developed World All Cap Equity was the best choice I could make with the information and experience I have at the moment. In my interests, with a view to building my money over time, and also in the interests of not harming others. I don’t need create difficulties for others in order for me to benefit. My ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) fund, will not invest my money in companies involved in Controversies, Non-renewable energy, Vice products and Weapons. At the moment this focusses on ‘not doing bad’, as I learn I hope be able to shift towards ‘doing good’ by actively investing in companies that I believe create benefit for their people, the community and the environment.
Baby steps. Doing some things better than yesterday is better doing nothing because you can’t find ‘perfect’.
What is ESG investing: https://www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk/investing-explained/ESG-funds
On The Eve Of It 