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We can all use Keep Cups. Avoid plastic bags. Boycott firms with dodgy employment records and wean ourselves off Amazon. But there’s arguably a better way to create systemic change...
Money talks. Join other Sustainable Savers and give yours a voice.
We believe you don't have to stand on a picket line to stand for what's right. By putting our savings into sustainable investments we give power to the companies and organisations making positive change happen. And when they do well, our money does well too.
• We'll guide you through the basics of sustainable investing
• Share stories from investors and tips from pros
• Suggest a few well-rated funds to begin with
This isn't charity. None of us are saints. We're saving for the good of our own financial futures. But we're doing it in ways we can be proud of. Join us!
Are you an Eco Warrior? In it for Pure Returns?
Or are you one of our No Nasties?
Take the one-minute quiz to find out!
Based on Boring Money research with 6,000+ people.
Sustainable saving can sometimes be a trade-off between doing good (backing more sustainable firms) and doing well (making higher returns).
If you had to choose, would you focus more on doing good or doing well?
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(Note: It isn’t always a trade-off in real life. Sustainable investments can outperform in returns too.)
‘Sustainable’ can mean different things to different people, and investments can tune in to these preferences.
Which one of the following sustainable themes would you prefer to invest in?
(Note: Preferences aren’t essential. Sustainable investment funds come in basic vanilla too.)
Some investments actively avoid ‘sin stocks’ like weapons companies, adult entertainment, animal testing, tobacco or alcohol.
How important is it to you to avoid ‘sin stocks’?
(Note: You can often pick and choose which ‘sins’ to avoid – it’s not all or nothing.)
Eco Warriors are a force for change in the natural world. Armed with their savings and their conscience, they invest in green companies and tackle environmental issues like the climate crisis, carbon neutrality and renewable energy. All while aiming to grow their savings too.
Sustainable funds for Eco Warriors
Selected by Morningstar
Diligent Savers see sustainable investments as ones that are likely to stand the test of time. Investments in companies that do better, think forward, don’t get caught up in scandalous headlines and don’t have power-hungry CEOs. It’s a case of supporting the respectable and losing the wild cards.
Sustainable funds for Diligent Savers
Selected by Morningstar
Future Focus savers are champions of positive change. They know investments have the power to help people in society, improve the environment, build better businesses. And although they still aim to grow their savings, they put impact first, returns second. For their family, their world, their future.
Sustainable funds for Future Focus
Selected by Morningstar
Moderate Greens invest to prepare for their own financial futures, but know their investments can do more. So they welcome opportunities to have a positive impact while they save, especially if it’s good for the environment. After all, we make the world we leave for our kids and family.
Sustainable funds for Moderate Greens
Selected by Morningstar
No Nasties savers say enough is enough. They don’t want to be involved in the profits if an investment causes harm, so ‘sin stocks’ such as tobacco or weapons have no place in their portfolios. With these are excluded, No Nasties savers can grow their savings with peace of mind.
Sustainable funds for No Nasties
Selected by Morningstar
Pure Returns is the name of the game here. It’s all about growing your savings as much as possible, without much concern for what you’re invested in. However, that doesn’t have to mean ruling out sustainable investments – which often outperform their non-sustainable counterparts.
Sustainable funds by Pure Returns
Selected by Morningstar
1. Does investing sustainably mean making less money?
Shouldn't do - read the detail here
2. Are sustainable funds always higher risk and more volatile?
Nope - read the detail here
3. How do I know my investments are really having a positive impact?
Depends who you're with - read more
4. Is it too late to start investing sustainably? I'm about to retire...
It could still work for you - read more
5. Where should I go to find good sustainable investments?
Use our top fund tables for some ideas
Ceri, 52, a Business Consultant
"We like to have the best of both worlds. I don't want to sacrifice returns for morals."
Sam, 28, an IT Sales Director
"Investing isn't something I tend to make a choice about myself - I leave it to the experts."
Michael, 51, a Publisher
"It's good to know I'm thinking about the future. But I don't have a lot of interest in money."
Sharon, 64, a Sales Manager
"I have money in the bank doing nothing. If i can put it somewhere it's making a difference, absolutely I will."
Tariq, 36, a Content Manager
"I like making money work for me, not just sit in the bank. Especially investing with a social element."
Brigitte, 39, a Business Consultant
"Mine’s not a moral argument. If you’re investing and not thinking about it, you’re going to miss out."
Hannah, 40, a Project Leader
"Being genuinely interested in what you invest in makes it a more rewarding experience."
Jane, 53, a Science Teacher
"I don’t want to leave a planet to my children that they’re going to have to deal with."
Keep it simple with a ready-made portfolio or pick your own investments from a list of top funds.
PICK AND MIX INVESTMENTS
• Compare lists of reputable funds
• Choose by theme, popularity and more
CHAMPION INVESTMENTS
• Choose from 9 funds that are top of the pops
• As commended by the Sustainable & ESG Investment Awards in November 2019
We asked global research house Morningstar to find the top-ranked funds for three popular investing themes.
Low Carbon aim to avoid damaging the environment
No Sin Stocks aim to exclude tobacco, arms and drugs
Good Governance aims for better business practice
Top 10 Low Carbon
Top 10 No Sin Stock
Top 10 Good Governance
These lists refresh regularly, so check back for updates. Morningstar creates these lists by analysing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) data and various other metrics. To really dig into their methodology, put your maths hat on and read more on their website.