Turn Your Money Green

Here at SmartPurse, we’ve been thinking about the same thing. And according to Nest, the workplace pension scheme set up by the UK government, the majority of us want our money to go into sustainable investments that consider people and the planet. 

This is a rapidly growing part of the overall investing world (the amount being invested sustainably more than doubled in 2021, according to sustanabilitymag), and with the climate crisis at our door, it's set to become larger and much more significant.

Sustainable investing means your money is invested in companies that are actively doing social or environmental good to bring about social change. It includes anything from your local bakery ethically sourcing all their ingredients, to a large corporation that builds and supplies wind turbines.

It may seem a long way off to some, but blink and retirement will be just around the corner. So, if you’re thinking of sustainable investment, don’t forget to look at your pension too. Is the money you put into your pot invested sustainably? Many people inadvertently invest in businesses that contribute to the increasing amount of CO2 emissions every year. 

All is not lost though. Your pension can make a difference. According to Make My Money Matter getting a green pension is 21 times better at cutting your carbon emissions than not flying, eating less meat, and switching to a green energy supplier combined! To find out about your pension’s credentials, ask your financial advisor or your finance department at work about how your money is used.

You can also find out for yourself by using an online rating app like isitgreen.