Four Simple Ways to Make a Difference with Your Dollars
December 28, 2005
Contributing Writer: Eliza Bloom
Did you know that even the brand of toothpaste you buy can take the world closer to--or further from--peace?
It's true: Every dollar you spend can make a difference. But it takes time to sift through all the news reports, advertising messages, and public relations campaigns to figure out whether a company deserves your dough.
The following websites are designed to help you quickly and easily determine whether the companies you do business with are socially and environmentally responsible.
Greenpages
http://www.greenpages.org
Green Pages Online provides information on 2,000 qualified "green companies," each of which has made a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Each business listed here has undergone a rigorous screening process.
Social Funds
http://www.socialfunds.com
This site provides information on responsible investing including mutual funds, community investments (addressing the financial needs of low income and under-served communities), as well as how shareholders can actively shape social policies of businesses. It's pretty comprehensive: You'll find more than 10,000 pages of information on SRI mutual funds, corporate research, shareowner actions, as well as daily social investment news.
Social Investment Forum
http://www.socialinvest.org
More contacts and resources on socially responsible investing. If you're new to SRI, start with the site's introduction: http://www.socialinvest.org/Areas/SRIGuide/
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Eliza Bloom is a frequent contributor to two "just for you" websites, including http://www.momscape.com (featuring tools to help busy parents achieve balance) and http://www.BestSelfHelp.com,
an online catalog of the best personal growth resources. Eliza's book, The Bloom Method is now available online, in full text: www.momscape.com/elizabloom/thebloommethod
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Four Simple Ways to Make a Difference with Your Dollars
Every dollar you spend can make a difference. But it takes time to sift through all the news reports, advertising messages, and public relations campaigns to figure out whether a company deserves your dough...