The Art of Green Finance

Welcome to The Art of Green Finance. I had the idea of starting this blog because I’m convinced that how we use our money is the most influential way that ordinary people have of helping to avert the worst scenarios of the climate crisis. As Bill McKibbin, one of the founders of 350.org points out; most people don’t have a coal mine or gas pipeline in their backyard, but everyone has…through their …church, their local government etc. …some connection to a large pot of money. That’s where divestment comes in. Everyone also has a pot of money that is used for everyday purchases or savings or investments and how we use that money can also be influential (even if that pot is tiny)!

My aim is to share regular posts about how we might arrange our personal finances in order to have the most positive impact on the world around us, and on our families and their futures. This blog will not teach you how to get rich at the expense of others or the environment; far from it. Most of the information shared will be in the form of ideas to make you think about what you could do. Information provided should not be taken as personal financial advice. I am not a financial advisor!

I regularly include links to products, services or further reading. This is because I often find it helpful to have concrete examples when I’m reading around a subject. Generally, the products are those that I believe are ethical. A few of these are affiliate links but these will be clearly indicated. Obviously, you do not need to do everything in the way that I’ve chosen or use the same products. Ideas can be adapted to suit your personal circumstances.

I plan to group the posts into three categories. Based on how you rate your own personal financial health, choose the category that suits you the best, but there may of course be tips or ideas in each category for everyone. The categories are “Struggling”, “Doing Ok” and “Money to Invest”. There is also a general category for posts that are less easy to classify.