Put your money where your mouth is: 4 ways to support a more sustainable future with your dollars
Facing an environmental crisis is, uhhh, a little bit overwhelming. It doesn’t help that governments and big businesses continue to disregard the urgency of climate change. There’s no doubt that the most effective change will come from persistent protest, lobbying politicians and challenging the way we think about resources and consumption. But our everyday monetary decisions may also go a long way to letting big companies and businesses know that we don’t support their destruction of the earth - and they might just help out with that existential dread too (a little, anyway).
1. Switch to a bank that invests in a clean future
Big banks have spent decades and even centuries investing our money into fossil fuels. Whilst they might offer ‘green’ banking options, they probably still profit from their other investment portfolios that rely on the destruction of the environment - like the expansion of gas projects. In fact, the big 4 have lent more than $35 billion to coal, oil and gas projects in just a four year period!
If you’re a student, it’s likely you aren’t locked into your account so now might just be the best time to make the switch. Say goodbye to the big 4 for good (and let them know why you’re leaving on the way out)! Banks like Bank Australia not only exclusively avoid fossil fuels but they also invest in renewables and support environmental friendly projects like conservation areas.
2. ...Or a superannuation fund
Your superannuation will probably be the biggest long term investment you ever make (especially considering the inaccessibility of the housing market. RIP us). Like the big banks, superannuation funds continue to benefit from destructive environmental practices and whilst many of them are making plans to divest, most of them are still contributing to the environmental crisis. Even Australian Super’s ‘Socially Aware’ account, for example, still indirectly profits from fossil fuels.
Some funds like Australian Super and Future Super make a point of contributing *less* to carbon emissions. However, whilst it’s always a good time to invest in a green future, remember that these eco funds may still charge high fees and this could come back to bite you - especially if you don’t have much in your savings or don’t have a regular income. Do your research first!
3. Opt to join energy companies that aren’t literally fucking the earth
Renting for the first time? Dealing with the quagmire that is landlords and their exuberant rent prices? Choosing an energy supplier that is carbon neutral and invests in renewables might just be part of the solution to reclaiming your power as a renter.
Living as an adult can be daunting and you might want to pick the biggest and ‘most reliable’ provider and that pesky service agency will really recommend AGL but don’t be fooled! AGL has been Australia’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter for yonks! Yeah, yeah, they say they’re ‘changing’ and ‘I promise I’ll treat you better this time around’ but don’t let them talk to you like that anymore. You’re so much better than that babe! Check out the Green Electricity Guide to search for better boyfriends - I mean electricity providers.
4. Pay the Rent to First Nations communities
If you’re a white or non-Indigenous person living in Australia, paying the rent to First Nations organisations and communities is a great way to support a more sustainable future. First Nations people have been taking care of this country for thousands of years yet current day Australia continues to pillage the earth for resources, faster car routes and senseless wealth accumulation. In the past year alone, sacred Djag Warrung trees have been removed, Juukan Gorge Aboriginal rock shelters blown up by a multinational mining company and heritage-listed stone formations removed.
Pay the Rent schemes as we know them were first established in the 70’s as a way to support First Nations people in their fight for self-determination and in recognition of the need for genuine reconciliation. Paying the rent as non-Indigenous people means acknowledging that we live and benefit from stolen land. It means supporting a future led by First Nations people who will actually care for our environment. Groups like Pay the Rent in Victoria recommend donating 1% of your income and suggest that ideally, you would pay the rent to a local group. Supporting Indigenous led organisations, like Seed Mob who take direct action against climate change is also a great way to make a difference - or do some research and find a group that you are keen to support regularly!
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Whilst there’s no one action we can take to reverse climate change, and much of it depends upon collective movements, like the upcoming Global Climate Strike on May 21, changing our monetary practices is a great way to demand change from the big institutions that continue to benefit from environmental destruction.