Ideas for ethical money

Ever wanted to be more ethical with your money, but didn't know where to start?

Never fear, FaST are here...

Now, ethical money is a very broad topic, so this post can't be exhaustive. However, the below does have the benefit of my own personal recommendation. So you can be sure I've put my money where my mouth is... ;-)

Banking
As far as I can tell, one of the most ethical banks that offers a full range of products is the Co-operative bank, or their internet-only bank Smile. I can personally testify to their excellent customer service as well -- UK call centres, no endless menu options, you simply get through to someone who typically addresses you by name, sounds happy to hear from you and you feel as though you're talking to a real person. Easy to use website as well -- what's not to like?

I changed over to them a number of years ago and have never looked back. It's easy to switch accounts and they offer all the products you'd expect: ISAs, Savings, Current Account, Credit Card, Mortgages. So, go ahead and put a smile on your face -- it's rare to find a bank you look forward to calling...

Smile

ISAs
The most ethical bank I know is the Triodos bank. They've currently got an offer for a cash ISA at 2% interest. They offer other ethical investment options also...

Triodos Bank

Fuel Supply

Want to get your electricity from a company that recently topped a Which? poll for customer satisfaction? Want to change to an ethical electricity supplier? Well, you're wishes are about to come true in the form of Good Energy.
100% renewable energy. Great customer service. Easy to switch to. It's all good, right?

Good Energy

Think it can't get better? Well, as a Good Energy customer I might well be able to get you a discount off your bill if you let me know before you sign up...

Of note also is Ecotricity, another renewable Energy supplier. In fact, they supply MBC.

Ecotricity

Lending
There is another alternative that I would argue is ethical, which is peer-to-peer lending i.e. cut out the middle man person

Zopa offers such a service, either for borrowers or those wishing to lend.

Have a look at their site, which explains the concept better than I could:

Zopa

I hope that's sufficient ideas to get you going.

I'd love to hear any thoughts, views, or opinions!

Cheers

NDW