Impact Investing in Action

This blog is a summary of some of the recent articles related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (Impact) Investing.

Ireland is the first country in the world to completely divest from fossil fuels after votes from Ireland’s politicians to move all public funds from oil and gas companies. This bill was designed to help the country meet their climate change commitments, The bill has been supported by all political parties. Link to Ireland divesting article.

First Affirmative Financial Network, the largest financial planning organization that specializes in sustainable, responsible and impact (SRI) investing, has taken two steps intended to help reduce gun violence. First, they compiled a list of all investments that are involved in the manufacture or sale of handguns, sporting rifles, military-style assault weapons or accessories that enable rapid-fire capability. The list can be used to divestment or exclude from buy lists. Second, they joined a broad coalition of 43 investment firms— representing $54 billion in assets under management —that asked credit card companies and banks to review their connections to the gun industry. Link to First Affirmative reduce gun violence article. AIO Financial is a member of First Affirmative

Seven companies that are poised to do well long term and score high on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. ESG has become a standard tool for evaluating investments. Link to Stocks that can Lead the Market Long Term article.

The future of waste, five things look for going forward. One, changing the make-use-dispose model to a circular reuse model. Two, turning waste into energy. Three, increase recyclability. Four, public attitudes toward waste need to change. Five, pressuring on retailers to provide recyclable packaging and other responsible steps. Link to Future of Waste article.

Heat generated by data centers is used to heat homes in Sweden. Finland has a small-scale project and there are programs in the US, Canada, and France. Link to City where Internet Warms People’s Homes article.