This page is devoted to explaining in more detail some of the solutions that we can all make sense of in our own lives.
Wise use of money
by Steve York, 24 Jul 2006
One of the most effective ways we can create a movement towards a better world is through wise use of money. It is necessary to consider where our money comes from and goes to as we work, rest and play. If it is possible to think about money as an encouragement mechanism it is more likely that we will consider spending our hard earned money on people and products that are also moving towards a better world. I have recently been making moves towards a better world with my own finances in a number of ways. I'd like to share these ways so that more people may participate in the movement towards a better world.
Ethical products and services
By using money as an encouragement mechanism we are more likely to investigate for ourselves who are worthy receivers of our money. Many times it is local products, services and businesses. These choices will keep your money local, ensure that good reputation is considered in trade and reduces the amount of fossil fuel required. Other times it will be products and services that you would like to see encouraged to see more of such as organic products, sustainable technology or more socially acceptable products. By choosing these products, services and businesses you are showing other businesses that your choice is an ethical one. As more people use their money wisely in this way, businesses will either adapt to find the new more ethical markets (creating more choices that are of better quality, more time effective and more cost effective) or become obsolete. As most businesses have a bottom line of profit margins, this may be the most effective tool that people with a conscience have in communicating their needs to businesses.
In my life I have decided to encourage more organic products. Not only are there benefits in taste and my health but I know that my money is encouraging a business and an industry that is environmentally sound. I still have a dilemma when I have a choice of an organic product and a local product. This is much more preferable to no choice at all. I cannot necessarily consume only organic/local products at this point in time but I'm constantly striving for this goal and that's gratifying.
Ethical investments
We can also encourage business through our investments.
One of the most effective ways of ethical investment is through our choice of bank, building society or credit union. Financial institutions that are committed to local community, the environment and responsible businesses (i.e. businesses with a corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment) are often best bet.
Choice of ethical superannuation can be an effective way of investing ethically. Some superannuation companies have an ethical investment or sustainability investment choice of funds or types of investments. To find out and change your investment it may be necessary to search their site online or ring them. That will ensure that your money is being invested in businesses that have a commitment to CSR or into sustainability technology.
On the stock exchange there are a number of indexes that are devoted to companies committed to CSR. Others focus on the environment or sustainability. Businesses listed under these indexes are often the best ones to encourage in terms of moving towards a better world.
When it comes to money and investments Im not an expert by any means. Now I have changed my bank to Bendigo Bank and am about to roll over my many superannuation funds into the one 'Sustainable Australian' fund at Australian Super I'm at the point where I've almost got all my money working towards a better world. I can now be sure that if there's a business contributing to social or environmental issues that I am not encouraging them with my hard earned money.
Right livelihoods
Right livelihood is a catch term and is interpreted here as earning an ethical living. By working for a business or organisation that is working towards a better world for all you are directly contributing to that cause. Many businesses or organisations may in fact be operating for a community or a group in society without considering the wider implications of their actions. By contributing to these businesses or organisations we may also be contributing to broader social and environmental issues. It may be worthwhile for each of us to consider what we do and what we are contributing to with our priceless time and energy.
If a position can't be filled on those grounds, employers would be forced to create a more positive job. For example if the position of rubbish collection could not be filled, council employers would be required to positions related to rubbish prevention.
My own career has taken a transition from a Landscape Architect to a Permaculture Designer. Though Landscape Architects may contribute to healthier communities and environments I felt that the time and energy I was contributing could be of greater use as a Permaculture Designer. I personally have a stronger feeling that I am contributing to a better world much more directly now. Hence, I feel closer to fitting into the world and closer to finding my niche in life. These are the choices that each of us have the ability to make.
Barriers to our wise use of money
It is necessary to raise the issue of the many barriers to us using money wisely.
Convenience, variety and comfort are strong barriers to enacting positive change. Sometimes we may just need to accept the draw-backs of alternatives that are more wise options. Other times the options have a more direct impact on our lives than we think. For example, I didn't realise that some of the aliments that I had grown to accept were due to the food that I was eating until I made a commitment to more organic food in my diet.
Quality, time and/or cost factors of the alternatives can also inhibit our transition. These are very real barriers that may be the difference between us being slightly uncomfortable or even living on the street. If we consider that wisdom includes respecting one's self, it is no more absurd that one quits their job and lives in poverty so that they may eat organic food as it is to accept that we are each contributing to social and environmental issues and not lift a finger to change our ways. The secret then is to do what you can do. To be practical and respect ourselves then, we must consider doing our best with what we have at any one time.
Another barrier can be uncertainty and lack of confidence in what we feel is moving towards a better world. This barrier can be overcome with information or knowledge. Understanding of what and how things contribute to a better world for all means we can trust our conscience in doing what we feel is right. The group Realise A Better World seeks to raise awareness and inform people so that this uncertainty is less of a barrier. Realise strives to support and encourage people who are making these positive changes in their lives.
Conclusion
Together, armed with a wise sense of how to use money, I believe we can make a difference. I also think that using money as an encouragement mechanism is the most acceptable way we can all start to make a transition to a better world for all.
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