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Green Investing: It’s Getting Easier To Be Green

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Green Investing

It’s not easy bein’ green

It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things

And people tend to pass you over ’cause you’re

Not standin’ out like flashy sparkles on the water

Or stars in the sky

But green is the color of spring

And green can be cool and friendly-like

And green can be big like an ocean

Or important like a mountain

Or tall like a tree

-Kermit The Frog, “It Isn’t Easy Being Green”

Source: Musixmatch

With apologies to Kermit, green is growing in the investment world. Black Rock scored the largest EFT launch in history last week with a carbon transfer fund. More investment banks are greening up their portfolios and investment managers are making their own commitments.

However, the Securities and Exchange Commission is raising some concerns.

What Is Green Investing

Green investments come in two categories – ESGs (Environment, Social and Governance) and SRIs (Socially Responsible Investing). 

ESGs, as the designation indicates, judge investments by how they benefit the environment, social issues, and the manner in which they are run. 

SRIs filter investments to eliminate those they feel do social or environmental harm. However, they do not necessarily seek companies actively trying to improve the environment or social issues.

This article focuses on ESGs.

Green Is Growing

The Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative announced it had more than doubled its membership at the end of last month. Thirty socially-conscious managers and investment funds founded the group in December. It now has 73 members managing $32 trillion. That is over 36 percent of total global assets under management.

Members of the initiative commit to seeking investments that will achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. That is in keeping with The Paris Agreement on climate change.

“The initiative’s collective assets have tripled in less than six months, underscoring its growing global recognition and significance,” writes Reed Montague, research analyst for Calvert, one of the initiative’s founding firms. “The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is now also accredited by the United Nations’ ‘Race to Zero’ climate change campaign, joining 120 countries in the largest-ever alliance committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, at the latest.”

Banks Going Green

Some of the largest banks in the United States are launching green initiatives.

JPMorgan

JPMorgan Chase & Co is putting over $2.5 trillion to work on climate change and sustainability through the end of 2030.

Morgan has already established a “Green Economy” team to provide financing, banking, and consulting services to green companies. The emphasis is on businesses that produce environmentally sensitive products and/or contribute to conservation.

“Climate change and inequality are two of the critical issues of our time, and these new efforts will help create sustainable economic development that leads to a greener planet and critical investments in underserved communities,” said Jamie Dimon, Chairman, and CEO of Morgan. “Business, government, and policy leaders must work together to support long-term solutions that advance economic inclusion, bolster sustainable development and further the transition to a low-carbon economy. We are committed to doing our part.” 

Wells Fargo

The San Francisco bank recently unveiled its own commitment to helping achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of that plan, Wells Fargo has entered into a 20-year agreement to purchase renewable energy from NextEra Energy Resources. Terms of the contract specify that Wells Fargo will purchase all of the solar energy produced by Blackburn Solar Project, a 600-acre facility to be owned and developed by NextEra. The 58-megawatt facility is scheduled to be operational by 2022.

Bank of America

The Charlotte, NC, bank will use $1 trillion to aid the transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. The initiative will be spearheaded by its Environmental Business Initiative.

It is part of the $1.5 trillion B of A is putting toward green investing and the development of social inclusiveness and sustainable development.

“The private sector is well-positioned to ensure that the capital needed – at the scale it is needed – can drive the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy,” said Bank of America Vice Chairman, Anne Finucane.

Carbon Transfer ETF Breaks Record

Black Rock, an investment management company, set a record for the biggest ETF launch last week. Investors put $1.25 billion into the firm’s U. S. Carbon Transfer (LCTU) ETF.

The new Black Rock venture is part of a surge in ESG funds. Last year, green ETFs raised $31 billion. Already this year such funds have topped $6.3 million. 

SEC Concerns

More companies than ever are going green. However, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised concerns about transparency.

Some claims by those representing some ESG investment may be “misleading” according to the SEC.

“During examinations of investment advisers, registered investment companies, and private funds engaged in ESG investing, the staff observed some instances of potentially misleading statements regarding ESG investing processes and representations regarding the adherence to global ESG frameworks,” reads an SEC report. 

Acting SEC Chair Allison Herren Lee is launching an initiative to standardize and clarify reporting by ESG companies.

“The most fundamental role that the SEC must play with respect to climate and ESG is the provision of information – helping to ensure material information gets into the markets in a timely manner,” Lee told a meeting of the Center for American Progress. “Investors are demanding more and better information on climate and ESG, and that demand is not being met by the current voluntary framework.”

Meanwhile, Lee recently issued a request for input from the public about climate and social sustainability disclosure.

Evaluating ESGs and SRIs

It can seem daunting to find the right ESG or SRI. 

First, you have to decide what is most important to you in such an investment. For instance, is social justice a higher priority than climate change?

You want to be sure your money is really going to a company or fund that meets your standards. That can be difficult. The simplest, most time-consuming way is to read the company or fund prospectus and quarterly reports. 

However, there are companies that evaluate ESG/SRI mutual funds and EFTs. Some of the most popular are:

Conclusion

ESGs offer an exciting opportunity. You can profit while helping humanity and the planet. However, just as with any financial venture, you should do your homework to ensure your money is working to do what you want it to do.

As a bonus, here’s a little something from Kermit.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool.

 

9 Ways To Recycle Water and Save on Utility Bills

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Ways To Recycle Water

Here in California, we always work to save our water. Many of the great ways to recycle water also help you save money on utility bills. These efforts are good for the environment. Moreover, they’re good for your pocketbook. That’s something we can all feel good about.

Here are some of the best ways to recycle water and save on utility bills:

1. Never Toss Water Out of a Cup and Down the Drain

You can start small with easy ways to recycle water. Therefore, anytime that you see a little bit of water in a cup or bottle, ask yourself how you can recycle it. For example, take that half-filled cup of water and toss it into a plant. In this way, you use the water instead of throwing it away. Every little bit truly does add up.

Don’t Forget The Ice

You can use your ice in the same way. Toss it into a plant, let it melt, and you’ve recycled it instead of wasting it.

2. Use the Pasta Water, Too

Truly, any time that you have extra water leftover, you can put it to use. For example, when you make pasta, don’t toss that water down the drain. Instead, place a bowl underneath the pasta strainer. Then collect that water. After allowing it to cool, use it to water your plants. Other similar kitchen water to recycle in this way:

  • Rice water
  • Water from washing your veggies off
  • Water from soaking beans overnight

3. Collect Shower Water While It’s Getting Hot Enough

Every day, you take a shower. And every day, you probably wait to get under the water until it’s hot enough for your shower. Unfortunately, all of that colder water goes down the drain. Instead of wasting it, collect it. Put a bucket under the stream. Set it aside as you shower. Then, when you’re done showering, use that water.

Ways to use extra water in buckets include:

  • Recycle the water to flush the toilet; why use fresh water to refill the toilet tank?
  • Water your garden, lawn, trees, and/or indoor plants with this water
  • Use the water for household cleaning
  • Wash the car using this water
  • Rinse down the driveway, porch, and sidewalks with this water

Americans use an average of seventeen gallons of water per shower. Therefore, you want to maximize your use of ways to recycle water from the shower.

4. The Soapy Water from Car Washes Can Water Plants

Not being much of a green thumb myself, I didn’t realize that you could use soapy water to water your plants. However, Conserve Energy Future reports that this is one of the best ways to recycle water if you wash your car at home. Make sure that you only toss that water on shrubs and other hardy plants that can tolerate the soap levels.

Tip: start using handmade soaps for washing dishes, clothes, and even the car. Know the ingredients you’re putting in the water that you recycle.

5. Wash Dishes by Hand, Use the Water

Your dishwasher uses a lot of water. If you wash the dishes by hand instead, then you can collect that water. The easiest option is to wash the dishes inside of a plastic bucket. Then the water is already in the bucket for you to use. You can reuse it just like the leftover pasta water, water from the shower, and car wash water leftovers. Even if you decide you don’t want to wash all of your dishes in this manner, you might find that it’s easy to wash utensils this way.

Wash Clothes By Hand, Too

You can wash clothes by hand then recycle that water around the house as well. Moreover, you can get in extra recycling by using recycled water to wash the clothes. For example, place a bucket in the shower. Use that bucket of water to wash your clothes. Then use the water from washing the clothes to wash the car.

6. Reuse the Water from Washing Your Hands

Again, simply collect the water in the sink using a bucket, pot, or vase. Wash your hands over this instead of letting the water go down the drain. In particular, use this when you’re just rinsing off your hands and don’t even have soap on them. All of this water can get put to use around the household.

7. Don’t Let Plants Leak Water

If you have indoor plants then they probably leak water into a dish at the bottom of the pot, right? Don’t waste that water. Collect it and pour it right back into the plant. Just because the plant didn’t need it the first time doesn’t mean that it won’t be thirsty for it the next time around.

8. Install a Greywater System

Many of the methods we’ve discussed so far are ways to recycle water bit by bit. However, if you’re serious about your efforts, then you might want to install a greywater system. A greywater system collects all of the runoff from your shower, washing machine, etc. Instead of collecting it yourself in buckets, the system does it for you.

Then you can utilize that water. Most commonly, people recycle greywater for use in their garden irrigation system. In fact, many greywater systems go straight from the collection site to the irrigation spot. This is a great way to invest some money upfront to save you time down the line. And when done well, it’s very good for the environment.

Do note that different areas have different regulations when it comes to installing a greywater system. Therefore you’ll want to research any restrictions in your city, county, or home owners’ association.

9. Use a Rain Barrel

What if you don’t have a garden? There are ways to recycle water for consumption as well as for bathing. Installing a rain barrel is one of the best options. You collect the rain water. Then you boil it to make it safer for drinking. Enjoy! Of course, you’ll use your stove to heat up the water, so this won’t save you as much on your utility bills. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to reduce your water bill total while also doing something kind for the earth.

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How to Save Money While Saving the Environment

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How to Save Money While Saving the Environment

Saving the environment is a worthy cause. There are so many good reasons to invest your energy into green actions. Most of those reasons are beneficial on a global, or at least local, scale. However, they can also benefit you personally. For example, many of the actions that you take to save the earth also help you save money.

Here are nine ways to save money while saving the environment:

1. Reduce Purchases

The first rule of “reduce, reuse, recycle” is the most important one: reduce. Stop buying things that you don’t need. They go into landfills. It’s bad for the earth. It’s bad for your bank account.

2. Save Energy At Home

Reduce your energy use at home. The immediate benefit is a reduction in your utility bills. The long-term benefit is that you’re doing good for the earth.

3. Eat Plants

Stop or significantly reduce meat-eating. Don’y buy expensive meat substitutes or processed foods. Instead, eat plants.  It’s much better for the environment. Fresh produce is typically cheaper than those other products, so you will likely save money on your grocery bill. Plus, a healthy vegetarian diet might also save you long-term medical costs.

4. Stop Wasting Food

Food waste is a huge problem in America. Do your part in saving the environment by eliminating food waste in your own home. Shop your fridge. Label and date all items. Freeze what you can. Eat what you buy.

5. Invest in Alternative Energy Stocks

Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Investing in stocks is one way that people do that. Try investing in alternative energy stocks. This supports saving the environment. If you’re lucky, you’ll increase your own savings at the same time.

6. Buy Energy-Saving Gadgets and Devices

When it comes to spending money, the first rule is “don’t.” (In other words, reduce consumption.) However, when you do plan to spend money, you might find it worth it to spend a little more for eco-friendly purchases. For example, buy Energy Star appliances or a smart thermometer for your home. This will allow you to save money over time while also saving the environment.

7. Give Up Your Car

If you can go car-free then you’ll go a long way towards saving money and saving the earth. Perhaps you can’t give up your car entirely. You can still take small steps. Drive as little as necessary. Walk, bike, or take public transportation instead.

8. Reduce Paper Waste

Do you use paper towels to clean up spills? A rag works just as well, if not better, and it doesn’t cost as much to you or the environment. Do you get your coffee to go in paper cups? A reusable coffee thermos is a better choice. Some stores even give you a discount if you bring your own.

9. Save Yourself the Costs of Natural Disasters

If we aren’t kind to the earth, then we risk continued and elevated natural disaster issues. Fires, hurricanes, and floods will all result. These things cost money at a national level. If you’re personally affected by a disaster, you’ll also feel the financial impact. Help reduce these long-term issues by reversing climate change through saving the environment.

Hurricane Costs: Florence to Cost Hundreds of Billions

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Hurricane costs

Over the years, the overall hurricane costs have increased with each natural disaster. Hurricane Florence will be no different. The storm could cost the East Coast as much as $170 billion in damages and lost productivity. In New Bern, NC alone, more than 4,300 homes have been absolutely destroyed. Wilmington and many other coastal towns are still completely unreachable by car and it may remain that way for days.

Hurricane Costs Reach Hundreds of Billions

While the $170 billion estimates may seem high, flooding from Hurricane Florence has completely cut off access to coastal towns. Towns on the coast often rely on tourists to keep their economy going. Most businesses were forced to shut down completely for evacuation. Not to mention, destroyed homes and at least 23 individuals confirmed dead, with numbers climbing.

Below is a graphic of the most costly hurricanes in U.S. history from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with Katrina still leading the way. If estimates are correct, Florence will surpass that.

Hurricane florence

Hurricane Flood Insurance Payouts

Katrina led the way with more than 167,000 flood insurance payouts, reaching $16 billion in total cost. On average, each payout was less than $100,000. Estimates of insurance payouts for Hurricane Matthew (2016) range from $1.5 billion to $7 billion. Hurricane Sandy, another high-cost hurricane, led to $18.75 billion in insured property loss.

Personal Cost of a Hurricane

Cost of hurricanes

Outside of the obvious property loss and damage, many of these areas will suffer serious economic impacts in the months to come. Many individuals aren’t able to return home or travel far from home right now. Those who stayed are trapped inside with no stores, gas stations, or restaurants open locally. Individuals who evacuated often have to spend money to stay in hotels.

Because Hurricane Florence came so far inland and many areas are still unreachable, it will still be quite some time before we know the true cost of the storm.

hurricane costs

 

First Person Account of Hurricane Florence

Less than 30 miles down the road from where I live, homes and cars are floating away, a one-year-old child’s life was lost, and people are still without power. Many people will also be unable to go to work due to road access or their place of work being flooded.

Locally (in Charlotte, NC), we’ve been extremely lucky. We have had some trees down and some flooding. Although we’ve been stuck inside with many roads blocked off for a few days, we’re thankful for our safety and how we faired during this devastating storm.

Readers, have you been impacted by Hurricane Florence? Join the discussion on hurricane preparation in the Saving Advice forums. 

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Summer Allergy Update: Homeopathic Remedies for Allergies

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For most of the country, the worst of 2018’s allergy season has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean everyone is out of the woods just yet.

In early June, tree pollen will likely peak in northern New York and into New England, according to AccuWeather.

Furthermore, grass pollen will also increase in the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions. This means allergy sufferers could still be struggling this time of year.

Homeopathic  Remedies for Allergies

While prescription and over-the-counter medications can provide relief, some prefer a more natural route. Luckily, there are a variety of home remedies that can help. Here are some options for keeping your symptoms at bay.

Nasal Irrigation,

Options like neti pots and nasal washes flush materials out of your sinuses, which can reduce your exposure to allergens. Typically, they use a saline solution and purified water to break up mucus and remove irritants, like pollen.

Using a neti pot can feel odd at first, as you have to allow the rinse to enter one nostril and exit the other. Additionally, you need to make sure that you don’t use them with tap water, which can introduce risks.

Butterbur

Butterbur is a plant extract that may reduce inflammation of your airways. One study by Swiss researchers showed it was as effective as two over-the-counter antihistamines (cetirizine and fexofenadine) at reducing congestion and runny noses.

If you decide to use Butterbur, it has to be in an extract form. In its natural form, butterbur has dangerous compounds that can harm the liver, but they’re removed during processing.

Honey

Many praise honey for its health benefits. When it comes to allergies, one of the things honey can do is ease a sore throat. By swallowing a spoonful, it can calm irritation and coat the tissues, providing relief.

Try to source your honey locally, since that might help you build to pollen proliferating in your area. However, it would take time for a tolerance to develop. Note also that research on this topic is sparse.

Hot Showers and Steam

A hot, steamy shower can do wonders for the sinuses. But, for allergy sufferers, the benefits may be twofold.

Not only will you be able to unclog and clear your sinuses but showering also removes allergens from your skin and hair, reducing your exposure. This also decreases the likelihood that you will transfer the allergens to other items, like pillows and furniture.

If you just need the sinus-clearing benefits, you can also try a facial steam. You can use a facial steam device or simply heat some water and put it in a bowl. For the maximum effect, drape a towel over your head to catch the steam. You can also add eucalyptus oil to the water to reduce inflammation. Just be careful not to get too close to the water, or you can get burned.

Tea

Drinking tea can also provide allergy sufferers with relief. Since a hot cup of tea produces steam, that can help open nasal passages.

If you choose peppermint tea, you may also get some decongestant and expectorant benefits. Green tea may also have antioxidant properties that can reduce allergic reactions, albeit slightly.

However, if you are allergic to ragweed, avoid chamomile tea. It can cause a similar allergic reaction, so avoiding it is best.

Air Filters

If you need to make your home a sanctuary, install a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on your HVAC system. If you don’t have central air conditioning, you can also purchase portable air cleaners that do the same thing.

These filters capture pollen in the air, ensuring it doesn’t circulate through your home. You will need to change the filter regularly to get the most benefit. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the replacement schedule.

Pay Attention to Weather Reports

Step up your consumption of weather forecasts to learn about conditions that might exacerbate your allergies — so that you know when it’s best to keep the windows closed or even stay indoors.

Depending on exactly what you’re allergic to, you might find that your symptoms worsen on windy days or those with increased pollution. Conversely, your symptoms might subside after a heavy rain, which tends to reduce the amount of pollen in the air.

Speaking of which, you can obtain more details on local pollen counts by visiting websites like Pollen.com.

Readers, do you or someone you care about suffer from allergies — and what’s your opinion on homeopathic remedies versus traditional pharmaceuticals?

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Lawn Care for Extreme Summer Weather

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Extreme summer weather can wreak havoc on your lawn if you don’t change the way you care for it. You might actually be forced to do something different: For instance, if you live in an area susceptible to drought, local ordinances on water rationing might actually prohibit you from watering your grass.

In some cases, you may even need to revamp your lawn entirely — that is, replant a different variety of grass that can better changed weather conditions.

Preparing your lawn for the kinds of extreme weather conditions that tend to affect where you live — this usually won’t require much work.

Heat Waves, Droughts and Wildfires

Before summer 2018 even officially started, numerous parts of the country already experienced record high temperatures that qualify as heat waves. All forecasts have called for above average temperatures this season.

High temperatures don’t necessarily indicate that a water shortage will occur, but it doesn’t hurt to plan for that possibility.

For example, allowing your grass to grow a little longer can help it retain water. Plus, it creates some of its own shade, helping to keep the ground cooler and lessening the negative effects of evaporation.

However don’t grow it longer if your area has had wildfires in the past.

You might also want to skip fertilizer in periods of extreme heat, it can cause damage.

Watering Strategies

When you do water, make sure to do so only during the very early morning hours — when it’s cooler out, more moisture can be absorbed.

If your area has experienced droughts in previous years, consider updating your landscaping toward more of a desert look, possibly eliminating as much of the grass as possible.

Otherwise, refer to your local ordinances to find out your watering schedule. Then, follow it closely, watering on all of the days you are allowed.

Ideally, you want to use an irrigation system and not sprinklers. Sprinklers are less efficient, so not all of the water may make it into your lawn.

To minimize the risk of fires, clear out brush as regularly as possible. Additionally, if any of your plants die or turn brown, remove them immediately. You also want to rake up fallen leaves and dispose of them. All of these things add fuel to fires.

Hurricanes, Storms and Floods

Hurricanes, tropical storms, and even floods can quickly lead to soil erosion. As the soil is washed away, it destroys your lawn.

Conversely, if you can take steps to thicken your lawn and make it healthier, that will increase the chance it will survive the onslaught of water.

As early in the summer season as possible, fill any bald patches with additional grass. Also plant roots help keep the soil in place so it won’t erode.

You may also want to allow your grass to grow longer before mowing it. This allows the roots to also grow deeper, providing more stability to the soil.

Lawn Care for Extreme Summer Weather

By following the tips above, you can maintain a healthy lawn regardless of any extreme summer weather conditions.

And by starting now, you may even be able to prepare in advance, giving you a head start this year.

Readers, how has the summer sun been affecting your lawn in recent seasons? Do you have other any tips for protecting your lawn during extreme weather?  

Read More About Summer

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