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Investing With Purpose : "How to" of Values Aligned Investing

For many individuals, investing isn’t just about financial returns; it’s also about making a difference. Values-aligned investing, also known as socially responsible investing, allows individuals to align their investment decisions with their personal beliefs and values. 


On Earth Day, as we reflect on the importance of our planet’s resources and our responsibility to protect them, it’s an opportune time to consider how our investment choices can contribute to a sustainable future. The first step in values-aligned investing is defining your values. Take the time to identify the causes and principles that matter most to you. Whether it’s environmental sustainability, social justice, or ethical business practices, understanding your values is crucial in guiding your investment choices.


Like everything in life, in investments, there is no absolute good or bad. Researching investment options that align with your values is key for those who would like to embark on the journey. Look for companies and funds that prioritize environmental responsibility, social impact, or ethical governance. Evaluate the investment opportunity based on its alignment with your values and its potential for financial returns. Over time, monitor and adjust your investments regularly to ensure they continue to align with your values and financial goals. Stay informed about developments in the companies you invest in and be prepared to adjust your investments as needed. By following these steps, you can effectively integrate your values into your investment strategy while pursuing financial growth. 

Tethered to Trash: Humanity's Connection to Waste

In the modern era, our relentless pursuit of convenience has led to a pressing issue of waste management. From the widespread use of single-use plastics to the continuous cycle of disposable electronics, our daily routines contribute to a complex web of discard. Each discarded item symbolizes our collective oversight, resulting in the rapid expansion of landfills, the degradation of oceans, and a significant toll on wildlife.

Despite this looming crisis, the real challenge lies not just in recognizing the issue but in actively addressing it. Our reliance on convenience, coupled with systemic structures that support our ways of life, perpetuates an unsustainable path. Even as we witness the environmental consequences, breaking free from this cycle can often seem like an insurmountable task.


In the artwork by Raquel Fornasaro, aptly titled “Tether,” we are confronted with a visual representation of how humans are intricately chained to the trash we create. The globe in the sculpture below is created from plastic trash, and the attached chain showcases human linkage to the trash generated.

A globe crafted from discarded plastic found on a reservation beach. The trunk, resembling a torso, from a fallen tree amidst the aftermath of a recent storm. A chain tethers the sculpture and globe, symbolizing the interconnectedness between humanity and waste.

The visuals serve as a stark reminder of how our daily choices impact the environment. Escaping this cycle isn’t just about personal decisions; it demands a fundamental overhaul of our systems. The current setup perpetuates our reliance on throwaway products, making it tough to shift gears.

A systemic mindset is crucial for driving the necessary transformations. It means reimagining how we produce and consume, embedding sustainability into every aspect of society. Whether it’s rethinking packaging or improving recycling, systemic shifts can pave the way for a circular economy—a model that minimizes waste, preserves resources, and lessens our environmental footprint.

Embracing this comprehensive approach enables us to break free from the chains of waste and chart a course toward a more sustainable tomorrow. It requires cooperation, innovation, and a collective dedication to enacting substantive change across all levels of society. As custodians of our planet, it’s our responsibility to rise to the occasion and embrace a future where humanity coexists harmoniously with nature.

A Symbiotic Relationship Between Profitability & Sustainability

In our pursuit of a better world, we believe that financial success is not merely desirable but absolutely essential for a company to scale its impact, both in the present and for the future. Our guiding principle is straightforward: for solutions to be truly sustainable and scalable, financial stability is non-negotiable. While sustainability often conjures images of environmental responsibility and ethical commitment, we firmly assert that without a firm financial foundation, even the noblest endeavors can falter. Hence, we actively seek out organizations that exist at the crossroads of financial viability and sustainable solutions.

 

Here’s why our approach is paramount:

  • Longevity and Resilience: Financially successful companies can withstand economic uncertainties and unforeseen challenges. This resilience ensures the uninterrupted continuity of their sustainability initiatives over the long haul.
  • Scalability: To make a meaningful impact, sustainability solutions must reach a broader audience. Financial stability empowers companies to expand their operations, bringing sustainable products and practices to more people and markets.
  • Innovation: Advancing sustainability often demands innovative thinking and substantial investments in research and development. Financially robust companies can allocate resources for these endeavors, propelling progress in sustainable technology and practices.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: Financially stable companies can engage in strategic collaborations with like-minded entities, government bodies, and NGOs, amplifying their impact and accelerating progress toward shared sustainability goals.
  • Employee Well-being: Sustainable businesses tend to attract and retain talent more effectively, as employees are drawn to companies that align with their values. Financial stability enables these businesses to offer fair compensation and a positive work environment, further reinforcing their sustainability endeavors.

Our process underscores that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive but rather interdependent. By investing in companies that strike a harmonious balance between these two facets, we aim to invest with firms leading in sustainable business practices that are financially viable as well. Thus we are looking for companies at the forefront of this transformative journey. In conclusion, our unwavering commitment to sustainability is matched by our recognition that financial stability is the linchpin. By seeking out enterprises at the convergence of financial viability and sustainable solutions, we are intentionally investing in firms where profit and purpose coexist and thrive.

Global Events vs. Local Consumption: Uncovering the Link

A painting of Brumhadino depicting the aftermath of a mining dam tailing disaster in Minas Gerais , Brazil, highlighting its devastating impact on both human life and the environment. In the foreground, children with vulture-like faces symbolize the duality of humanity, representing the potential for innovation and progress as well as the propensity for greed and destruction. In the background, the logo of the company responsible for the disaster serves as a stark reminder of corporate accountability amidst environmental crises

Often times, events occurring beyond national borders might seem unrelated to local interests at first glance. However, delving deeper into specific incidents allows us to uncover the connections. Take, for example, the global iron ore market. Iron ore plays a vital role in steel production, which is essential for constructing infrastructure, transportation systems, and machinery. Australia and Brazil, as major suppliers, account for over 70% of the world’s seaborne iron ore trade. Steel is the backbone of various industries, from household appliances to defense systems, shaping the foundation of modern society and its economic well-being.

 

The evocative artwork “Brumadinho,” crafted by artist Fornasaro, powerfully portrays the aftermath of a devastating iron-ore mining incident in 2019. It serves as a poignant outcry from the artist, condemning corporate negligence while also illustrating the complex interplay between local consumption patterns and global events. 


The linkage to consumption becomes increasingly evident when we trace the pathway from demand to extraction and subsequent environmental impacts. This realization underscores the interconnectedness of global supply chains and local communities, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues. Often times, disasters become distant memories over time. However, the convergence of avenues like the arts and science can play a pivotal role in broadening the reach of information to a wider audience, and helping to keep memories of these calamities alive in collective consciousness. This depiction showcases the inherent dangers of mining practices and issues arising from the storage of waste in tailings dams, making the case for advocating tirelessly for resolute action against environmental threats. As the specter of a class-action lawsuit looms over another tragic tailings mine failure at Samarco (2015), the call for investor-driven initiatives like The Investor Mining and Tailings Initiative (IMTSI) resounds loudly, championing assertive engagement and unwavering accountability.