Responsible Investing

Proponents of environmentally responsible investing (ERI) may soon realize fast-growing profits. Putting greenbacks into ecologically-minded enterprises, aka green industries, may not only yield short-term monetary gains, but also long-term benefits for a global society. Green industries, especially those majoring in researching sustainable and renewable energy sources, are becoming much sought after as profit-making investment choices. Concerns over the effects of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions have produced a new breed of businesses and corporations whose sole purpose is to research, develop and manufacture products, goods and services geared toward sustaining the environment and restoring the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

From the beginning of creation, God entrusted the "keeping of the earth" to mankind: "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15). As climatic changes impact the environment across the globe, governments around the world are aggressively tackling ecological issues which effect societies from Maine to Mongolia. From sustainable agriculture and biotechnology to hybrid vehicles and eco-friendly building materials, hundreds of thousands of industries are going green to help save and keep the earth. Environmentally responsible investing is crucial to helping researchers, scientists, and environmentalists find and harness alternative energy sources before the earth is depleted of vital, but unfortunately non-renewable natural resources.

In the late 18th century, the industrialization of Europe and America birthed mega steel corporations, railroad conglomerates, and shipping industries -- prime investment markets for the nouveau rich on both shores. However, it was impossible for 18th century industrialists to foresee the adverse affects caused by an increased usage of non-renewable fossil fuels like coal and oil to run steam engines, cargo ships, factories, and later, automobiles, airplanes, and trucks. Over the last two hundred years, global industrialization, technological advancement, and modern man's insatiable appetite for non-renewable energy has nearly exhausted the earth's supply of natural resources. Studies indicate that at the current rate of usage, the earth's oil reserves have only 45 years of production remaining, while natural gas has only 72 years. By the time a newborn baby becomes a silver-haired senior, natural gas reserves will have been almost totally depleted. Global warming, primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions from automobile engines, has caused glacial meltdowns in the Antarctic, flooding in India, species extinctions in Africa, and threatens to end mankind's peaceful coexistence with nature. Ecologically-minded companies are waging a battle against time to develop and produce alternative sources of renewable and sustainable energy to counteract centuries of industrialized over-consumption and abuse.

Unlike those who invested and profited monetarily during the heyday of the Industrial Revolution, 21st century speculators are proponents of environmentally responsible investing to help support and fund companies that develop alternative energy sources and byproducts. In light of current ecological concerns, investing in less-than-green ventures is tantamount to committing ecocide on a global environment desperately fighting to survive. But, wise investors can help future generations reap the benefits of green industries and corporations committed to deter the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, industrial pollutants, and toxic waste. Investment opportunities abound in corporations and research facilities specializing in biomass production to develop plant-based gasoline and oil as alternatives for rapidly depleting fossil fuels. Investors may also choose to buy into cash-generating businesses engaged in researching hydroelectric, solar, wind, and geothermal power to alleviate the strain on traditional and non-renewable energy sources such as electricity. Hybrid vehicles, sustainable agriculture, and water purification systems are also excellent ventures for environmentally responsible investing, which may pay off in hugely in future monetary and ecological dividends.

Investors concerned about the environment are usually proponents of socially responsible investing (SRI). Committing money to a cause has become a major motivator for consumers seeking to make wise investment decisions. While the destruction of the environment is a major global concern, the destruction of humankind through war may be an even greater one. SRI advocates usually promote world peace and avoid investing in companies which manufacture nuclear and conventional weaponry, war planes, or explosives. Proponents of SRI also may refrain from buying U.S. Treasury bonds which finance the Defense Department. Socially responsible investing involves a commitment to purchase stocks, bonds and mutual funds in firms dedicated to humanitarian efforts around the globe and community-minded enterprises which improve the quality of life for indigent and underserved individuals. Other investments might include organizations which provide relief to victims of local, national and international disasters, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, famine and floods. Socially responsible investing also supports organizations which dispense food, healthcare and financial aid to eradicate poverty and destitution, both at home and abroad.

Speculators seeking to find companies for environmentally responsible investing or socially responsible investing should log onto the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's web site to determine if a company is registered with the SEC. Publicly traded or privately held companies must be be registered with the state securities regulator before they can legally sell securities. Investors should also seek advice from brokers and stock advisors before making a firm investment decision about companies who appear to advocate environmental or social awareness. The Secretary of State's website will also have information about a potential investment company's incorporation, officers, products, and services. A reputable business should also have a Dunn and Bradstreet registration, which will include detailed information about its chief operating officer, board of directors, and points of contact, along with a history of business interests. Logging onto the company's website should provide insight into the enterprise's commitment to the environment and support of humanitarian efforts. Making a responsible investment in the environment and humanity today will ensure a better tomorrow and a healthier global society.