— by Dr. Ellis Jones —
In each edition of The Better World Shopping Guide I compile a list of The Top Ten Things To Change. Number 1 on that list is (and has always been) to change your bank. I know, I know – this is not an easy decision. Most of us have limited options in our town or city. Its a part of our routine. Its asking a lot. Having said that, it makes a HUGE difference, particularly if you’re at a big bank currently. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank, and the like are some of the worst rated companies period, for their overall social and environmental impacts. Between bailouts, lobbyists, and financing political campaigns, big banks are at the top of the list of companies with destructive practices that need to be reigned in. So, find a little local bank, or better yet, a credit union, and take part of your day to open an account there. Do it once, and never think about it again. You will sleep better.
Ellis Jones, Ph.D. is the award-winning author of The Better World Shopping Guide and the co-author of The Better World Handbook. He is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi
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