Can anyone tell be about ethical investments?

[BoogleMcGroogle]

We are looking to develop a more ethically-focused investment portfolio. In part, driven by a bit of a wake-up call when I saw what some of the funds we invest in are themselves invested in (tobacco is a great money-spinner, it would seem). We use Hargreves Lansdowne and have always self-managed, pretty successfully, and the investments do actually need to make money, as this is our old-age savings. I just don't want to do that off the back of someone else's misery.

We know about the Bailie Gifford positive change fun and Aberdeen ethical world equity fund and are definitely going for these.

Does anyone have experience/ knowledge of other ethical investment funds and other ways to invest money ethically? Any good Blogs or Websites to look at? I'm quite interested in crowdfunding etc. but doing anything too out-there scares me a little.

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

[Tigresswoods]

Ooh this is very topical at the moment. I work in financial services & there's a lot happening in this space. I'd suggest speaking to a financial adviser who works in the space. Look for this on their website: Ethical Investment and UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association

[BoogleMcGroogle]

Thanks Tigress. Topical worries me, as our best returns have always been in investments that are uninteresting and unfashionable. I reckon if I go for something like organic manure or electric bin lorries, we'll be quids in ;)

[specialsubject]

be very careful. I've seen ethical funds that invest in onshore wind (diesel backup, massive subsidies), and tree wrecking biomass but dont like low carbon nuclear power.

[BoogleMcGroogle]

Thanks Special. We will indeed look carefully. I guess it goes to show that 'ethical' is in the eye of the beholder ( I'm a fan of low carbon nuclear).

[specialsubject]

most definitely!!!

or as I know it ' ethics - a county east of London'...

[Tigresswoods]

It used to be "ethical" which negatively screened out certain things like arms, animal testing, porn etc. Not it's all about "sustainable" which takes a more positive approach. As I say, you should speak with a financial adviser who is well versed in this.