By Helen Tandy, Founding Director, Eco Communities
We hear disheartening news almost daily about climate inaction. But here’s the good news: 89% of people globally want governments to do more to tackle the climate and nature emergency (The 89% Project). Most of us want change — yet we often underestimate just how much power we already hold, especially when it comes to where our money goes.
This week I spent a Wednesday at the Trafford Hall Aspiration Day, working with over 100 Year 5 and 6 pupils (ages 9–11), organised by NCRC at Trafford Hall with Positive Footprints, Ecogee UK and M&Y.
In my Careers sessions, I linked sustainability to money, drawing on my career as a Partner and Chartered Financial Planner at Castlefield where I help people invest in-line with their values.
I talked to the students about saving money, having a bank account, and what happens to your first months salary. Then we played a game: I gave each student an imaginary £100 and asked them to choose which of my four “businesses” to invest in, two good for the planet, two polluting.
I asked what return they wanted — £90 or £120 — and what kind of company could deliver that without harming the planet. The conversations were brilliant, with some eye-opening realisations (like how single-use plastic bottles are made from fossil fuels!).
The message was simple: where you keep and grow your money really matters.
The Power of Your Bank Account
Money held in many of the biggest banks is still quietly fuelling the climate crisis — through investments in fossil fuels, deforestation, and high-carbon industries. By contrast, choosing where you bank, save, or invest is one of the most powerful personal climate actions you can take.
Switching your current account is now quick and easy through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) — it usually takes just 7 days, with all payments and direct debits moved for you.
Make Your Money Work for Good
You can ensure your money supports a fairer, cleaner world by switching to banks and building societies that fund positive change:
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Triodos Bank – finances renewable energy, sustainable housing, and ethical enterprises.
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Ecology Building Society – supports eco homes, community-led housing, and green retrofits.
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Charity Bank – lends to charities and social enterprises addressing poverty and climate change.
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Nationwide Building Society – focuses on residential mortgages and doesn’t finance fossil fuels.
All of these are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000.
Many “challenger” digital banks don’t lend to fossil fuel projects, but they also don’t actively fund positive impact. For a deeper dive, see:
👉 Good With Money – Best Ethical Current Accounts UK 2025
👉 Good With Money – Best Ethical Savings Accounts UK 2025
If you are a parent wanting to help your children learn about money see – Top 7 digital pocket money apps 2025 › Good With Money
Every Pound Is a Vote for the Future
Each of us can play a part in building a greener financial system — whether it’s moving our current account, choosing ethical savings, or investing for impact. These small, individual actions add up to huge collective change.
At Eco Communities, we believe real change starts with empowered individuals and local action. So this month, we’re encouraging everyone in our community to review where your money sleeps at night — and move it somewhere it can do good.
💚 Ready to make a difference?
Contact us to – Join our WhatsApp community/ Eco Communities Newsletter link and tools and resources to help you switch — and see how your money can help shape a better planet.
