At Elevation Wealth Partners, we’ll talk a lot about sustainability. That means helping our clients create sustainable wealth… in other words wealth that not only benefits them during their lifetimes, but also benefits people or causes when they are no longer around. Sustainability also means doing what we can to ensure the health of the planet for the long-term survival of all species.
In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we offer these tips for reducing your carbon footprint and combating climate change.
• Follow the 3 R’s. Look for ways you can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle throughout your home. You’ll save natural resources, energy, and money, and you’ll reduce waste sent to landfills.
• Ryan converted his lawn to drought tolerant plants and often walks to downtown Walnut Creek instead of driving.
• Conserve energy at home. From turning off lights and electronics when not in use, to using a programmable thermostat, to changing your air filter regularly, there are many small things you can do to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while saving money on your utility bills.
• Reduce paper waste and junk mail. Think twice before printing things at work and home. You can reduce your mail by using online payment options that avoid paper bills. And there are services that will remove your name from unwanted mailing lists to reduce junk mail.
• Barry often rides his bike to the office. And when he doesn’t, he drives his Tesla Model Y which is fueled with electricity generated by the solar panels on his home (thanks to Michael & Sun Solar).
• Recycle your electronics. Your old, unused or broken computers, tablets, phones and other electronics can often be recycled for free by stores, manufacturers and local governments, which saves natural resources while also reducing pollution.
• Kevin rides his bike most days to his office in Petaluma.
• Kelly subscribes to Who Gives a Crap 100% renewable and sustainable bamboo toilet paper that supports sanitation projects worldwide.
• Coffee K-Cups: Use only BPI certified compostable pods (such as those made by Laird Superfood).
• Use electric power equipment, such as battery powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers. Even if you have a gardener, they’ll happily use yours.
• Recycle and compost food scraps whenever possible to use in your garden.
• Replace your bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and LED bulbs may cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they will save money over the long run, last longer, and use up to 90 percent less energy.
• Ride an electric bike. If you haven’t been on one, they’re a ton of fun for getting around. And no more huffing and puffing to get up steep hills!
• Limit your meat consumption. The production of meat (especially beef and pork) is a major contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Buy local. Buying local produce and other items reduces shipping distances from food sourced overseas and supports local businesses and communities.
• Use reusable food and drink containers (such as the Elevation Wealth Partners water bottles and stainless-steel tumblers). Bring your own coffee mug to Starbucks and get it refilled for 10 cents off the price of a “tall” coffee and 25 bonus “stars” for their rewards program. That’s a win-win for you and the planet.
• Bring a bag to the store and reuse the ones you get from the store.
Sustainable Investing
We’re investing more clients in funds that not only provide strong financial returns, but also align with their values and principles. ESG investing, also known as sustainable or socially responsible investing, is a type of investment approach that takes into consideration environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in addition to traditional financial metrics when making investment decisions.
ESG factors may include a company’s carbon emissions and other environmental impacts, its treatment of employees, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and transparency and accountability in governance practices. By considering ESG factors, investors can support companies that are making a positive impact on society and the environment while potentially avoiding companies with negative impacts. You can learn more about ESG investing here.
All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. There is no guarantee that any particular asset allocation or mix of funds will meet your investment objectives or provide you with a given level of income. The performance of an index is not an exact representation of any particular investment, as you cannot invest directly in an index.
