I want my savings put to good use – not just sitting in a bank account
JACQUI Furneaux spent seven years travelling around the world on her motorbike, visiting 20 different countries along the way, living on the bare minimum.
Back home in Bristol and working in the local library, she was keen to put her small savings pot to good use. Her backpacking experience left her interested in renewable energy, so when she heard about Triodos Bank’s ethical investment funds she was keen to get involved. She says: ‘It is great to know my money is being used for good. I would much rather it is out there in the world being put to good use than sitting in a bank or building society.’
Now retired, the 67-year-old has money in the Triodos Sustainable Pioneer fund which invests in small and medium-sized companies that focus on sustainability issues such as climate protection and healthy living. Investments include wind turbine manufacturer Vesta and electric car maker Tesla. One of the investments which Jacqui is most excited about is a hydro-power station in Fife, Scotland. She says: ‘When I read about the station, it reminded me of a watermill I had seen in Pakistan. I thought it was so wonderful to produce electricity with no pollution and it is nice to know my money has helped create something like that.’
The Triodos Sustainable Pioneer fund has returned 14 per cent over the past year.