Socially Responsible Investing - What is Possible in These Times?
By Cliff Feigenbaum

"Those people who feel that money is the most important thing in life, when economic crisis hits, learn that it is only one way to be happy. There is also family, friends and peace of mind. Therefore, this crisis is good, because it reminds people who only want to see money grow and grow that there are limitations."
-THE DALAI LAMA

As we (re)discover in hard times that there is infinitely more to life than making money, we also are reminded that we're not in this alone-partly because of our collective confusion of "wants" versus "needs," partly because of our own greed, and partly because of our blind trust in capitalism.
Sobered investors have begun to screen investments more thoroughly now, asking: What do I want to profit from, and what investments do I wish to avoid?

Raised with the motto "everyone needs to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps," I have worn the "hard-working" entrepreneur label proudly, while in truth, my single-mindedness has taken a toll on personal relationships. Repeated interpersonal reality checks have made me reevaluate my efforts and outcomes. In spite of my preoccupation with green investments, the weak economy and publication deadlines, I see that I need to be with others, and to venture out more. My girlfriend and I are trying to go out for a meal or an event a couple of times a week (and they have a great project for getting local food to local restaurants underway here in Santa Fe).

I invite readers to also consider this "economic malaise" an invitation to ask: What sort of world do I wish to create, and what sort of life do I wish to lead?

This economic reality check beckons us to rediscover our purpose(s). The expanding possibilities to dig ourselves out of this recession are abundant too, from creating greener standards and renewable energy to conserving water and abating pollution. This all means more green jobs for a sustainable future. Thus, wind and solar energy will help transition us out of the oil-based economy over the next 20 years, if not sooner.

We need continued innovation and capital to get us there. As author Thomas Friedman says, Invent, Invent, Invent. And I say to Banks it is time to smartly Lend, Lend, Lend.

Here in New Mexico, where GreenMoney Journal is based, our abundant sunlight and wind makes us an ideal candidate for renewable energy innovations. But we also have cheap coal that comes at a cost to health and environment (which is not being priced in). This short-term coal solution has so far prevailed, but the solar collectors are being readied, and the wind energy farms will be coming on-line.

To help create a new post-recession future, there are many more green conferences in 2010. I'll attend at least three of them, after only one in 2009. To select yours, keep an eye on our online global calendar here on GreenMoney.com where you'll find useful dates and websites for hundreds of green events.

Speaking of green events, here are two important ones to attend: the Social Capital Markets Conference (http://www.socialcapitalmarkets.net ) in early September [speakers include Shari Berenbach, Don Shaffer, Terry Mollner, and Patricia Farrar-Rivas] and the Bioneers Conference (http://www.bioneers.org ) in October, which is celebrating its 20th year [speakers include Dr. Andrew Weil, Michael Pollan, Joanna Macy and Jerome Ringo].

On to this SRI issue, which features a review of Muhammad Yunus' Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism, an essential book with optimistic and revolutionary business solutions for banking, healthcare, education and energy.

Next, business acquaintance and former Calvert employee Seth Goldman, who co-founded Honest Tea, relates the story of their great products and how the company came to be.

Also you'll find an insightful ICONS Series interview between Mark Regier, head of stewardship investing at MMA Praxis funds and Laura Berry, the new executive director of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility.

As many of you know, we began an E-Newsletter last year. It has been very popular and this fall will include more exclusive content. Ed Mazria of Architecture 2030 will write about his breakthrough work on energy efficiency in buildings, which has the Obama Administration paying attention. Sign up free here on greenmoney.com

And as you look for ways to create a better, more balanced world, I recommend these recently released books: Strategy for Sustainability by Adam Werbach, The Truth About Green Business by Gil Friend, The Sustainability Champion's Guidebook by Bob Willard. See an expanded reading list below.

Finally, in consideration of the economic situation, we have reduced our subscription rate four our print version (which include exclusive features like mutual fund performance chart covering 65 Green funds) by half to just $25 a year. As GMJ begins its 18th year of reporting on the Green Economy, we would love to have you with us. Join our family by calling 800-849-8751.

- Cliff Feigenbaum, publisher and founder, cliff@greenmoney.com

Socially Responsible Investing: What is Possible in These Times?