June 2024 Tips

Of the many daily financial decisions you make—from the grocery store, to where you bank, to the stock market, to the vote—a number will involve choices about how you care for creation and what you do for justice. Be vigilant in evaluating seemingly small choices. They can lead to big dividends. 

Shop for the story. Websites make it easy to know the values and practices of a company, as well as their products. Read the “About” tab. When you purchase from a business that is carbon neutral or zero waste, from one that focuses on sustainability and fair trade in their supply chain, from one that gives back to non-profit organizations that help heal the earth, you are making a difference. 
 
Compare the cost to creation for what you eat: beef (27 kg of CO2) versus chicken (7 kg). Every time you choose poultry over beef, you lighten the emissions load on the atmosphere, and you help the earth.
 
You may not know it, but your money may be funding the fossil fuel industry. Large, well-known banks invest about a trillion dollars every year in the companies that are wreaking havoc on our climate. Move your money to a community development bank or a credit union and contact your former bank to tell them why you changed—and why they should too. Make your money work for the well-being of all.
 
Finance a better future for all. Donate to organizations doing work you believe in but cannot do yourself. Even small financial gifts help. And the collective return on investment is huge.
 
Divest: Get rid of “stuff.” Shed the burden of the consumerism mentality. Get rid of the identity of consumer—one who uses things up—and choose simplicity and what’s good for the planet. 
 
What you choose to use your money for makes a difference. Even small “investments,” such as purchases of organic food and items that are not plastic, count. 
 
Put your money to work for justice. When you buy organic, you guarantee more farmers can grow healthy, safe food. When you buy fair trade, you provide living wages and fight poverty. When you buy from a business owned by women or people of color, you help build an inclusive economy. When you bank with a community bank or credit union, you are investing locally, and you are likely not funding fossil fuel projects. Choose justice.    
 
Invest in the future—not the past. Choose what you can: solar and wind, energy-efficient appliances, hybrid or electric vehicles, voting for electric public transit, quality and long-lasting fashion made of natural textiles, insurance and banks that do not support fossil fuels.
 
Follow your heart. John Wesley gave guidance about the use of money: Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can. Be industrious, be frugal with your own needs, be generous to aid others. Let God use your financial resources and your caring and thoughtful lifestyle—your power—to aid the healing of the earth and the righting of injustices.

The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement is providing these Tips 
as a tool to equip church members, families, and individuals to respond to God’s call to care for creation and do justice with our neighbors.