Where you Bank Matters. A Lot.

The largest U.S. banks lend 20%-30% of your cash and investments to the most extractive industries fueling the climate crisis.

This is not a random statistic. It's from research by Topo Finance, the non-profit that helps companies to limit their impact on the planet through improved financial management.

Banks make money by using your deposit to fund loans and investments. Where they put this money can make a big impact on people and planet. So, perhaps unknowingly, the largest share of your company's carbon footprint may stem from where it keeps its cash and investments. It doesn't have to be that way. Your company's deposits can actually do good things for the world while you run your business.

Almost three years ago, I discovered Walden Mutual Bank. A bank that does things differently. My money would support low interest loans to farmers, non-profits and sustainable businesses. Its mutual ownership structure would make depositors like me co-owners and thus align the bank's governance with us and other stakeholders including the environment. On top of that, just like my company, Good Clout Consulting, Walden Mutual is B Corp certified, meaning it meets high standards for social and environmental sustainability. I didn't have to think twice and moved my money into a new business account at Walden Mutual.

Last week, Walden Mutual's partner event gathered us all at Eastie Farm in Boston, a gem non-profit in food, farming and education. It was a gorgeous evening for conversation, connections and hearing directly from farmers about the impact our deposits can have. Banking can indeed be exciting and meaningful.

Where does your company bank and have you ever wondered what its deposits are funding?

Source: Walden Mutual