Green America



Growing the Green Economy for People and Planet



This blog / podcast / video are an interview with Todd Larsen, the Executive Co-Director of Green America. See our video here.



As Executive Co-Director, Todd is responsible for planning, direction, and oversight for Green America’s engagement with individual members and the general public, as well as with corporations that are targeted by consumer campaigns.  Prior to his current position Todd managed Green America’s corporate engagement and policy programs, including Climate Action, Fair Trade, Better Paper, Social Investing. Oversee all campaigns (including Clean Energy Victory Bonds, GMO Inside, Raise the Bar Hershey, Break Up With Your Megabank).



Green America works to move the economy more green with their goal of having a green economy.  They work in the areas of: climate, food, finance, labor, social justice, and green living.



Green America is a non-profit that was founded 35 years ago.  They currently have 40 staff. They have about 180,000 members and about 3,000 business members.  Business members are featured in their Green Business Directory, if they pass their screening as a green business. They provide information to investors and consumers and lead campaigns to influence corporations.



One project they worked on was to remove harmful chemicals that workers were exposed to from Apple.  They engaged with Apple and their competitors, which use the same chemicals, and worked on finding less harmful alternatives.



In the green finance, socially responsible investing, area, Green America mostly works on education. They show people how to divest from fossil fuel investments and show the overall performance does not suffer. They help people get involved with socially responsible investing and connect them with financial advisors.



Green America has a program to help people leave their mega-bank and invest in a local bank or credit union.



Green America engages with 8 to 10 companies per year about their core issues.



The best way to connect with Green America is to sign up for their newsletter at: www.greenamerica.org

Green America – Corporate Engagement

Values Investors Podcast focuses on providing information about Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investments. SRI and ESG investing is an investment strategy seeking to maximize both financial return and social good. The SRIESG podcast was created to help make SRI easy for socially conscious investors who are concerned about how they invest and want to make change in our society through their investments.

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Introducing the AIO Financial Retirement Planner App: Empower Your Financial Future
Welcome to a new era in retirement planning with the AIO Financial Retirement Planner App! At AIO Financial, a fee-only financial advisory firm, we are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking tool that revolutionizes the way you plan for retirement. Our new app is meticulously designed with a suite of comprehensive features that not only project your retirement finances but also help you craft a detailed long-term spending plan, perfectly tailored to your unique financial circumstances.
Getting Started is Simple Accessing the app couldn't be easier. Just visit our website at aiofinancial.com and head to the 'Resources' section. Here’s what you need to do next:

Registration: New to AIO Financial? Get started by registering with your email and a password. You'll then be guided to fill in your personal and financial details.
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Key Features to Explore Our Retirement Planner App is versatile, designed to meet the diverse needs of both individuals and couples planning their future together. Dive into the features:

Enter Personal and Financial Information: Add comprehensive details such as assets, debts, income, and expenses. Define your status, date of birth, desired retirement age, and life expectancy for a customized experience.
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Deep Dive into Your Financial Future The app empowers you to:

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Manage Expenses and Savings: Thoroughly outline both your current and future expenses and dictate how surplus income is managed, whether saved or spent.

Viewing and Reporting Capabilities

Visual Projections: Monitor the growth of your assets over time and see how various plan adjustments might influence your financial outcomes.
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Shareholder Advocacy in 2024: Steering Companies Towards a Better Future
In 2024, advocates have been active, presenting over 527 resolutions that touch on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for the proxy season. This shows a slight decrease from the 536 proposals of the previous year. Yet, the commitment to influencing positive change in corporations remains strong.
Despite this commitment, there's been a noticeable decline in support for these initiatives. Major asset managers have scaled back their backing, influenced by various factors including legal challenges and shifts in the economic landscape affecting energy costs.
However, it's worth noting that resolutions aimed at enhancing corporate social responsibility still gather more support compared to those against it. Even though the enthusiasm has slightly diminished from past years, the drive for social responsibility persists.
The Importance of Shareholder Resolutions
Shareholder resolutions have emerged as a vital mechanism for advocating for corporate accountability, especially on pressing issues like climate change and social justice. Although the path has been rocky recently, these resolutions continue to serve as a crucial avenue for shareholders to express their concerns and engage with corporate boards.
Through these engagements, shareholders have been able to bring about significant changes in corporate policies and practices, aligning them more closely with societal values and sustainability goals. Despite the challenges faced, the impact of these resolutions cannot be underestimated.
Navigating the Landscape
The 2024 proxy season reveals the complex dynamics at play in shareholder advocacy. The cautious stance of some major asset managers, combined with economic pressures and geopolitical tensions, has added new challenges to promoting ESG principles.
Still, the persistence of shareholders in advocating for ESG initiatives demonstrates a strong commitment to pushing for more sustainable and responsible business operations.
Advocacy in Action: Case Studies and Strategies
Efforts by shareholders have led to noteworthy corporate transformations, including commitments to environmental sustainability, improvements in labor practices, and greater board diversity. These successes highlight the effective strategies employed by shareholders, such as forming coalitions and engaging in direct dialogues with companies.
These strategies, alongside leveraging legal channels and collaborating with institutional investors, have amplified the impact of shareholder advocacy, leading to tangible changes in corporate behavior.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Facing forward, shareholder advocates encounter both hurdles and potential growth areas. Opposition to ESG principles, particularly from certain political and legal quarters, poses significant challenges. Yet, advancements in technology and evolving regulatory landscapes present opportunities for further embedding ESG considerations into corporate and investment strategies.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The journey of shareholder advocacy is a testament to both its achievements and the challenges that remain. The insights from the 2024 proxy season underscore the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and adaptability in the face of adversity.
By deepening engagement with ESG principles across all levels - shareholders, corporations, and the broader public - we move closer to a future where businesses operate in harmony with sustainability, equity, and good governance goals. Together, we can continue to influence positive change, ensuring a more responsible and sustainable corporate landscape for generations to come.

Shareholder Advocacy 2024

Take Charge of Your Finances with Our New Budgeting App
Welcome to the world of simple budgeting! Gone are the days when managing your finances was a complex, tedious task. Our new app, designed for everyone from budgeting rookies to pros, transforms the way you handle your money. It's time to show your money who's boss - and yes, that's you!
Creating a Budget: Easy Peasy:
Our app demystifies the budgeting process with a straightforward, five-step approach. Whether you're dealing with a fixed income or a fluctuating one, our app helps you list and understand your earnings. It's not just about numbers; it's about making those numbers work for you.
Transaction Tracking: Know Your Spending:
Tracking every penny might sound overwhelming, but not with our app. We make it easy to log every transaction, providing you with a clear picture of where your money is going. This feature isn't just about record-keeping; it's a tool for financial awareness and empowerment.
Planning for the Future:
Future-proof your finances with our app's forward-thinking tools. From setting up an emergency fund to planning big purchases, our app guides you in making smart saving decisions. It's about being prepared for whatever life throws at you, financially speaking.
Debt Management: A Smarter Approach:
Tackling debt can feel like an uphill battle, but our app introduces an efficient strategy: the Debt Snowball Method. By organizing your debts and focusing on paying them off one by one, you'll find managing and eliminating debt more achievable than ever.
Staying on Track and Motivated: 
Budgeting is a marathon, not a sprint. Our app is packed with motivational features and tips to keep you focused on your financial goals. We understand that everyone needs a little encouragement now and then, and our app is here to provide just that.
Educational Content:
Our app isn't just a tool; it's a learning platform. With resources like the Irregular Income Planning form and other educational guides, you'll gain the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. We believe in empowering our users, not just providing them with an app.
User Experience: Designed for You:
We've crafted an app that’s not only functional but also user-friendly. The intuitive design and customizable features ensure that budgeting feels less like a chore and more like a part of your daily routine.
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Conclusion:
Budgeting doesn't have to be a struggle. With our new app, managing your finances can be a straightforward, rewarding process. We're excited to be a part of your financial journey and can't wait to hear about your successes. Got questions or feedback? We're all ears!

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Investing in green energy involves investing in companies that generate energy from renewable sources. These sources include solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and marine energy.
Investing in green energy can support the development of clean and sustainable energy solutions. It can also help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and foster economic growth and job creation in the clean energy sector.
Renewable energy has outperformed fossil fuel over the last 10 years, generating returns of 192.3% compared to 97.2%. In the past 5 years, renewable energy investments have continued to yield higher returns and have been less volatile than fossil fuel portfolios.
Why Green Energy is Thriving:

Climate Change and Environmental Consciousness: The global effort to combat climate change is driving a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. People and governments are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
Political Support: Governments at various levels are providing support and incentives for the development of green energy projects. This political backing ensures the continued growth of the industry.
Falling Costs: One of the most compelling reasons behind the success of renewable energy is the decreasing costs associated with technologies like solar and wind energy. As the cost of production drops, renewable energy becomes increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Public Demand: The growing demand for cleaner energy sources is influencing investment decisions. Consumers are increasingly choosing green energy options, putting pressure on companies to transition away from fossil fuels.
Technological Advances: Ongoing technological advancements are driving innovation in the green energy sector. These innovations make renewable energy more efficient and affordable, further fueling its growth.
International Commitments: Agreements like the Paris Agreement are pushing countries to adopt cleaner energy sources to meet their environmental commitments. This global pressure ensures a continued focus on green energy.
Economic Opportunities: Shifting towards green energy not only aligns with environmental goals but also creates economic opportunities. New jobs are emerging in sectors like manufacturing, installation, and research, offsetting some of the job losses in fossil fuel industries.

Investment Options:
Investing in green energy can take several forms, depending on your goals and values. Here are some investment options to consider:

Direct Investment in Energy Companies: Invest directly in companies involved in renewable energy production, such as those manufacturing solar panels or wind turbines.
Sustainable Funds: Consider mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on environmentally responsible investments. These funds often screen out fossil fuel companies while including green energy firms.
Impact Investing: Choose funds that actively engage with companies to encourage sustainability and responsible practices. Impact investing aims to create a positive impact on both financial returns and environmental outcomes.
Carbon Offsetting: Invest in companies that offset their carbon emissions or have sustainability targets. This can be done through engaging with such companies or by holding them in your portfolio.
Green Bonds: Explore green bonds, which are fixed-income securities designed to fund environmentally friendly projects. These bonds can be found in mutual funds, ETFs, or as individual investments.

Diversified Portfolio:
Your approach to green energy investing should align with your broader financial goals and risk tolerance. You can choose to focus exclusively on green energy, or incorporate it as part of a diversified portfolio.

Green America – Corporate Engagement

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