Every day we make decisions on how to spend our money – whether it is for food, clothing, charitable donations or even how we invest. Each of these financial decisions has an impact on the world and everyone living in it. It is important to understand what impact these decisions have and how we can bring our actions in line with our values. Ultimately, we will be judged according to how we respond to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the stranger.

All people are called to create a more economically just world by responding to the needs of all our brothers and sisters beginning with those in the most need. And despite the complexity of the global economy, there are ways each one of us can make a difference! Here are six ways communities and individuals can contribute to a more just world.

1) Fair Trade Products

There are thousands of farmers and other workers which are paid dismally low wages for products such as coffee, tea and bananas, while, corporations are making large profits.

However, it is possible to support living wages for the working poor around the world. Purchasing fair trade products guarantees a fair and livable wage to growers and producers. Buying fair trade ensures each member of the economic cycle a cut in the profit. When individuals or community groups switch to fair trade coffee a real difference is made in the lives of farmers and their families. More information about supporting fair trade can be found at: http://www.crsfairtrade.org/

2) Community Investments

Financial institutions in the United States and around the world leave many people under served or forgotten. These people and communities have little or no opportunity to borrow money for housing, community services, job creation and education.

It is possible to uplift these struggling communities by placing a portion of your investments in a community development bank or credit union. Community development banks are similar to traditional banks. However, these institutions focus investments on economic development for under served communities, building homes, jobs and opportunities. More information about supporting community investments can be found
at: http://www.communityinvest.org/

3) Screened Mutual Funds

Investing in screened mutual funds is one way that investors can align their values and economic decisions. These funds screen out certain companies by not investing in them. Screened funds may for example, exclude companies producing alcohol, tobacco and weapons and companies with a poor environmental or human rights record. These funds also seek out and invest in companies operating with similar values as the fund's investors. There are different funds supporting various values. More information about screened mutual funds can be found at: http://www.socialinvest.org/ or http://www.socialfunds.com/ Read More...