@alx Triodos is the gold standard but it includes a small (and entirely fair when you read the rationale) monthly fee
Otherwise, Nationwide Building Society remains a mutual and your money will do no harm, though wouldn’t be supporting the positive investments you get at Triodos
@alx@deightonrobbie
Nationwide are good although they pay Directors too much.
Triodos is impeccable but has no High St presence.
Co-operative isn't actually a co-op and was bought by hedge funds but they've retained their ethical investment policies.
Avoid Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC with Santander a bit behind them in the dubious stakes.
@markhburton@deightonrobbie Thank you, Mark. I'm leaning towards Triodos, they have an office in Bristol, which is not too far from South Devon, where I am, but yep, still quite a trip if I need to get there...
@alx@deightonrobbie They've just written to me to say they are going paperless. Most banks are but the paper option is important for some people and also provides employment.
@markhburton@deightonrobbie yeah, well, the paperless trend is debatable, as digital apps have their own impact, and there is a question around the elderly and the digital divide that can be made on it. The employment argument to me is a bit of a weaker one, because it encompasses a larger discourse on labour that I refuse to reduce to one thing (e.g. the fossil fuels and fossil fuel-powered industry also provide employments, but if we stick there then we just maintain the status quo)
@alx@deightonrobbie
No I wouldn't give a free pass to the employment argument, since some industries must contract and some cease altogether, but generally, for capital, automation is a way of reducing labour costs and hence destroying livelihoods. That's why, for example, I don't use self service checkouts, and indeed avoid supermarkets as much as I can.
@markhburton@deightonrobbie I haven't said that I give the employment argument a free pass, but that is part of a major labour discussion. Nor have I said that automation is good: I'm fully aware of the unemployment because of automation and how digital innovation is enhancing worse work conditions and more exploitation of the workforce, I come from a very working class family who's been affected from it more than once. So, please, don't twist my words
@alx Definitely recommend Triodos. Been with them for years. They regularly win awards for being the most ethical bank. There is a small monthly fee for a current account.
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