Planning for your financial future can take into account the future of the planet, too. Many investors today understand that earnings don't have to be made at the expense of the environment, social justice, or public health.

To invest socially, look for companies with good employee relations, a record of community involvement, and accomplished environmental stewardship. You'll also want to consider company track records in maintaining environmental compliance, utilizing alternative energy sources, and handling labor relations. Companies can be evaluated by using some of the resources in this chapter.

Diversifying is important in any portfolio, and this can still be accomplished when the goal is maintaining environmentally friendly investments. To put together a socially responsible collection of stocks and bonds, check out the information on the Social Investment Forum, the Progressive Investor, and SRI World Group's Social Funds.

Rather than evaluating companies alone, you can turn to a financial adviser. There are investment groups that specify socially responsible companies, and there are companies that carry a line of environmental investment opportunities along with other funds. Many financial firms that include socially and environmentally responsible companies in their portfolios, such as Calvert Group Ltd, rely on data from sources like the EPA National Environmental Performance Track to select investment options.