What Is Ethical Investing – And Can It Still Make You Money?

We talk a lot about getting started with the stock market, even if you’re working with a small budget. But what if you want to start growing your money in a way that actually feels good? You can with ethical investing.

You’ve researched companies that interest you, companies who do good by their employees and the environment. Now you need to take the next step…what is stopping you? 

You don’t need to be an expert,what matters is being clear on what’s important to you – and making investment choices that reflect those values.

What Does “Ethical Investing” Actually Mean?

In simple terms, ethical investing is putting your money into companies that align with your values – and avoiding those that don’t.

You might want to:

• Support clean energy and sustainability

• Avoid industries like tobacco, weapons, or gambling

• Invest in companies that treat their workers fairly and protect the environment

Three Common Types of Ethical Investing

If you’re hearing terms like ESG, SRI, or impact investing – here’s what they mean:

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)

This looks at how a company:

• Reduces emissions and waste

• Treats its staff and communities

• Handles transparency and ethics

SRI (Socially Responsible Investing)

This strategy screens out industries like fossil fuels, arms, or fast fashion – often used by ethical funds and faith-based investors.

Impact Investing

This is about actively funding solutions to global challenges – like clean water, education, or gender equality. It’s often used in social enterprise or microfinance circles.

Can You Still Make a Return?

Yes – and in many cases, a strong one.

Companies that take ESG seriously often:

• Avoid lawsuits and scandals

• Attract more loyal customers

• Use resources more efficiently

• Build long-term trust

More and more investors – especially younger ones – are moving their money away from harmful sectors and into future-focused, ethical businesses. And the numbers are catching up.

What This Means for Beginners

At Orange Tree Training, we always say: start small, stay curious, and build on what you learn.

You don’t need a fortune to start investing in line with your values. In fact, you can begin with as little as £10–£100 and look at companies that:

• Prioritise people and planet

• Pay solid dividends

• Offer growth potential without ethical compromise.