One Dollar and One Cent

Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing in a market economy, in this late stage of industrial capitalism that is the U.S.

But if we live in a capitalist society, we cast votes every day with our dollars.  So you try to make moral purchases.

The only problem is this:  buying ethically means it doesn't work.

If you buy all-natural, all-organic deodorant, it doesn't work.  It's the same as not wearing deodorant. 

I have this book called "Zen Cleaning" which claims you can clean your entire house by using only lemon juice, baking powder, vinegar, and salt.  And if you try to do that, you will have a dirty, filthy, stained house.  Because it doesn't work.  (You know what does work?  Some serious nasal cavity clearing bleach.  Oh my does it work).

The list goes on:  chemical-free soap won't get you clean.  Tom's of Maine toothpaste won't clean your teeth.  

Once year I finally found one article of clothing not made in a sweatshop--a black coat for the winter.  It frayed at the seams within days.

But most importantly I want to invest in justice.  I can't rail against polluters and exploiters and then have a mutual fund that invests in those companies.  As a shareholder, I would be those companies.

So you find funds that invest in green technology, in businesses with fair labor practices, in those trying to do the right thing.

And do you know what that means?  It means you make no money. 

My big fund is Winslow Sustainability Fund.  In 2012, it made me $1.01.  Let me say that again:  the return on this investment for the entire year of 2012 was one dollar and one cent.

It was pretty embarrassing to hand over the forms to my tax guy.  If I didn't know better, he may have shaken his head and said "hippies" under his breath.