Investing in the Care of Creation With Mark Regier

Show Notes

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it, for he has founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers.” Psalm 24:1-2: 

Mark Regier is Vice President of Stewardship Investing at Praxis Mutual Funds.

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP INVESTING AND HOW DOES IT INCORPORATE CREATION CARE?

Stewardship investing is an approach rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing responsibility and management of all that God has entrusted to us. It involves recognizing God's ownership over everything and managing resources wisely and according to His wishes. This philosophy extends to caring for our neighbors, seeking justice, peace, and importantly, caring for the world God created.

• Stewardship investing is about managing resources as God's stewards, recognizing His ownership.
• The approach involves investing responsibly and ethically, integrating care for neighbors and the environment.
• It emphasizes investing in ways that do not harm the world but seek to improve it, aligning with biblical stewardship.

HOW CAN INVESTMENT MANAGERS SUPPORT CREATION CARE?

Investment managers can support creation care through various strategies, including investing in green and social bonds, engaging in shareholder advocacy, and community investing. Green and social bonds finance projects with positive environmental or social impacts. Shareholder advocacy involves using shareholder power to influence corporate behavior towards more sustainable practices. Community investing directs funds to help marginalized communities adapt to a changing climate and embrace emerging technologies.

• Investing in green and social bonds that finance environmentally friendly projects.
• Engaging in shareholder advocacy to influence corporate policies and practices.
• Community investing to support marginalized groups affected by environmental changes.

WHAT IS GREENWASHING AND HOW CAN INVESTORS AVOID IT?

Greenwashing is when companies or funds claim to be more environmentally friendly or engaged in sustainable practices than they actually are. It's important for investors to research and verify these claims. To avoid greenwashing, investors should look deeply into company or fund activities, visit their websites for environmental reports, understand the information's source, and consider the company's willingness to discuss and address environmental issues. Transparency and evidence of genuine sustainable practices are key to discerning genuine efforts from greenwashing.

• Greenwashing is misleading claims about environmental practices or benefits.
• Investors should research and verify environmental claims made by companies or funds.
• Looking at a company's actual environmental policies, actions, and willingness to engage in discussions about sustainability can help avoid greenwashing.

ON TODAY’S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:

• I live on a fixed income of less than $1,000 a month and want to tithe. Should I adjust my expenses to give 10% or is it more about the condition of my heart when it comes to giving?
• I have a CD maturing and I'm considering locking into a longer term at a higher interest rate. Is it advisable to lock in for a longer term, like 4.75% for five years?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.