The big banks still have a pretty bad reputation on environmental and ethical issues. Lending for armaments, pipeline and dam projects, rainforest destruction and third world debt have all featured in the news recently in relation to major UK banks.

Banks which have strong ethical policies include:

The Charity Bank - the UKs first not for profit bank

The Co-operative Bank – as used and recommended by Mygreenfootprint Limited

Triodos Bank - accounts, loans and savings

The Ecology Building Society – savings and mortgages

If you are switching from your current bank to one of the above, then take the opportunity to tell them why you are doing so.

Most bank accounts now offer an internet banking option. Some will allow you to choose to view your statements online, instead of receiving a paper copy. The more you do online, the fewer trips you make to your branch, the fewer letters you get from them (remember to tell them you want to be advised of offer by email, not letter), the better for the environment. A note of caution: internet banking fraud is on the increase – make sure your internet bank has a strong and effective internet security policy. And watch out for phishing attacks – the practice of sending spoof emails in order to try to get you to input your details online that will be picked up and used by criminals to access your account.