If you haven’t figured it out by now, sustainable, responsible and impact investments are truly the future. The old ways of Wall Street appear to be melting away as more investors are looking to be active in the selection of their selections of retirement funds and their impact on society. While sustainability is nice (and important) many more investors are seeking broader societal impact by putting investments into companies that will make a difference, rather than just making a donation.

While it may seem daunting, it’s actually surprisingly easy to get into impact investing, specifically. However, it does require a little extra research on the part of the investor in order to really make a difference. Below are four areas that will help you get started with impact investing, and you can learn more about these areas and apps mentioned by visiting Investopedia’s site by CLICKING HERE.

1. Impact Mutual Funds

Perhaps the easiest way to start impact investing is to buy shares of a mutual fund. You can find mutual funds that promote social and environmental responsibility. Companies such as EarthFolio will help you find these funds.

Once you buy shares, you make money from dividends or capital growth, just like you would with other mutual funds. The difference is that the fund only engages in impact investing. These funds typically don’t focus on one sector like energy or agriculture. Instead, they search across all sectors to find social and environmentally responsible companies where you can invest.

2. Energy Efficiency

Investing in energy doesn’t have to mean buying stock in a large oil company. If you want to keep things simple, you can buy shares of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the alternative energy space. 

Some organizations help you find energy projects that are renewable and responsible and are looking for investment capital or to issue bonds. You get a return on your investment while helping companies produce clean energy. As an example, a company called Mosaic Inc. will connect you to a solar project. You actually buy a part of a solar enterprise. Mosaic checks out the company thoroughly to make sure it is a viable firm. You won’t get filthy rich at the 4.5% to 6% interest rates the loans earn, but you will make money while supporting solar energy.