Taking action for the planet
Protecting the natural world has been at the heart of our unique, customer-led Ethical Policy for over 30 years. Our customers tell us what matters to them, and we take action on it. It’s why we haven’t invested in fossil fuels for over 25 years, and why we continue to campaign to tackle the climate-nature crisis.
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted nations in the world. As well as being devastating for ecosystems, this decline in nature has a very real impact on people’s mental and physical health. People living in the most nature-deprived communities are also those most affected by urban heating, pollution, flooding and biodiversity loss.
Our partnership with Friends of the Earth
In our latest Values and Ethics Poll, our customers told us that protecting the environment was the most important issue, and that they wanted to us take action to protect the planet and biodiversity. So we listened.
It’s why we joined forces with Friends of the Earth in a multi-year partnership, which will bring back nature to some of the most nature-deprived communities in the country through the Postcode Gardener programme.
Friends of the Earth is the UK’s biggest grassroots environmental campaigning community. Like us, they’re dedicated to protecting the planet and the people that live there; campaigning for change against climate breakdown and seeking to restore nature. You can get involved and take action with Friends of the Earth, by finding out more here.
Bringing back nature with Postcode Gardeners
We know that many people want to live on streets thriving with greenery and wildlife, but they need help to make it happen. That’s where a Postcode Gardener comes in. With Friends of the Earth and their network of Postcode Gardeners, we’ll restore greenery and wildlife in 1,000 nature deprived spaces across the country.
Postcode Gardeners are professional gardeners who organise, guide and support local residents to work street-by-street to transform where they live. The combination of gardening and community spirit not only helps nature to thrive, but it also builds social connection and mental and physical wellbeing. They work to create resilient, thriving and healthy neighbourhoods.
Greening your local communities
Since the launch of our partnership in 2023, the Postcode Gardeners have been working hard to green our neighbourhoods. By planning and co-ordinating activities and events, as well as sharing knowledge and skills, they’ve been bringing local communities together.
Our Postcode Gardeners are now leading projects all over the country, including in London, Devon, Birmingham, Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull and Liverpool. They’ve been encouraging greenery and wildlife back to neglected public spaces by planting wildflower meadows and edible plants, boosting biodiversity with wildlife corridors, and even creating a healing garden for those experiencing mental health problems.
In September 2024, we launched two new projects in our hometown of Manchester. Working with local communities in West Gorton and Wythenshawe, the Postcode Gardeners will be helping nature to flourish, while building social connections, and stronger communities.
If you want to stay up to date with the progress in our local communities, and find out about the latest Postcode Gardener projects, follow us on our social media channels.
Join the Bank you can hold to account
Did you know that your choice of bank has the power to make a positive difference?
By joining the original ethical bank, you’re choosing a bank that doesn’t invest in unethical practices that impact on the planet, like funding the extraction and production of planet damaging fossil fuels. Instead, you’ll be part of a bank that campaigns for change, that invests in your local community and is bringing back nature across the country.
Current accounts
We have a range of current accounts, whatever you’re looking for – whether it’s our basic Cashminder account, our standard no-fee Current Account, or our packaged Everyday Extra account for people looking for more.
Credit cards
We have a range of credit cards available to suit your needs. They offer you a way to make flexible payments, all with the UK’s original ethical bank.
Mortgages
We have a range of mortgage products available, so you can find the right fit for you – whether you’re thinking of applying for your first mortgage, or looking to switch to us.
Friends of the Earth is a registered charity in England and Wales, No. 281681.
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