Natalie Kittner started out as an intern at GLS Bank in Bochum, Germany and although she would have never
imagined herself working at a bank one day she ended up staying for good.
In this episode she tells us about what work at the world's first 'sustainable' bank looks like, what some social and environmental values of this 'alternative' bank are and how
it works at changing the ways in which money is used.
'Divesting' is a very relevant word these days.
Wayne Duggan defines 'personal divesting' in an article for U.S. News:
"Personal divestment is the process of moving money out of a particular company, asset or asset class that no longer fits with an individual investor's overall strategy."
Although this is directed towards investors, we as bank's clients can move our money and support away from banks if what the bank does with it
does not fit into our set of values.
All big banks that are household names and even most smaller, traditional ones are funding the climate crisis and nature and community harming projects.
We have the choice to put our money where our values are.
Banks are only as powerful as the inflow of money and support of their clients that they receive.
I interviewed Natalie because GLS bank is my bank of choice but this Talk applies internationally and it gives a good example of
what a more responsible, "green" bank can look like.
Natalie also gave us a tip on how we can find better banks all over the world - visit Global Alliance for Banking on Values to find purpose-driven banks
internationally and see more criteria that make a difference in banking!
I hope you feel inspired to search for a new bank that deserves your money and time🌱
If you don't find anything on GABV then simply look for "sustainable banks" or "green banks", "social banks" in your city,
state or country on the internet and help change the ways in which money impacts the world 🏙🌱
Thank you for listening to this Talk🌍🌊☀
which came alive through the voices of
Natalie Kittner
and your host Stella Sage🌿
