If you're working to make the world a cleaner place, make sure your investments aren't hindering your efforts. Many people invest their money without following the paper trail. Unfortunately, that often means that their money is being invested in programs and companies that are harming the environment. If you want to make sure that your investment dollars are used to protect the environment, rather than harm it, here are four steps you can take to get involved in green investments. 

Choose a Local Financial Institution

If you conduct your financial business through a big bank, you might be surprised to find out that your money is being used to finance projects that are harmful to the environment. Unfortunately, when you're banking through a large financial institution, there's no way to avoid that. One way to protect the environment, and keep an eye on your money, is to choose a local bank or credit union to do business with. Choosing a local bank or credit union will allow you to watch how your money is being used, especially around the community. 

Participate in Crowdfunding

If you want to do your part to protect the environment while making a good return on your investment dollars, participate in crowdfunding sites. There are many investment opportunities available for green investments right through popular crowdfunding sites. These sites allow you to invest in projects that help a wide variety of people and organizations that work to protect the environment through green initiatives. 

Do Research on Your Holdings

If you don't know what you've invested in, now's the time to take a closer look at your holdings. Many people invest in projects without understanding the full scope of the details. Unfortunately, that can lead to situations where investments are made in companies that are actually harming the environment. One of the benefits of doing research on your holdings is that it gives you the opportunity to divest in the ones that aren't helping the environment. 

Understand Green Investment Options

Finally, if you want to make sure that your investment dollars are doing good for the environment, make sure you understand your investment options. There is a wide variety of options for green investments, including bonds, mutual funds, startups, and stocks for sustainable products. Your investment counselor can help you choose the options that work best for you. 

If you want to do your part for the environment, make sure that your investments are helping you reach those goals. The tips provided here will help you get started on your path to green investments. 

For more information regarding green investments, reach out to your local green investing company.