Investing In The Environment
"The overwhelming majority of scientific experts believe that human-induced climate change is already occurring," stated Robert Watson, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in a November 2000 speech.
Watson further warned, "It is not a question of whether the
Earth's climate will change, but rather by how much, how fast
and where."
In 1995, after more than a decade of research and debate, 2,500
of the world's leading climate scientists reached the consensus
that human greenhouse gas emissions are having a discernible influence
on the global climate. The potential impacts of global climate
change-rising sea levels, increased severity of storms and unpredictable
and severe shifts in weather patterns-justify, if not demand action.
However, much can be done. The Washington Public Interest Research
Group (WashPIRG) is working to bring solutions to this debate.
They have established Green Century Balanced Fund which invests
primarily in the stocks and bonds of environmentally responsible
companies.
A critical focus of the Fund's investments is alternative and
renewable energy companies, whose technologies do not harm the
environment, but instead work to improve it. The Fund's holdings
as of March 31, 2001 included:
· AstroPower,* the largest U.S.-owned maker of solar electric
power products. AstroPower is one of the fastest growing companies
in the solar power industry.
·Vestas Wind systems A/S,* a Danish company established
in 1945. A world leader in wind turbine manufacturing, Vestas
brings power to three continents. The company places a strong
emphasis on client education.
·FuelCell Energy, Inc.,* a developer and manufacturer of
high-efficiency power plants. FuelCell's products can deliver
clean, efficient electric power plants without many of the environmental
drawbacks of other power generators.
Whether you invest in the WashPIRG Fund, create your own "environmentally
conscious" portfolio or simply purchase energy conserving
products for your home, the fact remains that investing in our
environment makes you a much needed part of the solution!
*The holdings of the Green Century Balanced Fund may change due
to on-going management and the specific securities described may
not be held by the Fund in the future. References to specific
investments should not be construed as a recommendation of the
securities by the Fund or its distributor. As of March 31, 2001
the companies named in the story at right comprised the following
percentages of the Green Century Balanced Fund: AstroPower 2.48%.
Vestas Wind Systems A/S 2.80%. FuelCell Energy, Inc. 3.34%. Distributor:
Sunstone Distribution Services, LLC 5/01.
For more complete info on the Green Century Balanced Fund, including
fees and expenses, call 1(800)93-GREEN for a free prospectus.
Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.