A few months ago, I launched the Money Wise UK podcast. The goal wasn't to set the world alight with radical ideas, but to continue the meaningful conversations I used to have in a previous role—conversations that often touched on values, purpose, and the difficult questions we tend to avoid.

Recently, these discussions have centred around sustainability. It’s a topic that sparks strong opinions, but also one that deserves patient exploration. From conversations about green investments to how a British family is transforming their estate through sustainable land use, the podcast has taken me on a surprising and inspiing path

Seeing Sustainability as a Personal, Not Just Global, Issue

One of the biggest hurdles in sustainable investing is perception. It often feels like a problem too big for one person to make a difference. Headlines highlight failed policies or underperformance in ESG funds, and it can be tempting to feel cynical—or even smug—when sustainability "fails".

But why invest in something that might not give us the financial returns we’re looking for?

That’s a valid question.

What I’ve come to realise, however, is that sustainable investing isn't about perfection. It’s about direction. It’s about asking ourselves: what kind of future are we investing in?

A Green Journey: From Ethical Funds to ESG

Just a few years ago, a small but vocal group of clients asked about ethical funds. These funds had tight restrictions—often excluding industries like tobacco, fossil fuels, or arms manufacturing—and were somewhat binary in nature. A company was either "ethical" or it wasn’t.

Back then, the range of ethical funds was limited, and engagement with companies was minimal. You invested to avoid harm, not necessarily to create change.

Fast forward to today, and the investment landscape has evolved. We now have sustainable, responsible, and impact funds—each with its own nuance. Engagement is no longer seen as a compromise; it's a core strategy. Many fund managers are using their shareholder power to push companies towards better environmental and social outcomes.

And then there's ESG investing—Environmental, Social, and Governance. While often bundled together, ESG isn't a type of fund, but a framework for analysis. In fact, many investors now view ESG simply as good business practice. After all, would you want to invest in a company that dumps toxic waste, mistreats employees, or lacks proper governance?

Greenwashing and the FCA’s Labelling Challenge

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been working to bring more clarity to this space, introducing Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and a labelling system to help investors distinguish between “sustainable focus”, “sustainable improvers”, and “impact” funds.

Yet implementation has been bumpy. Critics claim that the definitions are still too vague and that greenwashing—where companies or funds overstate their environmental credentials—is still rife. It's a valid concern.

But should these bumps in the road make us turn away from sustainable investing altogether? I don’t think so.

My Own Green Investing Experience

Let me be clear: I'm not an expert in green investing. Nor do I claim to have all my money in impact or ESG funds. But I do hold some strategies that lean into sustainability—because I believe the future matters.

Investing is often about recognising trends early and being willing to take a long-term view. Whether it’s clean energy, sustainable agriculture, or water infrastructure, these themes are not fads—they’re necessities.

Yes, short-term performance can be volatile. Some ESG funds have lagged traditional benchmarks in recent years. But that’s not the whole story. For instance:

• MSCI data shows that over the past 10 years, ESG-screened indices have performed broadly in line with, or even slightly ahead of, their parent indices in many regions.

• Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) and Baillie Gifford are among several UK firms developing long-term sustainable strategies with solid track records.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainability Is More Than Investing

What’s become clear through the podcast is that sustainability is a mindset, not just a portfolio choice.

It’s in the small decisions too:

• Letting a patch of your garden grow wild to support pollinators.

• Choosing locally produced goods.

• Thinking twice before discarding rather than repairing.

One guest shared how their family estate in the UK is rewilding areas, reintroducing biodiversity, and restoring natural water flow. It’s not just inspiring—it’s a reminder that positive change can start with us.

We can choose to disengage and say, “It’s not my problem.” Or we can get curious, ask better questions, and find our own way to contribute—however small that may seem.

Why It All Matters

The reality is stark: natural disasters are increasing. According to the UK Met Office and IPCC, climate change is already affecting the frequency of extreme weather events. Floods, droughts, and wildfires are no longer distant threats. They’re happening now.

So, whether you're an investor, a gardener, or simply someone who wants to leave the world in better shape, your actions matter.

And if my podcast does one thing, I hope it's this: to encourage reflection and honest dialogue. The kind that doesn’t require perfection but does ask you to pay attention.

Final Thoughts

My journey into sustainability is ongoing, and I’m learning as I go. But one thing is clear—change is happening, and the financial world is part of that change. The Money Wise UK podcast is a small space for big conversations, and I hope you’ll join me for future episodes.

Whether it’s through investing, daily habits, or simply being open to new perspectives, we each have the power to shape the world we want to see.