As You Sow launched a concerning initiative that targets S&P 500 company employees who invest in 401(k) or similar retirement plans. The “Invest Your Values” campaign is premised on As You Sow’s assertion that the 401(k) plan offerings invest in companies whose practices are not aligned with the target company’s stated sustainability goals and are otherwise “risky investments” based on their environmental and social practices. The purported misalignment is based on As You Sow’s environmental and social sustainability ratings, which address specific issues in these seven E&S categories: fossil fuels, deforestation, gender equality, civilian firearms, prison labor, arms manufacturers, and tobacco.
Although specifically disclaiming its status as a registered investment adviser, the campaign aims to “educate” employees about the purported risks associated with their current investment choices and encourage them to demand from their employers, and to invest in, sustainability-friendly (as defined by As You Sow) funds.
As You Sow’s initial targets, Amazon and Comcast, will be followed by additional S&P 500 companies. According to its release, As You Sow plans to release ads, accompanied by a link to Amazon’s “401(k) sustainability scorecard” and a call to action, on the company’s employee social media feeds this week.
See As You Sow’s FAQs and action centers for employees and 401(k) plan administrators, and Pensions & Investments’ “As You Sow offers sustainability scorecard for corporate 401(k) participants.”
This post first appeared in the weekly Society Alert!