Ecology Building Society

Advantages: Save and help the environment
Disadvantages: Not as many packages available

...agree with? With the Ecology Building Society, you do not have to worry yourself about that because would be safe in the knowledge that your money is being used wisely and greenly. So exactly what IS the Ecology Building Society? In it's own words: " The Ecology is a mutual building society dedicated to improving the environment by promoting sustainable housing and sustainable communities. Savings placed with the Ecology fund mortgage lending on: ...
...So in a nutshell the Ecology Building Society lends money to green projects that all other building societies would not even have given a cursory glance to. There are a wide range of products available to suit every type of customer. Eco60 Account. This is an account for people with a bit of money to invest. The minimum opening balance is £500 and you have to give 60 days notice before you can withdraw any money. Earthwise Mini Cash ISA. This is ... Read review

Advantages: You can feel good knowing that you are helping to save the world from disaster! Seriously, if building a different sort of house which will benifit the planet - this is the escentail partner.
Disadvantages: Small society, with no branches. All transactions are through the post, with regional contacts for face-to-face meetings. the rates are easily beaten in the high street.

This is the most recent BS to be set up (1970s). This, along with the Catholic, are the only truely mutual UK BSs in my opinion. But this one is different to the average musty-smelling BS, to join this society you must be a member of some eco-friendly club or charity (eg. Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace). It really isn't suitable for the average person, but to someone who wants to make the Earth a greener place then thi is for you. They will give ...
...going about building your own eco-friendly house. They'll be with you every step of the way from building and planning the house to sorting out all the mortgage rates and so on. It also offers a number of reasonable savings accounts (which can be beaten on your local high street), but all the profits they make from these accounts are put back into funding new eco-houses and donations to eco-charities. Their AGM travels around to somewhere different ... Read review

Advantages: Environmental benefits
Disadvantages: Interest penalty for early withdrawals

I have recently opened an Ecology Building Society cash ISA and so far am very impressed with the product and the society. The cash ISA pays 5.95% per year, but you get an extra 1% if you don't make any withdrawals, which could be a good incentive not to spend your savings! The main advantage of the Ecology over other providers is their ethical/environmental stance - you are really getting added value by taking out an ISA. The society encourages ...
...being put to good use. They may be small, but their service has been friendly and efficient. All the information was easy to read and understand. The ISA is not CAT standard, but this doesn't have to be a bad thing - in this case it just means that you can't access your money instantly, but within a period of 4 days or so. So far I am very impressed, and my conscience is clear! ... Read review