On this day of  thanks it’s fitting to discuss investments that are not solely focused on the bottom line.  From cleaning the air, to animal rights, to recycling, here are four investments to be thankful for:

Green Century Funds sponsor two socially responsible mutual funds.  They are environmentally responsible, founded by nonprofit advocacy organizations, and committed to shareholder activism as a critical component of responsible investing.

As their mission states, “With Green Century’s mutual funds, you can use your investment dollars to help the environment. We seek competitive returns while we put your money to work for cleaner air, cleaner water and a healthier planet. We believe that, in the long run, companies that now seek to protect the environment may be more profitable than companies that pollute. And that means a better future for everyone.”

The Green Century Balanced Fund (GCBLX) invests in stocks and bonds of companies with clean environmental records.  The Green Century Equity Fund (GCEQX) invests in stocks of the Domini 400 Social Index.

The Integrity Growth & Income Fund (IGIAX) is a broadly ethical stock mutual fund concerned with animal rights, governance, environmental sustainability, employee and social issues.  The investment philosophy is to look proactively for companies that are contributing in a positive way to a better world and a cleaner environment.  However, companies must first pass financial screens.  Underlying investments are chosen based on strict corporate governance standards and avoid alcohol, tobacco, pornography, and gambling.

Integrity is one of the few funds that consider animal rights as an important issue.  As such, they work closely with PETA for advice on issues and current holdings.

Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLHB) is committed to conserving natural resources and protecting the environment by providing viable alternatives to disposal.  Recycling Services offer a variety of recycling, reuse and reclamation options for hazardous and non-hazardous materials including solvents, chemicals and oil, light bulbs, transformers and other electrical equipment.

Their recycling and reuse programs find beneficial uses for manufacturing by-products.  Clean Harbor recycles oil, antifreeze and other automotive products.

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (ESLR) develops, manufactures, and markets solar power products.  With their proprietary “String Ribbon” technology, solar panels are smaller, easier to assemble and more efficient that other solar panels.

Solar power is expected to be on the forefront of the future electricity supply of the United States.  Solar-power use is expected to grow 40% a year through 2011, according to an RBC Capital Markets report. It projected 2007 profits for the industry of $7.7 billion, rising to $11.5 billion by 2011.

Before investing in any SRI be sure to do your research.  Scott Rothbort wrote an excellent article called “Understanding Socially Responsible Investing.”  Once you have all the facts, these types of investments may warm your conscience and fatten your wallet.

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