

Moving billions through 401ks with Sphere, Ep #7
Jun 13, 2022
36:54
Today’s episode focuses on what’s perhaps the easiest way for you to help move billions of dollars out of fossil fuels. That’s right, I said “you,” “billions of dollars,” and “easy,” all in the same sentence. The surprising answer to this riddle is your 401k—and a young company called Sphere.
In this episode of Invested in Climate, I have a fascinating conversation with Sphere CEO and Founder Alex Wright-Gladstein, a serial entrepreneur who’s making it easy for everyday people and companies of all sizes to divest their 401ks from fossil fuels. I think you’ll learn a lot from this episode and walk away with a really easy and impactful action to take.
In Today’s Episode, we cover:
- [2:35] When Alex realized her life’s work was to protect the planet
- [6:05] Learn more about Sphere and the problem it works to solve
- [10:30] Is divesting money from fossil fuels having an impact?
- [15:11] What do you need to do to get started?
- [16:04] Are climate-friendly 401k options more expensive?
- [18:41] Details about the Sphere 500 Fossil-Free Index Fund
- [22:34] Raising awareness for fossil-free investing
- [25:49] Who is currently working with Sphere?
- [27:03] How to change investments in a 401k with a past employer
- [29:32] Other investment strategies you should consider
- [32:04] Actionable ways Alex is making strides in other areas
- [34:32] Why you should focus on creating infrastructure change
Resources & People Mentioned
- Ayar Labs
- Oursphere.org
- As You Sow
- Fossil Free Funds
- Marilyn Waite’s blog with link to green banks
- Ayana Elizabeth Johnsson’s venn diagram for climate action
- How University of California Decided to Let its Employees Divest from Fossil Fuels
- Learn more about Atmos Financial
- How to Save a Planet podcast
Connect with Alex Wright-Gladstein
- Connect on LinkedIn
Connect With Jason Rissman
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