Each January, many of us will be thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. Actions such as going organic, switching your energy supplier or volunteering can all contribute positively to the environment and society.

Every action, no matter how small, sets something in motion. What you do with your money every day can also make a difference and be a powerful force for good. You already choose what food you buy or clothes you wear based on your values, so why not do the same for banking?

Triodos Bank UK use their customers’ money to support projects that help build a sustainable future for everyone. They lend to businesses and organisations that bring about social, environmental and cultural change, and focus on a broad range of sectors – from renewable energy, organic farming and social housing through to retail, charities and education.

They recently published a vision paper on the food and agriculture system that called for a radical systemic transition from the current production focused systems towards one that is ecologically and socially resilient and based on balanced ecosystems, a healthy society and inclusive prosperity. The bank proposes that this will require a thorough redesign, with a renewed connection between consumers and the food they eat, and a revaluation of our food and its impact on the wider environment and our health.

They examine food and agriculture from a holistic, systemic perspective – recognising the complexities and interdependencies of the sector. The main goals of the bank’s suggested transition are for agriculture to work with nature rather than against it. At the same time, a balanced and resilient food system should be created to promote healthy diets and deliver fair pay for farmers.

Simon Crichton, food, farming and trade team manager at Triodos Bank UK, says: “The current agricultural system is not sustainable and has reached its limits. We must bring the use of ecosystems, our eating habits and increasingly globalised food markets in balance. We should strive to produce healthy food for all, while respecting the limits of our planet and paying farmers fairly. That means we need to rethink the way we produce and process food, as well as how we trade, store, transport, sell and consume food.”

We believe that money can be a force of good in this transition. In agriculture, banks should only invest in initiatives that have a positive impact on people and planet, which includes supporting those making a transition to more agroecological systems.

Triodos offers a range of accounts and services for individuals and businesses - from current accounts for your everyday banking, to a variety of online savings accounts.

If you want your money to be a force for good this New Year and open your first Triodos Current Account, savings account or Cash ISA, not only will your money have a positive impact for people and the planet, they’ll donate £40 to help us continue our vital work once your balance reaches £100. Terms, conditions and eligibility apply. Learn more