We all know that how you spend your money can have a big impact on issues of social conscience - buying the right clothes means you don't give money to those operating sweatshops, buying - or not buying - the right products can mean great benefits to the environment and boycotting companies due to their policies can effect change.

However many people neglect to think about ethical banking and investment. All banks use your money to invest in projects they think profitable, which helps them make their own money. Unfortunately this means many high street banks invest in companies that make weapons fuelling conflict worldwide, pollute the environment, consume or extract fossil fuels, exploit poor people through dodgy labour practices or by violating human rights, directly or indirectly through trade with military regimes, or that promote GM foods or use cruelty against animals.

Whatever you think about these issues, whether you support these practices or not, you are likely to be helping these businesses if you keep your money in an account with a bank that has no clear ethical policy. By moving your account to an ethical provider not only can you take comfort in the fact you are not supporting unethical practice, but you can also benefit from great interest rates that often beat high street banks.

If you decide to change bank accounts you should tell your current bank why you wish to move, and if you decide not to then you should write to your bank to lobby for better ethics in their banking.

The top ethical banking providers in the UK are The Cooperative Bank, Smile (The Co-Op's internet only bank, consistently well reviewed) and Triodos, a Bristol based group.

For ethical investment advice please visit EIRIS