Moving billions through 401ks with Sphere, Ep #7

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

• https://InvestedInClimate.com 
• On LinkedIn
• On Twitter

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