Everyday ESG: How Environmental, Social & Governance Shows Up in Your Daily Life

Author: Ritika Kumbharkar , National Climate Fellow

When you hear 'ESG,' you might think of corporate boardrooms, investor presentations, or lengthy sustainability reports. But the truth is, ESG isn’t just a boardroom buzzword; it’s woven into your everyday choices, from your bank account to your grocery cart to the company you work for.

In this third part of our ESG series, let’s bring it back to where it really counts: you. Here’s how ESG shows up in your daily life and how small, conscious choices can push companies to do better.

ESG in Your Wallet: Where Does Your Money Sleep at Night?

Most people don’t realize that their savings account, retirement fund, or credit card may be funding fossil fuel production, deforestation, or industries that don’t align with their values.

• Check if your bank invests heavily in fossil fuel expansion; major consumer banks are some of the biggest backers.
• Consider switching to a credit union or bank with strong sustainability commitments.
• If you use investing apps, look for ESG or climate-friendly fund options; a small shift can send a bigger signal.

ESG in Your Shopping Cart: What You Buy Matters

Every product you pick up has an invisible trail of raw materials, labor conditions, and shipping emissions.

• Look for brands that disclose their sustainable supply chain practices, if they pay fair wages, or if they hold third-party certifications (e.g., Fair Trade, B Corp, or Rainforest Alliance).
• Buy less, buy better: You can limit your personal waste by prioritizing purchasing for quality over quantity and reducing how much you buy overall.
• Support local businesses whenever possible; shorter supply chains often result in smaller environmental footprints.

ESG at Your Workplace: Be the Conversation Starter

You don’t have to work in sustainability to make an impact.

• Bring up ESG in team meetings, and ask about your company’s environmental policies, diversity goals, or community programs.
• Propose an employee green team or volunteer day, which can drive engagement in our community and build a sustainability culture in the workplace.
• Encourage leadership to be transparent about goals and progress.
• Emphasize the importance of organizational sustainability in team meetings and with your supervisors.

ESG in Your Community: Local Counts Too

It’s not just big corporations. From public transit to clean water access, ESG issues start right in your zip code. Support local environmental initiatives, like community gardens or clean-up drives.

• Vote for policies and leaders who prioritize climate action, equity, and transparency.
• Talk to friends and family; ESG awareness grows through everyday conversations.

ESG isn’t just something companies do; it’s something we shape every day with our choices and our voices.

So, the next time you swipe your card, check your paystub, or choose where to work or bank, ask yourself: What does this say about the world I want to live in? Is this choice building the future I believe in?

Ready to Go Deeper? 

Check out our ESG Action Page for more tools, tips, and steps you can take today.