Third Act hosts a series of interactive learning sessions every month on how to prevent your bank deposits, credit cards, home/auto insurance premiums, and investments from being used to finance the fossil fuel industry… and instead fund local businesses, community housing, and development of renewable clean energy.
About this event
Banking: If you bank with Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, U.S. Bank or another mega-bank, some of your money is likely being used to fund companies causing climate destruction. Learn how to find regional and local credit unions and community banks that use your deposits to fund local businesses and farms, build local housing, and invest in your community… and not fossil fuel projects. Simply put: Shop Local – Eat Local – Bank Local.
Credit Cards: If you have a credit card with one of the mega-banks, the money from transaction fees, annual fees, and interest on debt is fed into the money pipeline to finance fossil fuel companies. Learn how to find an alternative credit card.
Property Insurance: If you insure your home and/or auto with Liberty Mutual, Travelers, All-State, GEICO, State Farm or other major insurance companies, then some of your premium payment is likely being used to both insure and finance the excavation, production and distribution of oil, tar sands, coal and gas. Learn how to find mutual insurance companies that do not insure nor finance fossil fuel projects.
Investments: Large asset managers – companies that people pay to manage and invest their money – such as BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, and Capital Group are the among the largest shareholders in fossil fuel companies on behalf of their clients. Learn about the mutual funds you are now investing in and how to find alternative investments… and learn how to find a financial advisor that shares your values.
SAVE THE DATE:
the next 2 sessions will be on Monday April 13th and Monday June 8, 2026. Registration details later.
Michael Richardson, Third Act Campaigns Director
Michael Richardson co-founded the Third Act Working Group in Upstate New York and has been a leader within New York’s climate movement, serving on the steering committee of NY Renews – the coalition behind the landmark New York State climate law – and as co-chair of Public Power NY – the coalition for furthering the buildout of publicly-owned renewable energy.
A lifelong activist, Michael’s movement work stretches back to war-resistance and social justice campaigns of the early 1970s and continues today through climate, environmental justice, and democracy organizing.
In addition to his U.S.-based organizing, Michael co-founded and directed an agroecology training and demonstration center in Nicaragua, supporting small-scale growers in sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
Across a wide-ranging career—including organic farmer, solar heating contractor, labor economist, county legislator, and municipal consultant Michael has consistently applied his skills to strengthening democracy, protecting the climate, and advancing community-led solutions.
