Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon College Savings plan has become the first in the nation to offer savers a ‘sustainable investment’ option. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Parents, grandparents or friends of a child can pay into the savings plan, with the hope that by the time the kid grows up, they’ll have a lump sum for college.

Investors have various choices for where to put their money – from aggressive funds to more conservative options. Now they can invest in businesses that are ‘sustainable.’

State treasurer, Randall Edwards, says Oregon is again at the head of a national trend.

Randall Edwards: “I really believe this option allows Oregonians the ability to invest in a way that aligns their financial goals with their support for sustainable and environmental stewardship.”

Oregon’s savings plan has been running for eight years and until this fall, had returned about seven-and-a-half percent.

In the last few months, however, funds have dropped about 30 percent, as the overall market has fallen.