Often this type of research is done by investment companies which specialize in socially responsible investing. One way to get involved with conscious buying in the financial arena is to consult a financial planner or broker. Their job often involves helping investors define their goals, priorities and values, and compiling a portfolio of investments that reflect those values, a perfect avenue for conscious buying. Some financial advisors also assist investors in shareholder advocacy, sponsoring shareholder resolutions promoting or condemning certain actions, and proxy voting. Shareholder advocacy was very effective in raising awareness around divestment from South Africa.
Banks are the major players in the financial markets.
Banks are in a unique position to promote social and environmental values in business because they essentially hold the purse strings. Banks often lend money on a piece of real estate. Say that the real estate turns out to be a contaminated site, and the borrower defaults on the loan. The bank is then stuck with a toxic site, and the heavy cleanup costs that comes with it. So banks decided to require environmental assessments on land that they lend on.