Alternative economics
I am continually working on making alternative economics a larger part of our lives.
This is just one of the great resources I've found; http://gtne.org/ the Global Transition to a New Economy. As they say on their website;
"The Global Transition to a New Economy maps innovative projects that challenge business as usual and contribute to the systemic change to our economy that we urgently require. Together, these projects create a world that prioritizes human well being, within environmental limits."
As well as providing a space to talk about many exciting things happening globally, they have created a map that shows interesting projects all around the world. I've used it to find two initiatives in Barcelona, one exchanging website, to swap time and skills instead of money, and one website about a LETS scheme here.
It feels very uplifting to find inspiring examples of alternative economical systems already in place and functioning, it helps me to remember that there's so much going on out there already that we can be a part of.
This is just one of the great resources I've found; http://gtne.org/ the Global Transition to a New Economy. As they say on their website;
"The Global Transition to a New Economy maps innovative projects that challenge business as usual and contribute to the systemic change to our economy that we urgently require. Together, these projects create a world that prioritizes human well being, within environmental limits."
As well as providing a space to talk about many exciting things happening globally, they have created a map that shows interesting projects all around the world. I've used it to find two initiatives in Barcelona, one exchanging website, to swap time and skills instead of money, and one website about a LETS scheme here.
It feels very uplifting to find inspiring examples of alternative economical systems already in place and functioning, it helps me to remember that there's so much going on out there already that we can be a part of.
Another brilliant place to look into is the New Economics Foundation.
'The N.E.F. is the UK's leading think tank promoting social, economic and environmental justice. Our purpose is to bring about a Great Transition – to transform the economy so that it works for people and the planet.'
They are a great resource, full of information on how we could change the economy that we are living in to one that works for the benefit of the people.
http://www.neweconomics.org
'The N.E.F. is the UK's leading think tank promoting social, economic and environmental justice. Our purpose is to bring about a Great Transition – to transform the economy so that it works for people and the planet.'
They are a great resource, full of information on how we could change the economy that we are living in to one that works for the benefit of the people.
http://www.neweconomics.org
Inspirations:
The bank of Dave
This was a channel 4 programme on a man who attempted to open his own bank in his local town - The bank of Dave. It wasn't long before he was closed down by the FSA, but he brings up some really interesting points on banking and how it is completely possible to do it very differently, supporting local people within the community by offering high interest rates on savings, and providing loans to local businesses that would otherwise be refused. The bank of Dave also gave all their profits to local charities. A really inspirational man, he shows that we don't need our current banking systems, and it is possible to do it another way which helps everybody involved.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/bank-of-dave/4od |
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Consumer societies vs competent communities
Here is a link to a very interesting article and book that discusses the difference between being a consumer and a member of a community. I really like this quote:
'We see that if we are to be the creators of our future, we must become citizens, not consumers. Consumers are dependent on the creations of the market; and in the end, they produce nothing much but waste. Citizens are those who choose to create the life, the neighborhood, the world from their own gifts and the gifts of others. It is the shift from consumer to citizen that will restore vital functions to the family and the neighbourhood and reconstruct the competence of communities -- all of which come under assault in a consumer culture.'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-block/the-limits-of-consumption_b_805506.html
'We see that if we are to be the creators of our future, we must become citizens, not consumers. Consumers are dependent on the creations of the market; and in the end, they produce nothing much but waste. Citizens are those who choose to create the life, the neighborhood, the world from their own gifts and the gifts of others. It is the shift from consumer to citizen that will restore vital functions to the family and the neighbourhood and reconstruct the competence of communities -- all of which come under assault in a consumer culture.'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-block/the-limits-of-consumption_b_805506.html
Some more alternative economics resources
Streetbank (formerly 'Just for the love of it') connects people with their neighbours to share tools and help in non financial ways.
http://www.streetbank.com/just_for_the_love_of_it Couchsurfing - I've used this many times in the past when travelling around and needing a place to stay. Contact those signed up, get to sleep on their couch. https://www.couchsurfing.org/ Lets schemes - These are starting all over the UK, with some already running for years. They work by exchanging services instead of cash. http://www.letslinkuk.net/ Totnes, in Devon has taken this one step further and actually has it's own pounds in circulation now. This keeps the currency local, making sure that the money spent stays within the local community. http://www.totnes-chamber.com/en/totnes_pound |
Freecycle - whenever I'm in the UK I get all of my furniture from here. Site for people giving things away, totally free, you just got to be quick.
http://www.freecycle.org/ The slow movement - More people are starting to appreciate the value of slowing down. This is a nice website dedicated to all things slow - slow, food, slow living, slow travel..
http://www.slowmovement.com Wwoofing (World Wide Organisation of Organic Farms) - I've done this many times in the past. With networks in almost every country now, exchanging work for food and a place to stay. Amazing way to travel for free and learn some skills. http://www.wwoof.org/ |
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