As we do so, we relieve the social desperation which has led to compulsive shopping and wasted resources. At the same time, Ithaca's locally-owned stores, which keep more wealth local, make sales and get spending power they otherwise would not have. As we discover new ways to provide for each other, we replace dependence on imports. Yet our greater self-reliance, rather than isolating the city, gives us more potential to reach outward with ecological export industry. We can capitalize new businesses with loans of our own cash.
Local currency is a lot of fun, and it's legal.
Local currency is also lots of work and responsibility. To give other communities a boost, we've been providing a Hometown Money Starter Kit . We've sent the Kit to over 150 communities in 41 states so far, and our example is becoming national. He has worked in advertising, journalism and barnyards, and rides his bicycle everywhere.