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 Ithaca, gives us more potential to reach outward with ecological export industry. We are capitalizing new businesses with loans of our own cash. Ithaca's money honors local features we respect, like native flowers, powerful waterfalls, crafts, farms and our children.
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. Several have started new money. Local currency is one of many things that people can do to make communities friendlier and wealthier. The Grassroots National Product, however, measures success as fair pay, responsible use of natural resources, community connection, creativity and trust.