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 can capitalize 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 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 300 communities in 45 states so far, and our example is becoming national. He has worked in advertising, journalism and barnyards, and rides his bicycle everywhere.