Here in Summit County, we have begun taking control of the social and environmental effects of commerce by issuing our own local currency, Summit Hours. We are printing our own currency because we are tired of watching federal dollars come to town, shake a few hands, then leave to support a war or serve a multinational corporation. Summit Hours, by contrast, stay in our area and work for the benefit of all of us. The key lies in barter.
Pure barter is the world's oldest economic system.
For equal trades, there is no need for Hours. You and I may not need what the other one has to offer. That's where the Hours are useful. I pay you in Hour notes for painting my kitchen. You spend the Hours on a baby-sitter.