Posts Tagged ‘economics’
So You Want to Learn About the Economy…
Posted by Kindle Loomis, Published: January 22nd, 2013
By Sarah Parkinson
Resources for understanding our financial system and our economic alternatives
I’ve learned a lot about the economy since the Donella Meadows Institute launched its Sustainable Economies program earlier this year. I’ve learned about problems with fractional reserve banking and our traditional economic model, and I’ve learned about alternatives like public banks, complementary currencies, and cooperative ownership models. But perhaps the piece [...]
What Did We Learn About the New Economy?
Posted by Kindle Loomis, Published: January 7th, 2013
Themes, Questions, and Next Steps from the Vermont’s New Economy Conference
Conference attendees discussing complementary currencies at one of the morning’s sessions
The Vermont’s New Economy Conference on December 7 brought together 110 individuals from across Vermont and its neighboring communities. Attendees included members of Vermont’s legislature, local business owners, educators, nonprofit employees, and others. After a keynote address by Ellen Brown [...]
Vermont’s New Economy Conference
Posted by Kindle Loomis, Published: December 4th, 2012
By Sarah Parkinson
Join the New Economy discussion this Friday in Montpelier.
We all want vibrant, resilient economies that support our communities, but it’s becoming clear that our current economic system can’t deliver all that. Prices are unstable, resources are exploited, negative externalities aren’t factored into costs, and profits are shared very unevenly.
There are alternatives. Our economies can be better, healthier, and stronger. They [...]
With Time Banks, Citizens Exchange Hours, Not Dollars
Posted by Kindle Loomis, Published: November 21st, 2012
Image credit: Olivia Alcock
In an effort to fill the gaps left by our financial institutions, many are searching for local alternatives to national currencies. Time banks are one option that promotes community self-reliance while withstanding the whims of a boom and bust economy.
Time banks are now operating in over 300 communities in 22 countries, providing individuals with the opportunity to [...]
Could Economic Growth Kill Us?
Posted by Kindle Loomis, Published: November 13th, 2012
By Mark Buchanan
This article was first published on November 11 in Bloomberg.
Even if we could maintain perpetual growth, it could lead to disastrous outcomes for our economies and societies. (Image credit: woodleywonderworks)
Now that the U.S. presidential election is over, attention has turned to the challenge of keeping the world’s largest economy growing. The underlying assumption is that growth is always the proper [...]
