Initiatives

Banking

Overview

The financial crisis and its economic aftershocks have spawned the first serious examination of the structure of our current banking system and the public policies that have fueled consolidation over the last 30 years and untethered financial institutions from their communities.

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Featured Article filed under Banking, Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 5 Comments | Updated on Oct 17, 2012

Too Big to Lend

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/big-lend/

A critical function of our banking system is financing small businesses. But big banks are doing a rotten job of it. At the nation’s largest banks, small business lending has plunged 33% since 2009. Trying to cajole or compel them to do more won’t make much difference because the problem is largely inherent to their scale. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Banking | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 1 Comment | Updated on Mar 18, 2011

Why Republicans Hate Warren’s CFPB But Love Another Bank Regulator

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/why-republicans-hate-warrens-cfpb-love-another-bank-regulator/

What’s really at issue in the fight over the CFPB is not how the agency is structured or how much power it will have, but whose interests it serves. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Banking | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Nov 27, 2012

Free Checking is Rare at Big Banks, Common at Small

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/free-checking-rare-big-banks-common-small/

While just 24 percent of big banks offer totally free checking, more than 60 percent of credit unions and small banks do, according to a new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The report also found that credit unions and small banks have lower fees on average and do a better job of disclosing fees to prospective customers. Continue reading

Biomaterials

Overview

In 1992, ILSR’s work on plant derived plastics and other materials led to our co-hosting the first International Workshop on Biodegradability. The concept of a Carbohydrate Economy – one that uses plant-based chemicals to replace petro-chemicals – was born...

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Featured Article, Resource filed under Biomaterials, Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Oct 11, 2012

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/atlanta-airport-exemptions-added/

The Sustainable Food Court Initiative (SFCI) Airport Pilot, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, works closely with the SFCI Team to bring sustainable operating practices to their operations, especially regarding food waste. In early 2012 the Atlanta Airport made a bold statement in the new concessionaire contract, the largest foodservice contract executed in North America. Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Biomaterials, Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on Jul 30, 2012

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/atlanta-airport-launches-compostable-foodservice-ware-packet/

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) sends more than 19,000 tons of waste to Georgia landfills each year. Food scraps are the single largest component of HJAIA waste, making up about one-third of this tonnage. HJAIA has a goal to divert 50% of its waste from landfill disposal by 2015. Composting food waste is essential to reach this goal, and switching to compostable food packaging will enable successful food residuals recovery. Continue reading

Broadband

Overview

Access to the Internet is an essential infrastructure for any community that cares about economic development, quality of life, and educational opportunities. Unfortunately, most communities are presently dependent on a few unaccountable absentee corporations that act as gatekeepers to...

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Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Mar 6, 2013

“The Monopoly Magnate”

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsr-launches-new-comic/

ILSR is following HB 282, restrictive legislation moving through the Georgia General Assembly. The bill would effectively end the ability for existing networks to expand. Communities considering investing in their own telecommunications networks would face almost insurmountable financial and practical hurdles. As the bill is heavily lobbied by incumbent telecom giants, local leaders make the… Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | 21 Comments | Updated on Apr 9, 2012

Broadband at the Speed of Light

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/broadband-speed-light/

The fastest networks in the nation are built by local governments, a new report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Benton Foundation reveals Chattanooga, Tennessee, is well known for being the first community with citywide access to a “gig,” or the fastest residential connections to the Internet available nationally. Less known are Bristol, Virginia,… Continue reading

Photo of Christopher Mitchell by Glenn Ricart

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Apr 22, 2013

Community Networks Gaining Traction Nationwide

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/community-networks-gaining-traction/

Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Telecommunications as Commons Initiative has been spending many hours on the road these days. Why? Interest in publicly owned broadband networks continues to grow as communities search for savings, economic development, and connectivity on the local level and more organizations seek out Chris’ expertise. From policy to implementation, ILSR continues to… Continue reading

Energy

Overview

Wind and sun are available everywhere, so renewable energy can be economically harnessed at small scales across the country. This nature of renewable energy, and the exponential increase of renewable energy generation, promises to decentralize the nation’s grid system. ...

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Screen shot of the Greatest Most Interactive U.S. Solar Grid Parity Map from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jan 14, 2013

The Most Amazing, Interactive U.S. Solar Grid Parity Map

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/amazing-interactive-u-s-solar-grid-parity-map/

Within a decade, 300,000 megawatts of unsubsidized local solar power could compete with utility electricity prices in almost every state, enough clean energy to produce 10% of U.S. electricity. Grid parity is building like a relentless wave, but how much solar is at parity today? In 2016? In 2020? On homes or businesses? With incentives… Continue reading

community renewable energy presentation - sustainable economies law center.001

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on May 3, 2013

5 Barriers to and Solutions for Community Renewable Energy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/5-barriers-solutions-community-renewable-energy/

Community renewable energy has significant political and economic benefits, but is often hindered by five major barriers. Watch this vividly illustrated presentation to learn how communities can overcome the barriers and advance more local renewable energy. ILSR Senior Researcher John Farrell gave this presentation as part of a Sustainable Economies Law Center webinar on April… Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 21, 2013

Steve Johnson: Episode 3 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/steve-johnson-episode-3-local-energy-rules-podcast/

In this edition of Local Energy Rules, John Farrell and Wade Underwood speak with Steve Johnson of Convergence Energy about a successful 660 kilowatt community solar project near Delavan, WI. The project required 33 separate LLCs to take advantage of the state’s net metering rules, and also used the limited-time federal cash grant program to… Continue reading

Independent Business

Overview

Over the last 25 years, a handful of giant retailers have grown to dominate the U.S. economy. ILSR challenges the wisdom of this market concentration. Through research and analysis, we have built a compelling case that places that are home to...

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Featured Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 15 Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 2012

How Walmart is Devouring the Food System (Infographic)

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/infographic-walmart-food/

Walmart now captures $1 of every $4 Americans spend on groceries. It’s on track to claim one-third of food sales within five years. Here’s a look at how Walmart has dramatically altered the food system — triggering massive consolidation, driving down prices to farmers, and leaving more families struggling to afford healthy food. Continue reading

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 6, 2013

Survey Finds Independent Businesses Benefit from “Buy Local First” Campaigns, But Challenges Loom

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/2013-independent-business-survey/

ILSR’s annual survey has found that independent businesses experienced solid revenue growth in 2012, buoyed in part by “buy local first” initiatives. But the survey also documented challenges facing independent businesses, most notably an increase in “showrooming” and competition from online retailers, tax and subsidy policies that favor their big competitors, difficulty obtaining loans, and a customer base still reeling from the recession. Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 9 Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 2012

Why We Can’t Shop Our Way to a Better Economy: Stacy Mitchell’s TEDx Talk

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ted/

In this TEDx talk, delivered on October 20, 2012 at TEDxDirigo‘s Villages conference at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, conference, ILSR Senior Researcher Stacy Mitchell argues for a new phase in the local economy movement. She notes that there’s been a resurgence of support for small farms, local businesses, and community banks, but argues: “As remarkable… Continue reading

The Public Good

Overview

At the founding of the American Republic the word “private” had pejorative connotations. Derived from the Latin word “privare”, private meant to divide or tear apart. A privateer was a pirate. The word “public” was an honorable adjective, often...

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Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Dec 19, 2012

Should We Subsidize Giving?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/subsidize-giving/

Robert J. Shiller, Professor of Economics and Finance at Yale recently weighed in with his perspective on subsidizing charity with a New York Times column whose title clearly conveys his message: “Please Don’t Mess With the Charitable Deduction.” There is a case to be made for charitable deductions. Regrettably, this isn’t it. Shiller offers three… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on May 11, 2013

Why Won’t Conservatives Let Communities Decide for Themselves?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/conservatives-communities-decide-themselves/

In his 1996 State of the Union Address Democratic President Bill Clinton famously declared, “the era of big government is over.” And during his tenure he did everything he could to make that true–deregulating the telecommunications and the financial industry, enacting a free trade agreement severely restricting the authority of the federal government to protect… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on May 13, 2013

Can We Save the Commons that is the Post Office?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/save-commons-post-office/

For 225 years the U.S. Post Office has been the most admired and ubiquitous manifestation of government. From 1789 until the 1960s, the Cabinet level agency saw its mission not only to deliver the mail but to aggressively defend the public good. In the late 19th century when oligopolistic mail order delivery companies abused their… Continue reading

Waste to Wealth

Overview

ILSR's Waste to Wealth program helps communities across the country create policies and practices that address citizens' environmental concerns and economic needs. We help citizens fight the incinerators and landfills that pollute their air and water, and drive property...

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Our Projects

Featured Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Mar 12, 2013

Whatcha Workin’ On, Neil Seldman? Podcast Episode 3

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/whatcha-workin-on-neal-seldman-podcast-episode-3/

Welcome to our third episode of the Whatcha Workin’ On? podcast. Lisa Gonzalez interviews Neil Seldman, Ph.D., President of ILSR and the heart and soul of our Waste to Wealth Initiative. Neil tells us about the program and describes the many concurrent projects he is handling. Dr. Seldman also outlines some upcoming work for the… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Jan 28, 2013

Decentralized Recycling Models for Cities: Berkeley and El Cerrito, CA

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/decentralized-recycling-models-cities-berkeley-el-cerrito-ca/

Berkeley, CA, and El Cerrito, CA, in the San Francisco Bay area are special examples of government, grassroots, and private business collaboration in recycling and reuse for the past 30 years. Below are comments on the decentralized model by one of its key advocates and activists, Dan Knapp. Dan is the founder of Urban Ore, which operates in both cities. Continue reading

Viewing all content from admin Page 19 of 47

Article filed under Broadband | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 26, 2007

SF Study Recommends Publicly Owned Fiber Network

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/sf-study-recommends-publicly-owned-fiber-network/

A study commissioned by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors recommends publicly owned fiber network to promote economic development and bridge the digital divide. Download the full report, "Fiber Optics for Government and Public Broadband: A Feasibility Study" from the city’s web site. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 2006

Waste to Wealth – 2006 Report on Activities

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/waste-to-wealth-2006-report-on-activities/

Our program continued its tradition of solving problems in ways that reinforce economic and environmental security. Our work continues to help community development organizations, small businesses and government agencies increase productive employment, recover increasing amounts of valuable recycled materials and products, save environmental resources, and lower operating costs. Read Waste to Wealth 2006 Report (PDF) Continue reading

Article filed under General | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Nov 9, 2006

Big Boxes on the Ballot

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/big-boxes-ballot/

Tuesday’s elections demonstrated that limiting the ability of corporations to bankroll local ballot initiatives is a crucial step in stopping the proliferation of big-box stores.

Target and Wal-Mart poured money into two campaigns to overturn store size cap laws in communities in California and Montana. They won by very narrow margins in both cases, despite having outspent grassroots groups that supported the caps by as much as 10-to-1.

But money doesn’t always win. Lowe’s lost a bid to build in another California town.

Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Independent Business | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Sep 25, 2006

BigBoxToolKit.com Launched to Help Grassroots Groups Counter Big-Box Stores

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/bigboxtoolkitcom-launched-help-grassroots-groups-counter-bigbox-stores/

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which has helped grassroots groups in dozens of communities block the spread of Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers, has launched a new online resource center to bolster these local campaigns. Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 21, 2006

Locally Owned vs. Chain: The Local Premium

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/locally-owned-vs-chain-local-premium/

The added economic benefit of local stores has been dubbed the “local premium.” This one-page fact sheet explains it. Continue reading

Article filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 13, 2006

Bye Bye Petro-Plastics, Hello Compostable Bioplastics?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/bye-bye-petro-plastics-hello-compostable-bioplastics/

ILSR launches its Sustainable Plastics Project, which is exploring the potential of bio-based and compostable plastics to substitute for harmful petroleum-based products and packaging. See ILSR’s article, “Crops Into Plastics: How emerging bioplastic technology could impact the waste stream” Waste Age (July 2006). In June 2006, the Oakland, California City Council passed an ordinance banning… Continue reading

filed under Broadband | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 14, 2006

Commons Knowledge

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/commons-knowledge/

The first and only issue of Commons Knowledge, subtitle: Irregular Reports From the Municipal Telecom Front, featured an article about the COPE Act; a new broadband study from Saint Paul, Minnesota; and the ParkWiFi Pilot in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.

Commons Knowledge promotes publicly owned, open access broadband infrastructure and news of communities that are exploring their options in this area.

filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 13, 2006

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project Summary

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/susquehanna-deconstruction-pilot-project-summary/

Spring 2006 ILSR in cooperation with Penn State’s Hamer Center for Community Design conducted a second deconstruction pilot project to determine cost-effective methods to remove lumber and other materials from an NTI abandoned house. The US Environmental Protection Agency funded the project and the City of Philadelphia provided the house for deconstruction. Kevin Brooks Salvage… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 1, 2006

Builders’ Guide to Reuse & Recycling: A Directory for Construction & Demolition Materials in the Metropolitan Washington Region

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/now-available-builders-guide-to-reuse-recycling-a-directory-for-construction-demolition-materials-in-the-metropolitan-washington-region/

This 44-page pocket-sized directory — produced by ILSR for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments — lists 110 businesses reusing or recycling building materials in the Washington, DC region. It also includes Tips for Recycling Success at the Job Site and Frequently Asked Questions on how to recycle construction and demolition materials. June 2006 Directory… Continue reading

filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on May 19, 2006

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/susquehanna-deconstruction-pilot-project/

Overview

Why Republicans Hate Warren’s CFPB But Love Another Bank Regulator

Free Checking is Rare at Big Banks, Common at Small

Overview

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

Overview

“The Monopoly Magnate”

Broadband at the Speed of Light

Community Networks Gaining Traction Nationwide

Overview

The Most Amazing, Interactive U.S. Solar Grid Parity Map

5 Barriers to and Solutions for Community Renewable Energy

Steve Johnson: Episode 3 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Overview

How Walmart is Devouring the Food System (Infographic)

Survey Finds Independent Businesses Benefit from “Buy Local First” Campaigns, But Challenges Loom

Why We Can’t Shop Our Way to a Better Economy: Stacy Mitchell’s TEDx Talk

Overview

Should We Subsidize Giving?

Why Won’t Conservatives Let Communities Decide for Themselves?

Can We Save the Commons that is the Post Office?

Overview

Our Projects

Whatcha Workin’ On, Neil Seldman? Podcast Episode 3

Decentralized Recycling Models for Cities: Berkeley and El Cerrito, CA

Strengthening communities for more than 35 years!

Viewing all content from admin Page 19 of 47

SF Study Recommends Publicly Owned Fiber Network

Waste to Wealth – 2006 Report on Activities

Big Boxes on the Ballot

BigBoxToolKit.com Launched to Help Grassroots Groups Counter Big-Box Stores

Locally Owned vs. Chain: The Local Premium

Bye Bye Petro-Plastics, Hello Compostable Bioplastics?

Commons Knowledge

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project Summary

Builders’ Guide to Reuse & Recycling: A Directory for Construction & Demolition Materials in the Metropolitan Washington Region

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project

Thank you for your interest in ILSR