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 Sep 15, 2011

How State Banks Bring the Money Home

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/how-state-banks-bring-money-home/

One of the most significant consequences of the consolidation of banking over the last decade is how much it has hindered the economy’s ability to create jobs. There’s no single solution to this problem, but one of the most promising strategies involves creating state-owned banks that can bolster the lending capacity of local banks, helping them grow and multiply. 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 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

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

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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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

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, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Apr 3, 2013

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsrreleases-new-broadband-101-fact-sheet-2/

ILSR’s fact sheet is a reliable quick reference guide for policymakers and citizens. As discussion about the telecommunications landscape expands, language about broadband abounds. In order to make informed decisions without stumbling over terminology, ILSR has assembled some basic facts about broadband. This fact sheet is a great reference for anyone who may take up… 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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Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 19, 2013

How a City Can Get More Clean, Local Energy

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

Like many cities attempting to solve climate change at a local level, Minneapolis is finding the prospect more challenging that it may have imagined. The lion’s share of emissions (two-thirds in the case of Minneapolis) come from electricity and gas sold by two monopoly, corporate utilities. Minnesota’s state-level policy is helping: a renewable energy standard… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 1 Comment | Updated on Apr 17, 2013

Proposed Solar Standard is Cheap Compared to Minnesota Utilities’ Rate Increases

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/proposed-solar-standard-cheap-compared-minnesota-utilities-rate-increases/

If you’re a state legislator in Minnesota, here are a few grains of salt to season the message you’ve been getting from electric utilities about the proposed solar energy standard. The bill (HF956/SF901) requires most utilities to get 4% of their energy from solar by 2025 and offers a standard, fixed-price contract to distributed solar energy… Continue reading

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Featured Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 4 Comments | Updated on Feb 8, 2013

Germany Has More Solar Power Because Everyone Wins

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

Suddenly everyone knows about Germany’s solar power dominance because Fox Newsheads made an ass of themselves, suggesting that the country is a sunny, tropical paradise. Most media folks have figured out that there are some monster differences in policy (e.g. a feed-in tariff), but then latch on to the “Germans pay a lot extra” meme. … 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 filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on May 13, 2013

After 20 Years, Congress May Finally Pass Internet Sales Tax. Is it Too Late?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/20-years-congress-finally-pass-internet-sales-tax-late/

Not having to charge sales tax fueled Amazon’s growth for nearly 20 years. While it’s impossible not to see the company as a horse that’s already out the barn door, there’s still good reason to believe that the Marketplace Fairness Act will slow Amazon’s consolidation of retailing and provide benefit to independent businesses. 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

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

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 Apr 17, 2013

Four Victories for the Public Good

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

I’m not saying it’s time to break out the champagne and start chanting, “The people united will never be defeated”. But the past few weeks have brought us some heartwarming demonstrations that the popular will still has a bite. February 22: After a major public outcry, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) directed… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jan 4, 2013

Who Should Pay the Costs of Climate Disasters?

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

Who should pay the costs of climate disasters? In light of the current debate in the United States about federal assistance to Hurricane Sandy victims and the recent debate at the recent Doha Climate Conference about international assistance for climate change victims, that has become an increasingly pressing question for humankind. The frequency and cost… 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 Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on May 8, 2013

Composting Supports Jobs and Healthy Watersheds, Say New ILSR Reports

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

Two new reports from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Composting Makes $en$e Project document the importance of expanded composting and compost use to enhance soils, protect watersheds, reduce waste, and create green jobs and a new made-in-America industrial sector. For press release, click here. With compostable material making up almost one-half of municipal solid waste, there… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on Feb 5, 2013

MD Seminar on Compost BMPs for Watershed Protection

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/md-seminar-compost-bmps-watershed-protection/

Tools exist that can remove up to 96% of stormwater pollutants. Are you interested? Attend this FREE seminar on March 5, 2013, to learn how compost-based BMPs can dramatically reduce sediment and targeted pollutants entering the Chesapeake Bay. ILSR has partnered with local watershed and organizations to sponsor this event. Scientists from Filtrexx International and… Continue reading

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About Neil Seldman

Neil Seldman, Ph.D., co-founded the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and serves as its President. He specializes in approaches to municipal and commercial solid waste management based on environmental quality entrepreneurial opportunities for small businesses, community organizations, and cities.

Contact Neil | View all articles by Neil Seldman

Article filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Oct 31, 2012

Working Partner Update: BMRA Decon’13 Call for Presentations

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/bmra-decon13-presentations/

The Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA), a longtime Waste to Wealth partner, will hold it’s annual deconstruction conference from April 29 – May 1, 2013, at the Seattle Center in Washington. The 2013 DECON conference is accepting presentation and session proposals through December 15, 2012. For its upcoming conference, BMRA is “looking for state-of-the-art and… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Stop Incineration, Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Oct 11, 2012

Landfill in the Sky

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

This creative and compelling video from the No Incinerator Alliance of Frederick County, Maryland, lays out the reasons the county should abandon its plan to burn. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | 1 Comment | Updated on Oct 4, 2012

Illinois’ Game-Changing E-scrap Law

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/illinois-game-changing-e-scrap-law/

The Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act is breaking the mold of 25 state e-scrap laws. Under the law, passed in 2008 and amended in 2011, companies that reuse machines get twice the credit of those companies that recycle the materials. Continue reading

ILSR Press Room filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Sep 14, 2012

Prosperity Through Trash Talking

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

The Athens Messenger, September 14, 2012 Turning trash into an economic development tool was the focus of the two-day Waste to Wealth Summit organized by Rural Action’s Zero Waste Initiative this week. About 125 people gathered at the Ohio University Inn to discuss the recycling challenges in rural Ohio. Not only were local residents and… Continue reading

Article filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Sep 3, 2012

Letter to the Editor: EPR Debate Needs Some Perspective

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

Published in Waste & Recycling News, print edition Please keep Waste & Recycling news reporter Shawn Wright assigned to cover the important extended producer responsibility (EPR) debate, such as in his story, “Study shows landfilled resources worth billions,” WRN, Aug. 6. His article is the first I have seen that approaches the subject in a… Continue reading

Article filed under Stop Incineration, Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Aug 21, 2012

Letter to the Editor: WTE Projects Are Not All Transparent

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/wte-projects-not-all-transparent/

Reposted from Waste & Recycling News - http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/article/20120821/OPINION/120829991/letter-to-the-editor-wte-projects-are-not-all-transparent The lessons presented by John Foden in “Lessons in public acceptance of projects” (Waste & Recycling News, Aug. 6), are not in play in Frederick County, Md. There, Northeast Maryland Authority and state and county officials have spent the last few years obfuscating financial information, and not “embracing the… Continue reading

Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Aug 15, 2012

Austin, Texas’ Road to Zero Waste

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

The release of the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan marks a new achievement in the zero waste and economic development movement. The plan will save other cities that choose to start on a similar pathway hundreds of thousands of dollars in consulting fees. The Resource Recovery Master Plan was completed in fall 2011. It was… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Aug 8, 2012

Waste to Wealth Summit September 13 & 14

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

The Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative will bring together regional solid waste management stakeholders from Appalachian communities in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia for a two-day summit that will examine how to build and sustain rural wealth by increasing resource recovery and supporting the development of recycling-based businesses. Attendees will learn about exemplary rural recycling programs, innovative recycling-based businesses, the… Continue reading

Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Jul 17, 2012

Recycling Stimulates Economic Development

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

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the U.S. recycling movement benefitted from the decentralized nature of our government. Today in the midst of the Great Recession, decentralized recycling is proving its worth to the country once again. The recycling industry has created well over 1 million jobs and is projected to add another million jobs as recycling levels continue to divert more and more material to industry and agriculture. The following stories introduce just a fraction of the new job creating and job sustaining endeavors from around the U.S. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Jul 3, 2012

Twenty Jobs Created at Bridgeport Mattress Refurbishing Plant

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/twenty-jobs-created-bridgeport-mattress-refurbishing-plant/

ILSR, working under a recycling and economic development grant from US EPA Region 1 and the Office of Mayor Bill Flint of Bridgeport, CT, facilitated the development of a mattress refurbishing and recycling plant that opened for business on June 27. Continue reading

Overview

How State Banks Bring the Money Home

Free Checking is Rare at Big Banks, Common at Small

Overview

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

Overview

Community Networks Gaining Traction Nationwide

“The Monopoly Magnate”

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

Overview

How a City Can Get More Clean, Local Energy

Proposed Solar Standard is Cheap Compared to Minnesota Utilities’ Rate Increases

Germany Has More Solar Power Because Everyone Wins

Overview

After 20 Years, Congress May Finally Pass Internet Sales Tax. Is it Too Late?

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

How Walmart is Devouring the Food System (Infographic)

Overview

Four Victories for the Public Good

Who Should Pay the Costs of Climate Disasters?

Can We Save the Commons that is the Post Office?

Overview

Our Projects

Composting Supports Jobs and Healthy Watersheds, Say New ILSR Reports

MD Seminar on Compost BMPs for Watershed Protection

Strengthening communities for more than 35 years!

Viewing all content from Neil Seldman Page 2 of 5

About Neil Seldman

Working Partner Update: BMRA Decon’13 Call for Presentations

Landfill in the Sky

Illinois’ Game-Changing E-scrap Law

Prosperity Through Trash Talking

Letter to the Editor: EPR Debate Needs Some Perspective

Letter to the Editor: WTE Projects Are Not All Transparent

Austin, Texas’ Road to Zero Waste

Waste to Wealth Summit September 13 & 14

Recycling Stimulates Economic Development

Twenty Jobs Created at Bridgeport Mattress Refurbishing Plant

Thank you for your interest in ILSR