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 | 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

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Banking | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Apr 1, 2012

Banking For the Rest of Us

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

In this cover story for Sojourners Magazine, Stacy Mitchell writes that there is remarkably little evidence to support the idea that bigger banks are superior. They have come to dominate, not because they are more efficient or offer better services, but because they have rigged government policy in their own favor. It’s time for a new set of rules—banking policies for the 99 percent. 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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Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Feb 4, 2013

Christopher Mitchell Interviewed For streets.mn Podcast

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/christopher-mitchell-interviewed-streets-mn-podcast/

Christopher Mitchell was recently interviewed by Bill Lindeke from streets.mn. Bill, a PhD Candidate in Geography, published the podcast as part of the streets.mn blog. He wanted to talk to Christopher about the work at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Bill discussed fiber optic infrastructure investment in the U.S. and touched on the Minneapolis City… 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

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | 1 Comment | Updated on Feb 26, 2013

ILSR Releases New Community Networks Map

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

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance has released a new interactive map showcasing 342 community owned networks throughout the United States that serve local businesses and residents. The Community Internet Map is available at MuniNetworks.org/communitymap/ 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 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

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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

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

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, 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 filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Mar 27, 2013

Why Walmart’s Death Grip on Our Food System Is Intensifying Poverty

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/walmarts-death-grip-food-system-intensifying-poverty/

When Michelle Obama visited a Walmart in Springfield, Missouri, a few weeks ago to praise the company’s efforts to sell healthier food, she did not say why she chose a store in Springfield of all cities. But, in ways that Obama surely did not intend, it was a fitting choice. This Midwestern city provides a chilling look at where Walmart wants to take our food system. 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 Feb 6, 2013

The End of the Post Office as a Public Institution?

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

“When the post office is closed, the flag comes down. When the human side of government closes its doors, we’re all in trouble.” Senator Jennings Randolph (West Virginia) 1958-85 For the post office the end game is on. This year the post office will close half its processing centers. By late spring a first… 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

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 filed under Stop Incineration, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Apr 10, 2013

VICTORY against Maryland’s “Waste Portfolio Standard” — the Latest Creative Way to Prop Up Incinerators

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

What does an incinerator industry do when they can’t compete? Change the rules. Biomass and trash incinerators are the most expensive way to make energy, and trash incineration costs more than directly landfilling the waste. These industries survive to the extent that they can change the rules to get monopoly waste contracts, become ‘renewable’ energy in state mandates, or as we’re seeing in Maryland: worse. 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

Viewing all Articles Page 116 of 228

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Aug 24, 2010

Grassroots Financing is Underwriting a New Crop of Neighborhood Businesses

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/grassroots-financing-underwriting-new-crop-neighborhood-businesses/

Just as CSAs have played a key role in the rebirth of small-scale farms, so too are new community-supported enterprise models helping to launch a new generation of independent grocers, bookstores, and other neighborhood businesses. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Aug 19, 2010

Community Broadband Networks and Preemption

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

Christopher Mitchell testifies before the Commissioners Copps and Clyburn of the Federal Communications Commission at a hearing in Minneapolis on August 19, 2010. Continue reading

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Aug 3, 2010

Federal Stimulus Cash Grant Gives Boost to Locally Owned Wind Power

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/federal-stimulus-cash-grant-gives-boost-locally-owned-wind-power/

The credit crisis may have crimped commercial wind turbine installations, but the economic stimulus cash grants in lieu of tax credits have given new life to community wind projects. Continue reading

Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Aug 1, 2010

Repair and Reuse Enterprises in Bridgeport, Connecticut

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/repair-and-reuse-enterprises-in-bridgeport-connecticut-2/

ILSR worked with the Deputy Mayor and U.S. EPA Region 1 to introduce successful social entrepreneurs in the recycling sector to city agencies, community organizations and private businesspeople through a workshop in June titled “Recycling and Economic Development.” One result was the collaboration of two nonprofits, the Greater Bridgeport Community Enterprises, a green technology and… Continue reading

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 28, 2010

Why Does Target have a Subsidiary in Bermuda?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/why-does-target-have-subsidiary-bermuda/

A growing number of big corporations are using offshore tax havens to escape paying U.S. taxes. A recent estimate suggests big companies are dodging at least $37 billion a year — and, in so doing, gaining a significant competitive advantage over small businesses. Continue reading

Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jul 27, 2010

ACORN deserves an apology, too

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

Shirley Sherrod has her job back and a presidential apology. ACORN is still waiting. The cases are remarkably similar. Both Sherrod and ACORN were demonized by highly edited videos appearing on right-wing websites and widely publicized by Fox News and conservative radio hosts. In both cases the mainstream media and the federal government rushed to… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jul 21, 2010

ILSR Explains Broadband on “MN This Week” Radio Interview

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsr-explains-broadband-mn-week-radio-interview/

Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Telecommunications as Commons Initiative, joins Curtis Beckmann on "MN This Week" to discuss broadband networks. The 30 minute program discusses problems with existing broadband networks, the lack of competition, how and why communities have built their own networks, and a variety of other topical subjects. Listen here.

Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 20, 2010

Deconstruction Articles

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

These articles highlight deconstruction efforts across the US. Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by admin | 1 Comment | Updated on Jul 20, 2010

Christopher Mitchell Discusses Broadband Networks on “MN This Week”

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/christopher-mitchell-discusses-broadband-networks-mn-week/

Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Telecommunications as Commons Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, joins Curtis Beckmann on "MN This Week" to discuss broadband networks. The 30 minute program discusses problems with existing broadband networks, the lack of competition, how and why communities have built their own networks, and a variety of other topical subjects.

Article filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 19, 2010

“Green” Deconstruction of Highland Park Home First in Texas

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/green-deconstruction-of-highland-park-home-first-in-texas/

The deconstructing of a house is under way in North Texas, and all for the purpose of going “green.” Continue reading

Overview

Free Checking is Rare at Big Banks, Common at Small

Banking For the Rest of Us

Overview

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

Overview

Christopher Mitchell Interviewed For streets.mn Podcast

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

ILSR Releases New Community Networks Map

Overview

Steve Johnson: Episode 3 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Germany Has More Solar Power Because Everyone Wins

How a City Can Get More Clean, Local Energy

Overview

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

Why Walmart’s Death Grip on Our Food System Is Intensifying Poverty

Overview

Four Victories for the Public Good

The End of the Post Office as a Public Institution?

Who Should Pay the Costs of Climate Disasters?

Overview

Our Projects

VICTORY against Maryland’s “Waste Portfolio Standard” — the Latest Creative Way to Prop Up Incinerators

MD Seminar on Compost BMPs for Watershed Protection

Strengthening communities for more than 35 years!

Viewing all Articles Page 116 of 228

Grassroots Financing is Underwriting a New Crop of Neighborhood Businesses

Community Broadband Networks and Preemption

Federal Stimulus Cash Grant Gives Boost to Locally Owned Wind Power

Repair and Reuse Enterprises in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Why Does Target have a Subsidiary in Bermuda?

ACORN deserves an apology, too

ILSR Explains Broadband on “MN This Week” Radio Interview

Deconstruction Articles

Christopher Mitchell Discusses Broadband Networks on “MN This Week”

“Green” Deconstruction of Highland Park Home First in Texas

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