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 | 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, 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

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, 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

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

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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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

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

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

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 | 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 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

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 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

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 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

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Resource filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on May 19, 2008

David Morris Discusses BP Gulf Oil Spill and Impact on Minnesota

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discusses-bp-gulf-oil-spill-and-impact-minnesota/

David Morris joins Curtis Beckmann on Minnesota This Week, a program by Radio City Network News, to discuss the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, they discussed the past and future of transportation fuels.

Listen to the Interview

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Mar 11, 2008

Stacy Mitchell Interview on Radio Vermont

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/stacy-mitchell-discusses-bigbox-swindle-and-related-subjects-radio-vermont/

Stacy Mitchell on the Big-Box Swindle and related issues – broadcast on the Mark Johnson Show, RadioVermont WDEV, Mar. 11, 2008.
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filed under General | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Oct 12, 2007

John Bailey Discusses Gore’s Nobel Prize and Climate Change on WCCO

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/john-bailey-discusses-gores-nobel-prize-and-climate-change-wcco/

John Bailey on Al Gore’s Nobel Prize and Other Climate Change Issues – broadcast on the Don Shelby radio show, WCCO.
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Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Sep 18, 2007

Christopher Mitchell Discusses Burlington Telecom on Future Tense with Jon Gordon

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/christopher-mitchell-discusses-burlington-telecom-future-tense-jon-gordon/

Listen to Christopher Mitchell discuss his recent Burlington Case Study with John Gordon from Future Tense.
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filed under General | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Aug 21, 2007

Farrell Discusses his new Report About Diseconomies of Scale on WCCO Radio

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/farrell-discusses-his-new-report-about-diseconomies-scale-wcco-radio/

Wind and Ethanol Economies and Diseconomies of Scale – John Farrell discusses a new report
and the benefits that smaller scale, locally owned renewable energy
projects bring to farmers and communities, broadcast on WCCO Radio.
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filed under General | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Aug 10, 2007

Farrell Discusses his new Report About Diseconomies of Scale on TreeHugger Radio

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/farrell-discusses-his-new-report-about-diseconomies-scale-treehugger-radio/

filed under General | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Aug 8, 2007

John Farrell Discusses Diseconomies of Scale on KPFK Radio

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/john-farrell-discusses-diseconomies-scale-kpfk-radio/

filed under General | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 10, 2007

David Morris Discusses Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies on Air America

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discusses-greenhouse-gas-reduction-strategies-air-america/

Caps on Carbon as a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy
- David Morris discusses a state-based cap and share climate proposal
that combines environmental and equity goals. A MN state task force
must offer legislative recommendations by February 2008, broadcast on
Air America radio.
Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 28, 2007

Stacy Mitchell at Supersize Supermarkets Event in United Kingdom

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/stacy-mitchell-supersize-supermarkets-event-united-kingdom/

Supersized Supermarkets: A Public Forum – Stacy Mitchell is featured at
this U.K. event that was hosted by Tescopoly, Friends of the Earth, War
on Want, and ActionAid.
Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Dec 12, 2006

Stacy Mitchell Discusses Big Box Swindle on the Book Report

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/stacy-mitchell-discusses-big-box-swindle-book-report/

Stacy Mitchell on her book Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses – broadcost on The Book Report.
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Resource filed under The Public Good | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Oct 12, 2006

David Morris in Discussion about Corporate Mergers on Marc Steiner Show

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discussion-about-corporate-mergers-marc-steiner-show/

David Morris
in a discussion on what it means to a community when its major
financial and corporate institutions are swallowed up by national and
international mergers. With University of Baltimore professor Richard Clinch and Baltimore Sun business reporter Jay Hancock – Broadcast on the Marc Steiner Show, WYPR.
Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Oct 10, 2006

Stacy Mitchell discusses big-box retail on Wisconsin Public Radio

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/stacy-mitchell-growing-domination-megaretailers-broadcast-wisconsin-public-radio/

In this 40-minute interview on Wisconsin Public Radio, ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell talks with host Joy Cardin about how the growing domination of mega-retailers, like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, is detrimental to society, but not irreversible. Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Oct 1, 2006

Stacy Mitchell Discusses her book, Big Box Swindle, on Corporations Behaving Badly Radio Show

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/stacy-mitchell-discusses-her-book-big-box-swindle-corporations-behaving-badly-radio-show/

Stacy Mitchell Discusses her book, Big Box Swindle, broadcast on the
"Corporations Behaving Badly," radio show on KUCI, Irvine, California
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filed under General | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 6, 2006

David Morris Discusses Biofuels and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles on Inside Renewable Energy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discusses-biofuels-and-plugin-hybrid-electric-vehicles-inside-renewable-energy/

David Morris on Biofuels and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles – on Inside Renewable Energy by RenewableEnergyAccess.com
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Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Becca | No Comments | Updated on Jun 28, 2006

Becca Vargo Daggett Discusses Public Ownership on Wi-Fi Networking News

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/becca-vargo-daggett-discusses-public-ownership-wifi-networking-news/

Becca Vargo Daggett Discusses Public Ownership on Wi-Fi Networking News
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