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, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | 5 Comments | Updated on Mar 1, 2011

And The Academy Award for Cowardice Goes To….

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/and-the-academy-award-for-cowardice-goes-to/

After winning an Oscar for Best Documentary for Inside Job, Charles Ferguson injected some much-needed real world relevance amidst the fabulously glitzy proceedings. 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 | 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

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, 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 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 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

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 | 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

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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 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, 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 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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Bailey | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1995

Taxing Wind Energy in Minnesota

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

Download Report: Taxing Wind Energy in Minnesota In 1991, to spur the development of a wind-energy industry in Minnesota the state legislature exempt- ed wind-energy equipment from property taxes. In 1994 the Minnesota legislature enacted a wind mandate, ordering Northern States Power Company (NSP) to build or purchase a minimum of 425 megawatts (MW) of… Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1995

Recycling Means Business in Baltimore, D.C., and Richmond

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/recycling-means-business-in-baltimore-d-c-and-richmond/

This report documents the jobs and revenues created by recycling and disposal operations in three cities. Appendices detail each city’s recycling activities and businesses. by Brenda Platt, Henry Jeanes, and Anne Kaufmann Download PDF File (4.63 MB) Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1995

Reuse Operations: Community Development Through Redistribution of Used Goods

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/reuse-operations-community-development-through-redistribution-of-used-goods/

This text surveys 67 reuse operations. The report covers materials targeted; warehouse, brokering, and listing services; warehouse and truck parameters; and employment practices. It also addresses financing reuse enterprises. by Michael Lewis, Russell Clark, Jeffrey Vandall, and Neil Seldman ISBN 0-917582-95-0, LC 95-31168 Download PDF File (13.3 MB) Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1995

Financing Recycling-Related Ventures: Options for Community Development

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/financing-recycling-related-ventures-options-for-community-development/

This guide lists financing and funding institutions available for recycling-related ventures, and includes a glossary of financing terms. It profiles 18 specific sources of capital, their requirements, and contact information. by Michael Lewis, Jeffrey Vandall, Russell Clark, and Neil Seldman ISBN 0-917582-94-2, LC 95-31169 Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Nov 5, 1994

Communities: Building Authority, Responsibility, and Capacity

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/communities-building-authority-responsibility-and-capacity/

An article by David Morris, reprinted from the State of the Union 1994. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jul 5, 1994

Green Taxes

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

This 1994 report by David Morris was originally presented at the Environmental Taxes Workshop, sponsored by ME3, ILSR, and Friends of the Earth on July 6, 1994. This report looked at the the status of Eco-taxes in the United States and Europe. Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1994

Expanding Scrap-based Manufacturing through the Community Joint-Venture Process

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/expanding-scrap-based-manufacturing-through-the-community-joint-venture-process/

This booklet provides information to help community economic development organizations create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for their constituents through recycling. It focuses on using public-private joint ventures to attract and expand scrap-based manufacturing. by Neil Seldman and Tom Martin Download PDF File (3.99 MB) Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1994

Minimizing Waste, Maximizing Recycling

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

This report identifies steps to reach high levels of waste reduction and recycling, and highlights model communities. by Brenda Platt Download PDF File (12.9 MB) Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1994

Creating Local Recycling Markets

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

This booklet discusses how to develop local recycling-based production and manufacturing enterprises. by Tom Martin Download PDF File (7.97 MB) Continue reading

Resource filed under Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1994

Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Composting Options: Lessons from 30 U.S. Communities

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/waste-prevention-recycling-and-composting-options-lessons-from-30-u-s-communities/

This report is a summary and analysis of the research conducted in In-Depth Studies of Recycling and Composting Programs: Designs, Costs, and Results. It looks at the operating experiences of 30 communities ranging from rural towns of 2,000 to cities of two million. It also offers nuts-and-bolts advice to communities wanting to strengthen their own… Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1994

Recycling Economic Development Through Scrap-Based Manufacturing

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

This report documents manufacturer use of scrap materials and associated jobs and value added. It lays out strategies for keeping these benefits in the community and establishing scrap-based industries. An excellent primer for those interested in recycling-based economic development. by Michael Lewis ISBN 0-917582-97-7, LC 94-5188 Download PDF File (3.85 MB) Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Nov 5, 1993

Ecology Nurtures Community

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

A speech by David Morris originally delivered as a keynote address to the Building With Value conference in Seattle, Washington in November 1993.

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Feb 20, 1993

The Economic Benefits of Recycling (monograph)

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

by Brenda Platt and David Morris 1993, 15 pages $10.00 Download PDF File (714 KB) This report discusses the efficiency of recycling, cost-effective programs, and the jobs and value added created through recycling. A valuable tool for those arguing the case for recycling. Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 1, 1993

States Close the Loop: A Survey of Recycled Content Laws and Other Market Development Strategies

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/states-close-the-loop-a-survey-of-recycled-content-laws-and-other-market-development-strategies/

Are state recycled content laws effective? This report provides a comprehensive analysis of state recycled content laws, and documents the experiences of states that have enacted such laws. A collaborative project of the National Environmental Law Center, Californians Against Waste Foundation, and ILSR. by Lauri Aunan Download PDF File (3.52 MB) Continue reading

Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Bailey | No Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 1992

Making the Car Pay Its Way: The Case of Minneapolis Roads

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/making-car-pay-way-case-minneapolis-roads/

Most of us view the road system as a pay-as-you-go proposition. We believe that vehicle licenses, parking fees and gas taxes fully finance the construction and maintenance of our roads. The truth is that less than 50 percent of the nearly $90 million the city of Minneapolis spends on driving-related projects each year is covered… Continue reading

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