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 | 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, 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 | 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

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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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

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Martin County Fiber Network Report Cover

Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jun 20, 2012

Florida Fiber: How Martin County Saves Big with Gigabit Network

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

Martin County, Florida, is saving millions of dollars because it built a county-owned fiber optic network rather than continuing to lease connections from Comcast. ILSR’s latest report, Florida Fiber: Martin County Saves Big with Gigabit Network, reveals how Martin County transformed the threat of a near ten-fold cost increase for its telecom budget into cost… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 19, 2012

New Podcast Series On Community Broadband Networks

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

MuniNetworks.org just launched its new podcast series – Community Broadband Bits. Listeners can use smartphones, iPods, computers, the web, etc. to hear the recurring audio program. Each podcast will be 10-15 minute interviews with people doing interesting things to encourage community broadband networks. To subscribe with iTunes, click here. If you simply want the audio… Continue reading

Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 14, 2012

Christopher Mitchell on KSCO 1080 am

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

Christopher Mitchell recently spoke with Michael Zwerling on Santa Cruz’s KSCO 1080 AM about municipal and community broadband. Christopher took questions from listeners on accessibility, WiFi networks, and more. Listen to the KSCO Interview Continue reading

Resource filed under Banking | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 1 Comment | Updated on Jun 11, 2012

Percentage of Bad Loans by Size of Bank

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

As this chart shows, giant banks (those with more than $100 billion in assets) consistently make poorer lending decisions and write-off more bad loans than community banks (those with under $1 billion in assets). Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 14 Comments | Updated on Jun 11, 2012

U.S. CLEAN Programs: Where Are We Now? What Have We Learned?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/u-s-clean-programs-now-learned/

This report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance identifies all of the existing CLEAN (Clean Local Energy Accessible Now) programs in the United States (also known as feed-in tariffs) and examines the lessons learned from the early adopters. Download the report [pdf] Read on the Kindle, Nook, or Apple iBooks Executive Summary CLEAN programs (Clean… Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 8, 2012

Solar Power for Minnesota

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

This report, done for the Solar Works for Minnesota campaign, explores the value of solar power on schools, libraries, and other public buildings in Minnesota. It was co-authored by John Farrell of ILSR and Christina Mills of IEER. Download the Report Highlights Minnesotans spend more than $20 billion dollars every year on these energy imports…. Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 22 Comments | Updated on Jun 5, 2012

Amazon Infographic: How a Single Company Gained a Stranglehold over Online Shopping and the Future of Retail

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

This infographic tracks how Amazon bullied and swindled its way to becoming one of the most powerful retailers on the planet. On pace to be bigger than Walmart by decade’s end, Amazon already controls more than one-third of online shopping and is growing four times faster than e-commerce overall. Continue reading

Lunches in plastic food service ware by USDAgov

Resource filed under Biomaterials, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 4, 2012

Biobased Products Procurement in the U.S.

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/upcoming-webinar-biobased-products-procurement-u-s/

This webinar explores biobased products procurement. Learn from experts how US federal laws and regulations create demand for biobased products. View existing purchasing specs for compostable food service ware and hear from a government procurer about the variety of biobased products they purchase. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on May 10, 2012

Christopher Mitchell Talks Community Networks With Seattle’s KUOW

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsrs-christopher-mitchell-talks-wi-fi-fiber-optic-networks-seattles-kuow/

Christopher Mitchell recently spoke with Marcie Sillman on Seattle public radio KUOW‘s Weekday. Christopher and Marcie talked on May 8, 2012 about recent developments in local and national broadband including the April 29th end to Seattle’s free Wi-Fi network. Christopher and Marcie spent some time on challenges and strategies involved in building a community network…. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on May 9, 2012

Community Broadband and Economic Development Presentation – Dallas 2012

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

Christopher Mitchell recently presented at the Broadband Communities Summit 12 in Dallas, Texas. The two-day event, April 24th and 25th, brought together experts from all over the world to discuss the policy and economic challenges and achievements in broadband. Christopher discussed the new ILSR Report, Broadband at the Speed of Light, and presented information on… Continue reading

Number of Small Firms per 1,000 People, By State

Featured Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 6 Comments | Updated on May 9, 2012

Are Lightly Regulated States Really More Friendly to Small Businesses?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/lightly-regulated-states-friendly-small-businesses/

A new ranking of states based on “small business friendliness” gives low scores to those with more stringent environmental, labor, health & safety, and other regulations. The trouble with this analysis, however, is that many of the supposedly “unfriendly” states are actually home to much larger numbers of small businesses than the “friendly” states. Continue reading

Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on May 4, 2012

New Video Explains Community Networks

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

MuniNetworks.org has just released this informative video on community networks. The video explains why communities consider building their own broadband networks. The video runs just over one and one-half minutes and describes the benefits that come with local control over network decisions. Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 2 Comments | Updated on Apr 24, 2012

The More Local the Energy, the More Valuable

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

Local ownership of a wind project accounts for half of its lifetime economic value to the community! From: Value Creation for Local Communities through Renewable Energies [pdf] Continue reading

Resource filed under Broadband | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Apr 19, 2012

ILSR’s Christopher Mitchell Speaks With KYRS About Rural Broadband In Washington

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsrs-christopher-mitchell-speaks-kyrs-rural-broadband-washington/

Christopher Mitchell spoke with Gavin Dahl about community broadband on KYRS, a community radio station in Spokane, Washington, on April 11. The discussion touched on legislation in Washington that could have encouraged rural broadband deployment by area public utility districts and why the private sector is not getting the job done. We also discussed the… Continue reading

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