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.

View Initiative

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

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 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

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...

View Initiative

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...

View Initiative

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Mar 6, 2013

“The Monopoly Magnate”

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

ILSR is following HB 282, restrictive legislation moving through the Georgia General Assembly. The bill would effectively end the ability for existing networks to expand. Communities considering investing in their own telecommunications networks would face almost insurmountable financial and practical hurdles. As the bill is heavily lobbied by incumbent telecom giants, local leaders make the… Continue reading

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

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

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

ILSR’s fact sheet is a reliable quick reference guide for policymakers and citizens. As discussion about the telecommunications landscape expands, language about broadband abounds. In order to make informed decisions without stumbling over terminology, ILSR has assembled some basic facts about broadband. This fact sheet is a great reference for anyone who may take up… Continue reading

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

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. ...

View Initiative

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 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

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...

View Initiative

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 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...

View Initiative

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 Dec 19, 2012

Should We Subsidize Giving?

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

Robert J. Shiller, Professor of Economics and Finance at Yale recently weighed in with his perspective on subsidizing charity with a New York Times column whose title clearly conveys his message: “Please Don’t Mess With the Charitable Deduction.” There is a case to be made for charitable deductions. Regrettably, this isn’t it. Shiller offers three… 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...

View Initiative

Our Projects

Featured Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 21, 2013

New Mexico Recycling Industry Poised to Add 5,000 Jobs

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/nm-recycling-industry-poised-add-5000-jobs/

A new report released by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition (NMRC) details the estimated number of jobs in the recycling industry and predicts how many jobs could be gained through increased recycling activities. It is estimated that close to 5,000 new direct, indirect and induced jobs will be created in New Mexico when the state recycling rate reaches 34%. 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 Videos Page 4 of 5

Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Nov 10, 2008

Energy Self-Reliant States Interview on CleanSkies.TV

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

David Morris discusses the new report, Energy Self-Reliant States, on CleanSkies.TV on November 10, 2008. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jun 19, 2008

Municipal Broadband Networks Vidchat – Christopher Mitchell with Geoff Daily

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

Christopher Mitchell discussed Community Broadband Networks with App-rising.com’s Geoff Daily in a highly regarded vidchat. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jun 19, 2008

Community Broadband Vidchat

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

Christopher Mitchell discusses community broadband with Geoff Daily of App-Rising.com.

Article, Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Apr 10, 2008

David Morris on WCCO’s Good Question – Why Is Diesel More Expensive?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-wccos-good-question-why-diesel-more-expensive/

ILSR’s Vice President, David Morris, was interviewed on WCCO’s "Good Question" segment that asked why diesel fuel is more expnsive than gas. Segment aired April 10, 2008. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under General | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Feb 20, 2008

Neil Seldman Presentation on Waste to Wealth Topics

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

Neil Seldman speaking on Waste to Wealth topics before the Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission on February 20, 2008. Format is a Windows Media Stream. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 1, 2008

John Farrell Discusses Feed-in Tariffs on Etopia News Now

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/john-farrell-discusses-feedin-tariffs-etopia-news-now/

John Farrell discusses the Feed-in Tariff in an interview on Etopia News Now. Audio quality is poor. 32 Minutes long. Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jan 31, 2008

Roundtable: Bill McKibben, Stacy Mitchell, and Michael Shuman (Video)

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/bill-mckibben-stacy-mitchell-and-michael-shuman-roundtable-booksellers-2008-conference/

The American Booksellers Association’s January 2008 Winter Institute conference featured a roundtable discussion with authors Bill McKibben, Stacy Mitchell, and Michael Shuman, who talked about the importance of rebuilding local economies. Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Dec 29, 2007

Recommended Films

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

Our recommended watching list. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Dec 17, 2007

David Morris Addresses 2007 National Renewable Energy Summit

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-addresses-2007-national-renewable-energy-summit/

David Morris, Vice President, Institute for Local Self-Reliance addresses the 2007 25x’25 National Renewable Energy Summit Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Dec 7, 2007

David Morris on WCCO’s Good Question – What is OPEC?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-wccos-good-question-what-opec/

ILSR’s Vice President, David Morris, on WCCO’s "Good Question" segment that asked What is OPEC? Segment aired December 7, 2007. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Nov 29, 2007

David Morris on WCCO’s Good Question – Minnesota’s Oil Pipeline?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-wccos-good-question-minnesotas-oil-pipeline/

ILSR’s Vice President, David Morris, was interviewed on WCCO’s "Good Question" segment that answered why Minnesota’s oil pipeline is so important. Segment aired November 29, 2007 Continue reading

Resource filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Nov 6, 2007

David Morris Discussion with Paul Krugman

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/post-2621/

Institute for Local Self-Reliance Vice-President David Morris speaks with New York Times columnist Paul Krugman in Minneapolis, November 6, 2007. The full version is available here, or click "More" under the video player to see the video broken into shorter clips. Continue reading

Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Oct 22, 2007

David Morris on WCCO’s Good Question – What is Going on with Oil Prices?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-wccos-good-question-what-going-oil-prices/

ILSR’s Vice President, David Morris, was interviewed on WCCO’s "Good Question" segment that answered questions about rapid changes in oil prices. Segment aired October 22, 2007 Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jul 11, 2007

David Morris on WCCO – Hiccup In The System Could Mean $3.50 A Gallon

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-wcco-hiccup-system-could-mean-350-gallon/

David Morris appeared on WCCO in a story about the rapidly increasing gas prices. Story aired on July 11, 2007. Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 18, 2007

DVD: Stacy Mitchell Talks about the Big-Box Swindle

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/dvd-stacy-mitchell-talks-about-bigbox-swindle/

This DVD features ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell giving a talk in November 2006 about the hidden costs of big-box retail and what communities can do to rebuild local businesses. The event was sponsored by Local First Utah and filmed by Salt Lake City Television. (1 hr, 4 min). Continue reading

Viewing all Videos Page 4 of 5

Thank you for your interest in ILSR