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 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

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 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...

View Initiative

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

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

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

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

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

ILSR Releases New Community Networks Map

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

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

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. ...

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 May 20, 2013

Expect Delays: Reviewing Ontario’s “Buy Local” Renewable Energy Program

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/expect-delays-reviewing-ontarios-buy-local-renewable-energy-program/

Launched in 2009, Ontario’s “buy local” Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program promised to deliver hundreds of megawatts of new renewable energy and create 50,000 new jobs by the end of 2012. The program has had some notable achievements, and the province has worked hard to remedy some of the remaining roadblocks to success. The bottom line… 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, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 6, 2013

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

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/2013-independent-business-survey/

ILSR’s annual survey has found that independent businesses experienced solid revenue growth in 2012, buoyed in part by “buy local first” initiatives. But the survey also documented challenges facing independent businesses, most notably an increase in “showrooming” and competition from online retailers, tax and subsidy policies that favor their big competitors, difficulty obtaining loans, and a customer base still reeling from the recession. Continue reading

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

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

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

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

The Public Good

Overview

At the founding of the American Republic the word “private” had pejorative connotations. Derived from the Latin word “privare”, private meant to divide or tear apart. A privateer was a pirate. The word “public” was an honorable adjective, often...

View Initiative

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

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 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

About the Deconstruction Initiative

Featured from Deconstruction

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

Featured Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | 2 Comments | Updated on Nov 13, 2012

Creating Jobs and Saving Money through Reuse – A Deconstruction Case Study

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

The joint venture between Westmoreland Community Action (WCA), Greensburg, PA, and The ReUse People (TRP), Oakland, CA, completes a circle begun over a decade ago when HHS engaged ILSR to explore the feasibility of building deconstruction as a community development tool. The ILSR technical assistance work that followed led to the start up and expansion of numerous deconstruction companies and projects. As advisor to TRP, ILSR suggested that WCA would be a suitable partner as TRP expanded from its base in CA to nine additional sites throughout the U.S. Continue reading

Article filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Oct 31, 2012

Working Partner Update: BMRA Decon’13 Call for Presentations

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/bmra-decon13-presentations/

The Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA), a longtime Waste to Wealth partner, will hold it’s annual deconstruction conference from April 29 – May 1, 2013, at the Seattle Center in Washington. The 2013 DECON conference is accepting presentation and session proposals through December 15, 2012. For its upcoming conference, BMRA is “looking for state-of-the-art and… Continue reading

Article filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on May 30, 2012

The ReUse People of America Launches National 2012 ReUse Contest

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/reuse-people-america-launches-national-2012-reuse-contest/

The ReUse People of America, Inc. (TRP), announced its Fourth Annual and First National Reuse Contest for projects built out of primarily used materials that have been completed within the last 12 months. TRP’s national ReUse Contest is open from May 1 to August 31, 2012. Continue reading

Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | 1 Comment | Updated on Dec 16, 2011

Deconstruction: Career Ladder, Curriculum and Job Descriptions

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

Deconstruction is an environmentally-friendly method of demolition, focusing on the disassembly of buildings in order to recover and re-use construction materials. Deconstruction work provides job opportunities to relatively low-skilled participants, helping them build a work history and work habits while learning basic construction-site skills. The information in this packet from the Employment and Training Administration,… Continue reading

Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Nov 1, 2011

The Deconstruction Craft Manual

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

This training manual is intended for use by deconstruction crews. Funded by a grant to Episcopal Community Services of Maryland from the US Department of Labor, this manual is based on a previous ILSR publication. Continue reading

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

Deconstruction Articles

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

These articles highlight deconstruction efforts across the US. Continue reading

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

“Green” Deconstruction of Highland Park Home First in Texas

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

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

house_deconstruction_saltonstall_size250

Article filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Dec 19, 2008

Deconstruction in Action

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

Deconstruction has several standard bearers across the United States. This article provides brief case studies and contact information for several of the leading companies. Continue reading

Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 16, 2007

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project Report

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

In 2004, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) a grant to assess the supply and demand for recoverable residential building materials in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This report presents our findings and recommendations. Continue reading

Overview

How State Banks Bring the Money Home

Why Republicans Hate Warren’s CFPB But Love Another Bank Regulator

Overview

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

Overview

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

ILSR Releases New Community Networks Map

Community Networks Gaining Traction Nationwide

Overview

Proposed Solar Standard is Cheap Compared to Minnesota Utilities’ Rate Increases

Expect Delays: Reviewing Ontario’s “Buy Local” Renewable Energy Program

5 Barriers to and Solutions for Community Renewable Energy

Overview

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

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

Overview

Why Won’t Conservatives Let Communities Decide for Themselves?

Should We Subsidize Giving?

Four Victories for the Public Good

Overview

Our Projects

Decentralized Recycling Models for Cities: Berkeley and El Cerrito, CA

Composting Supports Jobs and Healthy Watersheds, Say New ILSR Reports

Strengthening communities for more than 35 years!

About the Deconstruction Initiative

Waste to Wealth: Deconstruction

Featured from Deconstruction

Whatcha Workin’ On, Neil Seldman? Podcast Episode 3

Creating Jobs and Saving Money through Reuse – A Deconstruction Case Study

Working Partner Update: BMRA Decon’13 Call for Presentations

The ReUse People of America Launches National 2012 ReUse Contest

Deconstruction: Career Ladder, Curriculum and Job Descriptions

The Deconstruction Craft Manual

Deconstruction Articles

“Green” Deconstruction of Highland Park Home First in Texas

Deconstruction in Action

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project Report

Thank you for your interest in ILSR