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, Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 6 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, 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

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 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

accusation-of-corruption-in-favor-of-time-warner-cable-in-north-carolina-general-assembly

Featured Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 12, 2013

North Carolina Legislator Accused of Favoring Time Warner Cable

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/accusation-corruption-favor-time-warner-cable-north-carolina-general-assembly/

Accusations of special treatment for Time Warner Cable found their way into floor debate at the North Carolina General Assembly and it was no surprise to ILSR staff. Republican legislator and former Committee Chair Robert Brawley shared a revealing letter he wrote to Speaker Thom Tillis questioning his relationship with Time Warner Cable. ILSR covered… 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. ...

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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

Featured Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on May 30, 2013

Why Master Limited Partnerships are a Lousy Policy for Solar, Wind, and Taxpayers

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/master-limited-partnerships-lousy-policy-solar-or-business/

Read reactions to this piece here If you follow the renewable energy industry and haven’t been sleeping, then you’ve probably heard about one of the few pieces of federal legislation purported to help clean energy that’s actually moving: expanding Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) to cover wind and solar energy. (H.R.1696) This is not a good… 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, 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

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 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 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 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

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

About the Energy Initiative

Featured from Energy Page 81 of 89

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Mar 1, 2005

Report: DG Interconnections Improve Dramatically in California

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/report-dg-interconnections-improve-dramatically-california/

California’s Public Interest Energy (PIER) Program has received a final report that provides an analysis of the impacts, costs and timelines for distributed generation interconnection in California.

The new report, “Improving Interconnections in California”, covers four areas.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 21, 2005

Neat Biodiesel (B100) Producers Fighting For Tax Incentive

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/neat-biodiesel-b100-producers-fighting-tax-incentive/

About 70 biodiesel manufacturers and distributors have urged the IRS to allow 100 percent biodiesel (known as neat biodiesel or B100) to qualify for the recently enacted excise tax exemption for biofuels.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 16, 2005

Comparing Solar Electric Policies in the U.S.

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

Top notch researchers, Ryan Wiser and Mark Bolinger, from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab have presented estimates showing how solar electric power goals established in California will beat the expected PV installations in six states (and Washington DC) that have solar power requirements as part of their renewable energy portfolio standards.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 15, 2005

Report: High Value for Solar Power During Peak Times

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/report-high-value-solar-power-during-peak-times/

A recent report done for the Vote Solar Initiative shows that on-peak solar electricity has a value of between 23 and 35 cent per kilowatt-hour. The January 2005 report was authored by Ed Smeloff, formerly on the board of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and a long-time solar energy advocate.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 8, 2005

CPUC Moves to Protect Ratepayers from Future Greenhouse Gas Regulations

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/cpuc-moves-protect-ratepayers-future-greenhouse-gas-regulations/

A decision by the California PUC directs the state’s largest electric utilities to include CO2 costs between $8-25 per ton when evaluating the economics of future energy resource additions.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 3, 2005

Board Says No Transmission Line on County Land

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/board-says-no-transmission-line-county-land/

The Douglas, WI, County Board passed a resolution last night denying the use of county land for a controversial transmission line that has been proposed to run from Minnesota across Wisconsin. The line, know as Arrowhead-Weston, is a $420 million, 220-mile project proposed by the American Transmission Co. (ATC), Minnesota Power and Wisconsin Public Service.

Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 2, 2005

Instructive Lessons on Ethanol

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

ILSR’s vice president David Morris gives the West Wing writers a piece of his mind and gives the rest of us an important lesson on the renewable fuel called ethanol.

Critics of ethanol often used outdated information and unsubstantiated rumors in arguments against the renewable fuel. Myths about the negative aspects of ethanol have persisted for decades even though the vast majority of studies continue to show the environmental, security and economic development benefits that the fuel provides. My colleague David Morris’ recent column is instructive reading.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 1, 2005

FERC Issues Proposed Rules for Wind Power Interconnection

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ferc-issues-proposed-rules-wind-power-interconnection/

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is proposing to amend its regulations to require public utilities to include specific technical provisions for wind energy in their open access transmission tariffs (OATTs). The new rules will allow wind power projects to be integrated more firmly into the existing transmission system.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jan 31, 2005

DG Technology Spotlight: Micro Hydropower

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

Small-scale and micro hydropower technologies are helping bring distributed electricity generation to remote areas around the world. The impacts on the environment are negligible and the economics are competitive. The worldwide market potential is fairly small in terms of overall megawatts (MWs) but for those locations without power today, a new micro-hydro system can make a tremendous difference in people’s lives.

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jan 28, 2005

Minnesota Seeks 20 Percent Biofuels Requirement

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/minnesota-seeks-20-percent-biofuels-requirement/

Already a renewable fuels policy leader, the state of Minnesota is considering adopting a stricter mandate for biofuels content in the state’s gasoline supplies. Governor Pawlenty announced his support for a 20 percent ethanol content and a handful of bills have been introduced at the legislature to implement the goal.

Overview

Banking For the Rest of Us

Free Checking is Rare at Big Banks, Common at Small

Overview

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

Overview

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

North Carolina Legislator Accused of Favoring Time Warner Cable

Broadband at the Speed of Light

Overview

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

Why Master Limited Partnerships are a Lousy Policy for Solar, Wind, and Taxpayers

How a City Can Get More Clean, Local Energy

Overview

Why We Can’t Shop Our Way to a Better Economy: Stacy Mitchell’s TEDx Talk

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

Overview

Should We Subsidize Giving?

Can We Save the Commons that is the Post Office?

The End of the Post Office as a Public Institution?

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 Energy Initiative

Energy

Featured from Energy Page 81 of 89

Report: DG Interconnections Improve Dramatically in California

Neat Biodiesel (B100) Producers Fighting For Tax Incentive

Comparing Solar Electric Policies in the U.S.

Report: High Value for Solar Power During Peak Times

CPUC Moves to Protect Ratepayers from Future Greenhouse Gas Regulations

Board Says No Transmission Line on County Land

Instructive Lessons on Ethanol

FERC Issues Proposed Rules for Wind Power Interconnection

DG Technology Spotlight: Micro Hydropower

Minnesota Seeks 20 Percent Biofuels Requirement

Thank you for your interest in ILSR