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 | 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, 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 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 | 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 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

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

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 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 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

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

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, 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 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

About the Zero Waste & Economic Development Initiative

Overview

The institutional framework and know-how exists to cost effectively reuse, recycle, or compost 90% of the estimated 480 million tons of municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris generated in the U.S. annually. These strategies – collectively known as zero waste – are being employed by leading communities in the U.S. (San Francisco has reached 77% diversion with plans to go higher) and across Europe.

When collected with skill and care, and upgraded with quality in mind, discarded materials are a local resource that can contribute to local revenue, job creation, business expansion, and the local economic base. On a per-ton basis, sorting and processing recyclables alone sustain 10 times more jobs than landfilling or incineration. Making new products from the old offers the largest economic pay-off in the recycling loop. New recycling-based manufacturers employ even more people and at higher wages than does sorting recyclables. Some recycling-based paper mills and plastic product manufacturers, for instance, employ on a per-ton basis 60 times more workers than do landfills. In fact, it is estimated that increasing the national diversion rate to 75% (from the current 34%) would add 1.5 million jobs to the economy. Beyond the obvious economic benefits, moving toward zero waste is an effective environmental protection strategy. Reuse and recycling reduce the impact of extractive industries by making the most of materials already in circulation.

Click here for ILSR’s data on jobs through recycling.

Featured from Zero Waste & Economic Development

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 Waste to Wealth Program. He has been working on solid waste management and maximizing resources from recycling for decades. Dr. Seldman took a few moments to visit with Lisa from ILSR’s Washington D.C office.

Whatcha Workin’ On? Episode 3



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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/

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

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 Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | 1 Comment | Updated on Oct 4, 2012

Illinois’ Game-Changing E-scrap Law

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/illinois-game-changing-e-scrap-law/

The Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act is breaking the mold of 25 state e-scrap laws. Under the law, passed in 2008 and amended in 2011, companies that reuse machines get twice the credit of those companies that recycle the materials. Continue reading

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Featured Resources

View All: Audio Books Charts & Graphs Fact Sheets Newsletter Presentations Reports Video

Resource filed under Composting, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on May 8, 2013

Composting Makes $en$e: Jobs through Composting & Compost Use

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

Recycling is an economic development tool as well as an environmental tool. Reuse, recycling, and waste reduction offer direct development opportunities for communities. When collected with skill and care, and upgraded with quality in mind, discarded materials are a local resource that can contribute to local revenue, job creation, business expansion, and the local economic base. Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Mar 12, 2013

Whatcha Workin’ On, Neil Seldman? Podcast Episode 3

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/whatcha-workin-on-neal-seldman-podcast-episode-3/

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/

Article, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Aug 8, 2012

Waste to Wealth Summit September 13 & 14

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

The Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative will bring together regional solid waste management stakeholders from Appalachian communities in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia for a two-day summit that will examine how to build and sustain rural wealth by increasing resource recovery and supporting the development of recycling-based businesses. Attendees will learn about exemplary rural recycling programs, innovative recycling-based businesses, the… Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Jun 29, 2012

Recycling and Economic Development for a Global Audience

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

Dr. Neil Seldman was interviewed on Voice of America Urdu’s Paak Pakistan with Amina Khan about recycling and economic development best practices. Presented in English with translation in Urdu. Continue reading

Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Apr 14, 2012

Chattanooga Building a Green Brick Road

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

Zero Waste Zone, April 14, 2012 In perfect timing with Earth month, The City of Chattanooga is exploring how to bring zero waste practices to the residential and corporate community. The main ingredients for success are in place: 1) solid local government support, 2) corporate community enthusiasm, and 3) strong local markets for recyclable material. Chattanooga Director of Sustainability… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Composting, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 10, 2012

Recycling and Deconstruction Resource Links

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

These links are useful to anyone interested in advancing composting, recycling or deconstruction. Continue reading

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan cover

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on Dec 19, 2011

Austin Approves New Zero Waste Plan

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/austin-approves-new-zero-waste-plan/

At its meeting on Dec. 15th, 2011, the Austin City Council unanimously approved the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan, a long-term plan that empowers the Austin community to achieve a drastic reduction in the amount of trash landfilled and aim for zero waste. In 2009, City Council passed Texas’ first Zero Waste Plan and set… Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Apr 20, 2011

Dan Knapp at the University of Illinois

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

This 2011 speech by Dan Knapp of Urban Ore is an important statement on the state of recycling in the US. Continue reading

Resource filed under Stop Incineration, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on Oct 19, 2009

Wasting and Climate Change: The Connections

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

Presentation at the Zero Waste Conference in Devens, Massachusetts Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by Neil Seldman | No Comments | Updated on Mar 13, 2009

Zero Waste Implementation Plan for the County of Hawai’i

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/zero-waste-implementation-plan-for-the-county-of-hawaii/

The County of Hawai’i (a.k.a. Big Island), having signed a Zero Waste resolution in December 2007, has taken extraordinary steps toward sustainable resource management. This is the Zero Waste Implementation Plan, requested by the County Council and completed by Richard Anthony Associates, Hidden Resources and ILSR in March 2009. Continue reading

Zero Waste Replacing Waste Management Cover

Article, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Feb 1, 2009

Zero Waste Planning Information and Resources

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/zero-waste-planning-information-and-resources/

Twenty-five years ago, many solid waste planners thought no more than 15% to 20% of the municipal waste stream could be recycled. Today numerous communities have surpassed 50% recycling, and many individual establishments — public and private sector — such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and supermarkets have approached 90% and higher levels. A handful… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Dec 4, 2008

City of Austin’s Zero Waste Plan

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/city-of-austins-zero-waste-plan/

Earlier this year, by adopting the State’s first Zero Waste Plan for a Texas community, the City of Austin took an important step to move toward a more sustainable future. Austin’s Zero Waste Plan takes into consideration Austin’s current and planned public and private solid waste infrastructure, as well as the city’s Climate Protection Program…. Continue reading

Article filed under Composting, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Sep 11, 2007

Recycling and Composting Policy Agenda Drafted; Comments Sought

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/recycling-and-composting-policy-agenda-drafted-comments-sought/

Twenty-three veteran recycling and composting activists met in a two-day retreat in June 2007 to prepare policy guidelines to accelerate diversion of discarded materials from landfills and incinerators. The document, upon refinement and approval by a broader number of activists, will be circulated among state, local and federal decision-makers for consideration. View the background statement,… Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Aug 1, 2007

Resource Management in the State of Delaware

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/resource-management-in-the-state-of-delaware/

ILSR’s 2007 Report to the Delaware State Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) presents an approach for changing solid waste management to resource management in this small Mid-Atlantic state. ILSR recommends a surcharge to finance infrastructure development for the public and private sectors. The $6 per ton surcharge would raise $20 million in… 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

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Feb 13, 2007

Waste to Wealth – 2007 Annual Report

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/waste-to-wealth-2007-annual-report/

For 33 years ILSR’s “Waste to Wealth” program has helped to convert wastes from environmental and economic liabilities into valuable resources that contribute to community development. In 2007, our work has focused on the following: encouraging sustainable biomaterials to replace fossil-fuel-based plastics developing green industrial parks salvaging building materials through deconstruction deterring waste incineration projects… Continue reading

Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Feb 13, 2007

Resource Management in the State of Delaware

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/12951/

Article, Resource filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 2006

Waste to Wealth – 2006 Report on Activities

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/waste-to-wealth-2006-report-on-activities/

Our program continued its tradition of solving problems in ways that reinforce economic and environmental security. Our work continues to help community development organizations, small businesses and government agencies increase productive employment, recover increasing amounts of valuable recycled materials and products, save environmental resources, and lower operating costs. Read Waste to Wealth 2006 Report (PDF) Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 1, 2006

Builders’ Guide to Reuse & Recycling: A Directory for Construction & Demolition Materials in the Metropolitan Washington Region

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/now-available-builders-guide-to-reuse-recycling-a-directory-for-construction-demolition-materials-in-the-metropolitan-washington-region/

This 44-page pocket-sized directory — produced by ILSR for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments — lists 110 businesses reusing or recycling building materials in the Washington, DC region. It also includes Tips for Recycling Success at the Job Site and Frequently Asked Questions on how to recycle construction and demolition materials. June 2006 Directory… Continue reading

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Twitter Updates

RT @communitynets: In Colorado, Longmont community owned fiber network takes big step forward with unanimous city council vote - http://t.c… 2 days ago
RT @ctc_technology: Review of @joannehovis article on Business Plans for Municipal Fiber in @communitynets muninetworks.org/content/joanne… 5 days ago
There are 249 more independent bookstores today in the US than in 2009. http://t.co/kpXt6phvKg 1 week ago
RT @communitynets: Businesses lining up for community fiber network in Longmont, Colorado. FTTH is possibility - lnkd.in/GCxX5r 1 week ago
RT @compostoryorg: #Report from @ilsr presents #composting as a major #job creator bit.ly/11STFW5 #Jobs #JobCreation #GreenJobs #C… 1 week ago

ILSR in the News

How Much Do Cash Mobs like Shaker Heights’ Flash Cashers Help Small Businesses? Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 2, 2013
Happy 39th Birthday, ILSR! On the first of May 1974 Neil Seldman, Gil Friend and David Morris self-consciously incorporated the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. We thought it made for a suitable birthing day.
CenturyLink Enters the Gigabit Network Era Telecompetitor, May 1, 2013
The Next Elizabeth Warren Susan Crawford’s crusade against lousy, overpriced Internet providers The New Republic, April 30, 2013

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About the Zero Waste & Economic Development Initiative

Waste to Wealth: Zero Waste & Economic Development

Overview

Featured from Zero Waste & Economic Development

Featured Resources

Site-wide ILSR Extras

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