Futures Forum: Alternative currencies >>> from the New Economics Foundation

Friday 26 June 2015

Alternative currencies >>> from the New Economics Foundation

This blog has considered the issue of 'local currencies':
Futures Forum: Local currencies: getting radical: a P2P perspective >>> "The End of Banking: Money, Credit, and the Digital Revolution"
Futures Forum: Local currencies: getting radical: a P2P perspective

... and 'community currencies':
Futures Forum: Communities deciding to produce their own money

It's just looked at 'alternative currencies':
Futures Forum: Alternative currencies >>> responding to market and government failures

Here is an excellent summary from the New Economics Foundation:

I’ve just got back from Brussels, where I was presenting findings from our Community Currencies in Action project. Over the last four years it’s taken us all over Europe, teaming up with organisations and individuals to uncover new ways of creating and using money.

We’re all familiar with pounds and euros. But new currencies are springing up across the continent - some using familiar notes and coins, others existing only electronically.

There’s the Brixton Pound in South London, TradeQoin in the Netherlands and a French swipe card system SoNantes, all designed to boost local businesses. Then there’s Spice Time Credits and the Makkie which tackle inequality, and the digital E-portemonnee that promotes environmentally friendly behaviour.

Do they work in practice? That’s what we wanted to find out. Since our project began we’ve been helping the currency schemes to measure their real life impact – and the results are coming in.

How might they benefit you and your community? Read our report to find out.

Best wishes,

Leander Bindewald
Senior Researcher, NEF

Money with a purpose | New Economics Foundation