What is Local Currency?

You may have heard it called scrip, hours, LETS or community credits. These are just some examples of the many local currency systems working around the world to foster the exchange of goods and services on the community level.

These complementary currency systems are now being used in many countries, including the UK and Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, Holland, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and in many communities across the United States. The recent expansion of local currency systems reflects a growing grassroots desire to create a more sustainable and humane world.

Local currencies are not new. During the 1930's many communities created their own scrip in order to build local trading networks connecting people to the goods and services they needed. Scrips were powerful forces for good in those dark economic times when national currency was almost unobtainable for the average person.

Next: How Does Local Currency Work?