Remaking Money for a Sustainable Future: Money Commons

This book explores how grassroots groups, municipalities, and radical crypto-entrepreneurs are remaking money by designing and organizing complementary currencies, offering a potential solution to advance sustainable economies and fair societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Money holds a pivotal role in both capitalism and the multitude of sustainability crises we face today. However, there is a growing belief among scholars, politicians, and activists that we can transform money to promote sustainable economies and fair societies. This book delves into the ways in which grassroots groups, municipalities, and radical crypto-entrepreneurs are remaking money by creating and organizing complementary currencies. It posits that these innovative ideas and governance practices hold the key to building green and inclusive economies. By engaging imaginatively with the future of money, this accessible book appeals to anyone passionate about constructing a more sustainable and equitable world.

Introduction:
Money has been a fundamental aspect of human society for centuries, serving as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a measure of wealth. However, the current monetary system is criticized for its contribution to environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability. As a result, there is a growing movement to remake money so that it aligns with sustainable economic and social goals.

Grassroots Groups and Municipalities:
One of the most prominent examples of grassroots groups remaking money is the creation of local currencies. Local currencies are designed to promote economic activity within a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. They are often issued by local governments or community organizations and can be used to purchase goods and services within the local economy. Local currencies have the potential to reduce transaction costs, increase economic resilience, and promote community engagement.

Another example of grassroots groups remaking money is the development of community-based financial institutions. These institutions are designed to provide financial services to underserved communities, such as low-income households, small businesses, and marginalized populations. Community-based financial institutions often use alternative banking practices, such as peer-to-peer lending and community investment, to provide access to financial resources and promote financial inclusion.

Radical Crypto-Entrepreneurs:
In recent years, radical crypto-entrepreneurs have also emerged as a force in remaking money. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, are decentralized digital currencies that operate outside of traditional financial systems. They are often seen as a potential solution to the problems of centralization, corruption, and financial instability. Radical crypto-entrepreneurs are exploring the use of blockchain technology to create new financial systems that are more transparent, secure, and decentralized.

The Potential of Remaking Money:
The potential of remaking money is vast. By designing and organizing complementary currencies, grassroots groups, municipalities, and radical crypto-entrepreneurs can create new financial systems that promote sustainable economies and fair societies. For example, local currencies can be used to support local businesses and reduce the reliance on external financial institutions. Community-based financial institutions can provide financial services to underserved communities and promote financial inclusion.

Furthermore, the use of blockchain technology in cryptocurrencies can create new financial systems that are more transparent, secure, and decentralized. This can reduce the risk of fraud, corruption, and financial instability and promote greater financial inclusion.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, money is central to capitalism and to our many sustainability crises. However, there is a growing belief that we can transform money to promote sustainable economies and fair societies. Grassroots groups, municipalities, and radical crypto-entrepreneurs are leading the way in remaking money by creating and organizing complementary currencies. By engaging imaginatively with the future of money, we can create new financial systems that are more sustainable, transparent, and inclusive. This will require a collective effort from policymakers, financial institutions, and individuals to embrace new ideas and practices and work towards a more sustainable and just world.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529225372