Greek Town Taps Bartering for a More Shareable City

[marmar]

Published on Friday, April 20, 2012 by Shareable.net
Greek Town Taps Bartering for a More Shareable City

by Kelly McCartney


As Greece continues to search for solutions to its national economic crisis, the port town of Volos has adopted an old-school barter system to help its citizens muddle through. Five years into their recession with 21 percent unemployment, some Volos residents who were short on Euros but long on other resources created a local currency (called TEMs in Greek) that is traded based on non-monetary contributions into the online system. People sign up for a TEMs network account, see what services they might offer to other folks in their area who are in need, and start amassing credits that can be cashed in for things they themselves need. TEMs can be used for everything from bakers to babysitters, teachers to technicians. In theory, the value of one TEM is equal to the value of one Euro

One participant, acupuncturist Bernhardt Koppold, explained, "It's an easier, more direct way of exchanging goods and services. "It's also a way of showing practical solidarity — of building relationships." Maria Choupis, co-founder of the TEMs network, echoed that sentiment regarding the local alternative currency systems: “They are as much social structures as economic ones. They foster intimacy and mutual support.”

Speaking to NPR, Volos Mayor Panos Skotiniotis encouraged municipal governments around the world to consider similar programs of their own to fill in where government and the traditional market are failing to adequately serve citizens: "This is a substitution for the welfare state, and that is why this municipality is encouraging it and wants it to grow." For its part, though, the Greek Parliament is also very supportive, passing legislation to encourage various non-traditional forms of “entrepreneurship and local development.”

Thankfully, other governments are listening. Many more Germans have jumped into alternative currency systems since the Euro was launched. More than two dozen systems now exist there. Christian Gelleri, managing director of one regional currency, enthused, “We want people to think about this more … participants of the alternative currencies want to change the money system. We want to promote local charities and connect local businesses — that’s our objective.” ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/04/20-4