How can we resolve the conflict between financial interests and ecological sustainability?
And how will we insure monetary stability as international money trading increases exponentially? These are some pretty heavy-duty questions, and Lietaer has some pretty compelling and inspiring answers. Interestingly, complementary currencies (like Madison Hours) are an important part of his overall plan. Let’s look at the four questions Lietear asks, and see how complimentary currencies help answer the challenges they pose. How will we provide for so many elderly? It can be done, but not through normal economic means. In fact, it IS being done. Since 1995, the Japanese organization Sawayaka Welfare Institute (a privately run citizen’s group) has been implementing a special currency called Hureai Kippu (“Caring Relationship Tickets”). Here’s how it works: About 100 different non-profit organizations in Japan have agreed to use this complementary currency. To become involved, you perform some service for someone who is elderly–perhaps food shopping, or housecleaning, or whatever they
