We just moved to Washington DC…Maryland actually. When we were looking at the house in June, we met the neighbor, who is helping to lead an effort to bring a local currency to the neighborhood, dubbed “Anacostia Hours” (click for website). Modeled on the “Ithaca Hours” project in Ithaca, New York (which is in the northeast part of the country for the 50% of Americans that can’t identify New York on a map), local citizens and businesses offer goods and services in exchange for US money, Anacostia Hours, or some combination of both. A $75 acupuncture appointment might be paid in $50 US currency and 2 Anacostia Hours. The directory of businesses can be viewed online:
Anacostia Hours Directory (PDF)
What’s the point? Mainly to create a local currency that emphasizes local talents and products. I might offer to paint at someone’s house and then exchange those dollars for cat-sitting services from a neighbor, who might use it get coffee at the local cafe. Interestingly, they have a board that issues the amount of currency, depending on the circulation, and adjusts for inflation. The Maryland Gazette wrote this article on the project.
My services?
Home Energy Consultation.
1. Electricity bills too high?
2. Should you buy new windows to cut your heating bill?
3. Is solar energy right for you?
Basic fee? $50 for the initial 1-2 hour consultation, which includes an assessment of your home and energy bills, with a short report including recommendations for action. I guarantee you’ll make the money back in the first year or it’s free. Additional consultation on offsetting your global warming pollution, choosing a more efficient car, or building a new home or addition are available on a case-by-case basis.
At my Minnesota home my electricity bill averaged $15-20 and in our new Maryland home they average $30-35 (electricity prices are higher here and next summer not withstanding). My cost $25 in dollars or hours. My promise? If I can’t save you $25 in 1 year, it’s free. Email: info AT organic-blue DOT com
December 21, 2006 at 1:29 pm |
Is there a set exchange rate to US dollars? If so, what is it?
Also, why would anyone want a currency that is *less* liquid and less universally accepted than dollars? Especially when the “central bank” may or may not be as informed or trustworthy.
Finally, how do these Hours enter circulation in the first place?
I’ve heard of this sort of thing before, but never enough details to figure out what makes them preferable than real currency.
December 21, 2006 at 1:33 pm |
I guess one could make the same case against gift certificates. So maybe their restrictiveness is part of the appeal.
I always wanted to start a company that buys up unwanted gift certificates at cut-rate, then bundles them and sells them back to the company. Thereby closing the loop from gift cards to cash and back. You can already buy/sell them on eBay, but I’d want to make that a more systematic process.
December 21, 2006 at 1:36 pm |
There is no set exchange. It is based on the buyer/seller’s perception of what it’s worth – transactions can be some combination of hours and dollars. They are “hours” of currency and I suspect quite a few people will just trade their time 1 for 1, whether they are giving music lessons, pet care, or cleaning services. Most (but not all) of the listings are people with an extra talent rather than formal businesses.
Hours were given out to initial “businesses” that signed up to be in the guide. They are still working on creating more liquidity with the ability to trade money for more hours – perhaps an “ATM” at a community event.
Ultimately, I think it’s an effort to get you to utilize your neighbors’ talents on a somewhat equal basis – paper bartering perhaps. But the Ithica Hours website has more information.
August 30, 2007 at 8:56 am |
Hello!
I am researching Community Currencies and I’ve read that there might be an Anacostia Hours ( lived off Good Hope Rd back in 1985/86), but when I was in the area of the Navy Yard last month no one I asked seemed to know about it. Is it up and running, how are you getting the word out, is it for all DC residents (my cousin Lauren Rogers lives in NE), can I interview someone and how can I help?
Warm Regards,
Peace, and Universal Health Care for ALL,
Shira Destinie Jones