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The multiplier effect refers to the fact that a dollar spent a locally owned business returns 45 cents back into the economy, whereas formula businesses only return 15 cents.
This means when a formula business replaces a locally owned business we are losing 50 percent of the money which previously was going back into our local economy
Thinking outside the standard marketplace mechanisms such as buying the best goods at the cheapest cost has an undeniable logic, but this bottom line of sorts may need to be examined in comparison to other objective frames.
For instance, when comparing a local businesses ability to compete with formula business there are a series of criteria to consider, such as; tools and machinery, a building or series of buildings and their aesthetic qualities, the technology to use your tools towards the intended product or service, the quality of the customer service in terms of friendliness or attitude. The point being these criteria can be used to determine the likelihood of local business being able to compete with all things being equal which is clearly not what the marketplace frame offers
We feel the question re-examining our banks is gaining popularity and that local and state options as possible solutions have gained particular interest. We feel we have some leading organizations on this question and we welcome you to join the discussion in the search for new options
Publicly and municipally sponsored reuse and recycling programs have been shown to be successful in terms of employment, limiting landfill, and limiting the extra production of goods that would have been necessary without the reused product
Producing local food again faces the hurdle of “can we buy it cheaper at the store.”. However if you start with the premise that we are e possibly in danger from a collapse from the larger economic system, or that the larger system has resulted in a paralysis where we face a shortage in jobs and a diminished productive domestic capacity within the real economy, then one should take a perhaps more objective look at the subject In this latter sense, growing food is a very reasonable response to a system which perhaps represents a skewed sense of value.
Health activism on the local level is based largely upon whether one believes significant health impacts can arise from non-pharmaceutical and surgical options, or standard health care if you like. We will attempt to layout the issue regarding what serves as evidence in this debate in an objective manner. For those who find the evidence does show legitimacy in alternative methods of health care we will do our best to engage you in useful information in this regard and to network with our local alternative care providers
In terms of local energy, possibilities exist in both changing the playing field for our existing provider, and for actually producing local energy. Marin County recently contracted outside the state for a supplier who offered greener energy than that being currently offered by PG&E. Furthermore there are successful stories of producing PV at the local l, and at least a look at the issues involved with ethanol production at the local level.