sivuvaluutat

Sivuvaluutat, also known as side currencies or complementary currencies, are monetary instruments that operate alongside a primary national currency. They are designed to facilitate exchange within a specific community, region, or network, often with the aim of promoting local economic activity and social cohesion. Unlike official currencies issued by central banks, sivuvaluutat are typically created and managed by non-governmental organizations, community groups, or private entities.

The creation of sivuvaluutat can take various forms, including local exchange trading systems (LETS), time banks, or digital currencies. These systems often track credits and debits, allowing participants to exchange goods and services without relying solely on the national currency. The value of a sivuvaluutta is usually pegged to a unit of account, such as hours of labor, a basket of local goods, or even a fraction of the national currency.

The motivations behind implementing sivuvaluutat are diverse. They can address issues of unemployment and underemployment by creating alternative means of exchange for those with limited access to cash. They can also foster stronger community ties by encouraging local trade and mutual support. Furthermore, some sivuvaluutat are designed to address environmental concerns by promoting sustainable consumption patterns or to support specific social causes. While sivuvaluutat do not replace national currencies, they can serve as valuable supplementary tools for local economic development and community building.