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Kim
tills the soil in Paul’s garden. Paul
helps Diane paint her house. Diane cuts Felicia’s hair. |
hOURS is a sort of trading
system that builds community and allows people increased opportunity to
utilize their skills. It forges
interpersonal relationships and enhances our quality of life. It’s happening in Philadelphia and in
Boston. |
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It’s not bartering, but
rather an alternative form of money.
It allows a slew of useful activities, such as those written here in
orange, to occur. Under barter, for
Kim to till Paul’s garden, Paul would have to have something Kim wanted
directly in exchange. Using the hour
as a unit of money (all of it in the form of ledger accounts) gets us past
that. |
Felicia
prepares the food for Sam’s big party. Sam
feeds and walks Maria’s dog while she’s away. Maria
builds a solar water heater for Chris. |
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Chris
fixes Pat’s bicycle. Pat
does Ron’s taxes. Ron
gives Kim violin lessons. …and what goes around comes around |
When services are performed,
the parties involved inform the record keeper who debits one account and
credits the other for the time spent. What are you waiting for? Sign up today. |
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Philosophy behind the creation of hOURS Reasons to participate in the system The political significance of alternative currency |
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