Local & Regional Goods and Materials

New England has a reputation for innovation, pragmatism and self-sufficiency. New Englanders know that local and regionally available materials and goods are important for the region’s economy and overall sustainability. Local and regional products are more sustainable than foreign products because they take less energy to package and transport, which in turn means these goods have a lower carbon footprint. Sourcing locally and regionally has social benefits as well; goods and materials can cost less, and the money spent on them stays in the community and region through wages, taxes, mortgages, and other spending – which all helps to build a local, living economy.

Making use of local and regional materials and products will help to create the type of niche industry and high-paying, skilled jobs identified as part of the community visioning process. A great opportunity exists to incentivize new businesses and support our entrepreneurial spirit – an opportunity that has and will continue to grow our economy locally and beyond.

The Monadnock Local Living Economy Project is an emerging community project of the Hannah Grimes Center that will encourage separate initiatives to work collectively to improve our region's community and economy. 

What does the Local Living Economy mean?

In November 2009, a group of community members gathered to explore the concept of a Local Living Economy.  The BALLE Network has its own definition, but what does it mean to us – citizens of the Monadnock Region?

Here is a small sample of ideas shared.

The Monadnock Local Living Economy is a place where:

• All citizens can have a great quality of life.
• Our basic needs are met within our community and region.
• Individuals realize that they are beyond the worth of their jobs.
• Leadership helps identify common ground and overarching community goals.
• Citizens are creating a new definition of what our needs really are.
• Individuals and banks are investing in social capital.
• We are working cooperatively and collaboratively.
• All citizens are engaged and feel included.
• Celebrating our community.
• We are thinking of our community as a system.

For more information on Monadnock Local Living Economy, go to the Hanna Grimes Center web site.