What makes a Living Economy?

Living economy communities produce and exchange locally as many products needed by their citizens as they reasonably can, while reaching out to other communities to trade in those products they cannot reasonably produce at home. These communities value their unique character and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation.

Living economy public policies support decentralized ownership of businesses and farms, fair wages, taxes, and budget allocations, trade policies benefiting local economies, and stewardship of the natural environment.

Living economy consumers appreciate the benefits of buying from living economy businesses and, if necessary, are willing to pay a price premium to secure those personal and community benefits.

Living economy investors value businesses that are community stewards and as such accept a “living return” on their financial investments rather than a maximum return, recognizing the value derived from enjoying a healthy and vibrant community and sustainable global economy.

Living economy media provide sources of news independent of corporate control, so that citizens can make informed decisions in the best interests of their communities and natural environment.

Living economy businesses are primarily independent and locally owned, and value the needs and interests of all stakeholders, while building long-term profitability. They strive to:

• Source products from businesses with similar values, with a preference for local procurement.
• Provide employees a healthy workplace with meaningful living-wage jobs. Offer customers personal service and useful safe, quality products.
• Work with suppliers to establish a fair exchange.
• Cooperate with other businesses in ways that balance their self-interest with their obligation to the community and future generations.
• Use their business practices to support an inclusive and healthy community, and to protect our natural environment.
• Yield a “living return” to owners and investors.

BALLE Nova Scotia will be one of the premiere
promoters of progressive, grassroots and sustainable
economic development in the Province.

Vision
BALLE Nova Scotia believes in the power of local businesses
to transform communities for the better by working cooperatively
toward a shared vision. We imagine cities and towns of every size and
political stripe engaged in shared learning to build community assets like sustainable agriculture, green building, renewable energy, community capital, zero-waste manufacturing and independent retail: what we call the building blocks of Living Economies. We envision a time when local economies not only generate community wealth, but also are catalysts for civic action, social diversity and ecological health — for sustainable communities.