BALLE: Creating A Community-Based Global Economy
By Jenna Kirkman
Filed Under Conscious Commerce |
After reading last month’s article on food miles, it is clear that the corporate centralization of global food supply means ‘efficient’ mass production that works against all standards of environmental responsibility and health. Without an alternative, eating a fresh, healthy diet would be a hard fought battle, yet thankfully, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) has a firm grasp on the issue.
BALLE is a network that inter-connects sustainable businesses throughout the world. The businesses involved share a common desire to reduce energy use, produce less waste, support localized economies, and explore new green opportunities including fair trade, fair wages, and healthy work environments for an integrated, sustainable economy.
This inspiring idea came from Judy Wicks, an entrepreneur who opened White Dog Café in the first floor of her Philadelphia home back in 1983. Constantly surrounded by her customers, she began to realize the importance of creating a community-based educational forum on the issues of food and health. Listening to what people deemed most important about ecological conscious commerce, she re-designed her menu to create what is now one of the most eco-friendly eateries in the country. White Dog sources all its food from local organic producers, uses wind and solar power, composts to reduce solid waste, and recycles any leftover fryer grease into biodiesel.
Judy then decided that the world needed more than just her cafe to make a difference. She met Laury Hammel, another local entrepreneur who shared her passion for creating a more localized foundation for business and, in 2001, they co-founded BALLE. Now, seven years later, the business alliance consists of 60 local business networks including more than 15,000 entrepreneurs throughout North America.
Be Wise, Glocalize
BALLE’s mission is to help create a global economy that is made up of linked local economies and within them, businesses that are local, green, and fair. This is also referred to as “glocalization”.
The glocalization movement is not about hiding out within your local community, it’s about exchanging products that are not accessible in your local economy with those that are desired by other communities. As Judy puts it, “When we exchange culturally unique products, we learn about each other and appreciate differences. It makes a lot more sense then shipping products like meat and potatoes around the world that are usually available at home.”
“…BALLE is not just about localization, but also about global fair trade. We are building a global consciousness that all places on earth matter, rather than a system where some places are trashed and exploited for the benefit of others. We are all connected – that is the highest level of consciousness.”
Invest In Your Neighbors
Localization not only benefits the environment – it also benefits you. Any money you spend locally is cycled throughout your community’s economy, helping it to thrive. Small businesses can also supply you with locally sourced, quality products, provide fair wage jobs for local citizens, and have the capacity to provide the most sincere service as a result of their investment in the community.
Get Involved
Becoming a BALLE member grants you and your business access to a heap of exciting networks and events, including a three day annual BALLE conference where businesses come together to speak, listen, and exchange ideas.
BALLE is currently setting up an Economic Justice Initiative that will focus on tackling historic injustices by integrating BALLE networking in these historically disadvantaged areas.
The easiest way to get involved is by adopting the BALLE mentality – think, act and buy locally, and all areas of the world will benefit.
“Ultimately, I believe our movement will make people happier,” Judy says. “There is a craving for community, for connection with each other and with nature. I see a joyful future in the community life the localization movement is building.” Kudos, Judy. We do too.
Want your business to become a member of BALLE and the localization movement?
- Check to see if you are eligible to join
- Search the list of networks to find a compatible group in your local area. If you can’t find a network in your area, you can expand your entrepreneurial skills and set up a new network for your local economy
If you are not a small business owner…
- Stay informed by signing up to receive BALLE’s online newsletter and e-mail updates
- Check out your local networks to see if they have solo sign-ups, local events, or volunteer opportunities
Everyone can…
- Learn more about the idea of sustainable local economies in the book Natural Capitalism by Amory Lovins, Hunter Lovins and Paul Hawken
Posted on August 4, 2008 |
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2 Responses to “BALLE: Creating A Community-Based Global Economy”
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Great work on this one…
I’m on the steering committee for the Local First LA chapter of BALLE and it sure is tough work coordinating a city of this size. But well worth it.
Another great advantage: because it ties the community tighter, if there is a disaster (earthquake, tsunami, fires, climate change effects) we will be more equipped to work together in the tough times. It’s a key aspect to emergency preparedness.
Every town, large and small, should start a BALLE chapter…it’s critical to the evolution of our species.
This is an awesome article. I’d never heard of BALLE until I read this article, and it inspired me to search and see which businesses in my area are members.