Forum Post: Best Practices for a Better World: Proposal

All,

I propose developing a list of Best Practices for a Better World. For example, here are two models of alternatives to the big box stores:

Here is the view from Saranac Lake: A Town Creates Its Own Department Store

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/business/a-town-in-new-york-creates-its-own-department-store.html

The now-legendary Powell Mercantile in Wyoming: Light A Store, Save A Town http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/08/smallbusiness/community_store.fsb/index.htm

I'm tired of the OWS fist, the Communist designs, the 99% vs 1% mantra, the implication that only anarchy will restore America. Whatever. I say roll up our sleeves and let's get to work! Time for more Saranac Lakes and Powell, Wyomings.

I like the idea of Best Practices for a Better World because many things ARE working in the US. Let's identify them, and replicate them. (I argue that in conjunction with new laws governing campaigns and elections, and voting in the right political leaders, a locally-driven economy/lifestyle is the road to recovery -- economic and beyond.)

CSAs and greenmarkets, farm-to-table restaurants, food co-ops are some successful examples from the food pathways.

There's a locally-owned "baby goods store" in my neighborhood that offers a wealth of community activities for parents/parents-to-be in the shop -- the store becomes not just a retail place but a community space. Likewise with the pet supply store on the corner, a clearinghouse for messages about lost pets and lost pets themselves, which they re-home. These are invested, caring businesses serving -- SERVING -- the community, which returns the favor.

These endeavors are exciting, engaging, inspiring me -- down with our fists and out with the extended hand. :)