Declare economic independence with revolutionary micro-currency

Communities around the world who find the mainstream economic system taxing at best, and downright disempowering at worst, are taking matters into their own hands. With micro-currency and modern day barter systems, people are making positive strides in curbing economic downturns. Both promote ingenuity, economic sustainability, prosperity and connection with neighborhood commerce. As more cities, towns and rural hamlets embrace alternative currencies and bartering, abundance thrives -- free of national and global financial strangleholds.

Inspired local economies

Ziggy Stardust on valid currency? This is just what the London neighborhood of Brixton has done. Called the Brixton Pound, residents can use it at over 200 local businesses. As an added bonus, businesses often extend a discount to those using this innovative (and gorgeous) money. Although backed by national banknotes, the beauty of alternative currency is that it keeps money and prosperity local. Brixton is one of four regions in the UK that currently employ this ingenious economic system.

Trans-Pacific Partnership: "We Will Not Obey"; Building a Global Resistance Movement

(Truthout) We are in a time of transformational change. The opportunity is here to reverse the destruction wrought by rigged corporate trade agreements and to demand trade that is fair and promotes sustainable practices. There is no reason trade cannot improve the lives of workers and people around the world, as well as protect the planet from the rapacious destruction of corporate greed. We need to insist that people and the planet come before profits.

It is up to us to make this transformation a reality. To do so we must build a broad-based, movement of movements that sends a clear message to Washington, DC: "If you pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we will not obey."

The Obama administration has made it a priority to have the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) completed by the end of the year. The TPP is the largest trade agreement negotiated since the World Trade Organization (WTO). It covers 12 countries so far and includes provisions that reach beyond issues of trade. The full contents of the TPP are unknown because it has been negotiated with unprecedented secrecy; however, it is clear from what has been revealed that the TPP gives transnational corporations the power to alter our laws down to the local level to enhance and protect their profits.

Thrive Short-Order | Scapes with Eggs, Bacon and Artisan Salt {Paleo and Gluten-free}

We received a tangle of scapes with our CSA box last week and I decided to throw together a quick lunch utilizing this gorgeous vegetable. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this relative of garlic, you are in for a treat. Keep an eye out at your Farmer’s Market for slender, corkscrew-shaped green stalks that are topped with a white ‘Russian dome.’ Possessing a more complex flavor than standard garlic, you can use the entire stalk and bulb in any culinary creation where you would like a hint of flavor, without it being overpowering. The white bulb caramelizes beautifully, just make sure you don’t over do it since it can burn and turn bitter just as easily.

I also came across several varieties of artisan salt at our local natural market the other day—both black and pink Hawaiian, along with an applewood smoked number. I decided to use a pinch of each to lend a bit of mystery and depth to my humble fried eggs. Why not? Feel free to grind the salt. I chose not to from sheer laziness, and it worked out just fine.

This recipe comes together in a snap—the perfect compliment for busy and fun-filled summer days where the last thing in the world you want to be doing is slaving over a hot stove.