In Volos, Greece, it looks like the ancient method of barter may be trending towards the new way of life.
As a response to the sky high unemployment rate in Volos (approximately 20%), a small town of 100,000 people in debt-ridden Greece, many have turned to a formal non-profit bartering network.
Volos is only one of several Greek towns that has turned to the formalized bartering network using a currency called Local Alternative Unit to give life to new form of local swapping. The system is simple and straightforward: people post ads about what they are offering for trade and what they want. Swappers earn TEM credits through services performed and each credit is the equivalent value of one euro. Bartering has caught on so much that parliament passed a law in September giving barter networks non-profit status.
Of course, beyond just the economic advantages of bartering, many have indicated they choose to swap, rather than shop, for the sense of community and self-respect it offers.
Bartering is back and it looks like it’s here to stay!
(Photo by Nikos Roussos)
Swap.com Mobile is a free iPhone is app that lets you scan items into your HAVE and WANT lists, manage your account, see what you can get for your stuff, and participate in swaps.
