The solidarity economy is a worldwide effort to create an economic system that puts people and the planet ahead of unrestrained profit. The solidarity economy grew out of social movements in Latin America and the Global South. It offers viable alternatives to capitalism through community self-governance based on participatory democracy, cooperative and public ownership, and a values-driven focus on social justice and environmental stewardship.

To us, local ecosystems of solidarity economies are fundamental to a worldwide economic shift. Housing, schools, farms and food production, local governance structures, art and culture, healthcare and healing, and transportation are just some of the essentials that make up a community’s “ecosystem” in a solidarity economy.

Capitalism fails people all the time. For instance, it creates income inequality and privileges the wealthy over the poor. Additionally, it often prioritizes profit over the well-being of workers and the environment. If one’s immediate environment does not contain the necessities, like a communicative family, essential resources, or even the littlest of purposes, a domino effect can occur. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, fueling a cycle of poverty that perpetuates for generations. One individual may affect the individuals around that person or the people he/she/they come across. Furthermore, the constant pressure to generate profit can result in exploitative labor practices and a disregard for environmental sustainability, exacerbating the negative effects of capitalism on society and the planet.

There’s a chance we’ll hear a lot of doubts. Our objective is not to impose our own methodology on alternative economics, but rather to offer a framework within which to do so. Thus, urge anyone else who has amazing ideas, whether they are system-based or not, to approach it. We think it’s worthwhile to test out the idea that art might serve as a local currency. Generate locally-accepted currency (using the proceeds from art sales), raise its value in tandem with the rise in the value of the NFT, and convert it to US dollars (for things like food and housing) when necessary. At the beginning, this new economy would only include those who you already knew or who were already heavily involved in the community. Although the general public may be tempted to “click up,” remember that the goal we’re striving for is crucial to improving the effectiveness of the human race. What do you need the most, and why?