Green America Introduces New Member Barter System

Great news for triple bottom-line businesses in a tough economy: Green America’s Green Business Network (GBN) formally launched an innovative a B2B marketplace and accompanying complementary currency system on August 10.

Deemed GAEx (Green America Exchange), this flexible barter system allows businesses to leverage resources they already have to purchase necessities without spending capital. Additionally, Green America staff are available to help market sale items and coordinate trades between member businesses.

What exactly is Green America? Green America is a well-established non-profit membership organization that aims to “harness economic power – the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace – to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.” The Green Business Network was established by Green America to help socially and environmentally responsible businesses grow and thrive to create a green economy.

But then if you’re one of the hundreds of businesses that participate in one of the GreenFestival events nationwide, you of course already knew this!

All GBN members get a free basic account in the GAEx system. GAEx will:

• Offer a cash flow solution to small and newly-established green businesses,
• Enable participation in a peer-to-peer credit system,
• Support the green economy by increasing the resiliency and efficiency of green businesses,
• Provide GBN members with another sphere of socially responsible commerce in which to network and do business with each other.

In addition to the benefits of a basic account, premium GAEx account holders get an interest free credit line, a full-time dedicated broker, technical assistance for their account and more.

Barter systems are nothing new. But in the words of a fellow  reviewer, “I’ve seen many attempts at alternative currencies and barter systems come and go, but this sounds like it has the both the durability and the practicality to both last and grow…” To learn more about GAEx, visit the Green America Exchange How it Works page.

Have you participated in barter systems in the past? What did you like or dislike about the experience? Leave your comments below!