On April 27, Sustainable Tompkins hosted over 170 attendees for the Ithaca premiere of The Economics of Happiness – a film by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page, and a project of the International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC). The film takes a critical look at 8 “inconvenient truths” about globalization, and explores the antidote – localization of the economy – where power is shifted from channels of accumulation for the few into channels of distribution for the many. In a local economy, it is easier to prevent the corruption and abuse of power that comes with concentrated wealth. Connections are easier to see. Cause and effect are visible. Relationships are more accountable. Social capital, natural capital, and financial capital are mutually created and shared throughout the community.
After the film, our panel of community leaders shared their ideas for redesigning our economy and gave examples of what we’re doing so far. We heard about expanding local self reliance by working together to provide for ourselves, new sharing and trading networks, green collar jobs, worker-owned cooperatives, buy local and living wage campaigns, and opportunities for all of us to invest in the sustainable enterprises and infrastructure we need.
Since 2004, Sustainable Tompkins has provided leadership and support to the local sustainability movement while expanding our capacity to serve our community. With a new office and and increased staff, we are excited to launch our first 
