Analysing
complementary
currencies: A
potential
pathway for
environmental
development
A case study researching Wasted
and E-portemonnee/LimbU
Martijn Peetoom
11036567
Supervisor: Robert Kloosterman
University of Amsterdam
14-01-2019
Words: 13.304
Abstract
In this research two complementary currencies are explored who are focussed on achieving goals within the environmental segment of sustainable development, Wasted in Amsterdam-Noord and E-portemonnee in Belgian Limburg, who has recently been reformed into LimbU. By elaborating on aims, social elements, the structure of organisation and additional involved parties, both currencies are extensively explored. This research shows that both currencies initially started with similar aims, both focussed on the consumption of waste and thereby actively pursuing their goals by rewarding certain behaviour, producing less waste and separating waste. However these currencies operate on a very different scale, Wasted is a small-scale project totally depend on external financing, while E-portemonnee is a regional project mainly financed through internal means. Following, the outcomes and arising issues within both currencies are analysed, which show that both currencies are able to generate positive impact concerning environmental purposes, but these remain limited. Thereby, the analysis shows that the currencies do not exclusively operate within the environmental domain, as the social and economic scope of sustainable development are included within these currencies in different ways. With Wasted, local economic entrepreneurs prove to be essential rewarders and with E-portemonnee the scope of environmental sustainability proves too limited to include the desired local municipalities and citizens.
1. Introduction
Today’s socio-economic system is predominantly focussed around the linear economy model (Michelini, et al., 2017). This one-way model of extraction, production, consumption and disposing results in unnecessary resource depletion, excessive energy use and negative environmental impacts such as increased CO2 emissions and ecosystem erosion (The Ellen MacArthur Foundati on, 2012). In order to deal with these increasing environmental problems, it is argued that the focus of economic practices should be shifted from economic growth towards development more concerned with the well-being of society and nature (Seyfang and Smith, 2007; Ekins, 1993; Frankova et al., 2014). This is where the concept of sustainable development arises. Sustainable development is defined as:
“Development that meets the needs of the present while safeguarding Earth’s life-support system, on which the welfare of current and future generations depends” (Griggs et al., 2013). This dimension of
sustainable development is made explicit by the use of three dimensions: economic, social and environmental (Kates, 2018). When these three dimensions are addressed coherently, sustainable development could be achieved. The attempt of realizing the objectives of sustainable development is pursued by a range of different economic organisations and academics, with the creation of new institutions and parallel infrastructures that are aimed at more sustainable ways of production and consumption (Douthwaite, 1996). A concept of a parallel system pursuing objectives of sustainable development is a complementary currencies system (CCs).These systems are alternative monetary systems that exist parallel to official monetary systems and are often only usable in a delineated geographical area or community (Lietaer, 2001). Complementary currencies exist in many different compositions that often have different goals and purposes (Michel & Hudon, 2015). These differing interests serve the multiple segments of sustainable development (Michel & Hudon, 2015).
According to Seyfan & Longhurst (2013) predominantly the economic and social goals have found track, while CCs explicitly focused on the environmental side are less represented. Also there is less evidence on the possible impact of CCs focused on the environmental segment due to the lack of assessment studies (Michel & Hudon, 2015). Therefore the main aim of this research is focused on how complementary currencies concerned with the environmental aspect of sustainable
development manifest themselves and why they are less represented. This research will be mainly conducted around two different CCs whose main aim is predominantly focused on environmental impact: Wasted a running project in the Amsterdam-Noord and the E-portemonnee, a project formerly active in the Belgian province of Limburg that has been relaunched as LimbU.
So the main question of this research will be:
“In what way can complementary currencies contribute to the environmental component of sustainable development?”
The next chapter will present a theoretical framework based on literature covering sustainable development and alternative currency systems. Thereafter, the methodology will be explained. Next, the main results of the research will be presented. Lastly, the conclusion is presented.
2. Theoretical Framework
In this chapter the main literature and theory related to the research is discussed. First the concept of sustainable development will be explored, followed by general theory about complementary currencies. Thereafter, theory about the two researched currencies: Wasted and
E-portemonnee/LimbU will be presented.
2.1 Sustainable development
The current interpretation of sustainable development is mostly derived from the Brundtland-rapport, a publication by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED, 1987). They define sustainable development as: “Development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Two main
concepts arise within this definition of sustainable development; the concept of needs, especially the needs of the worlds poor which should be prioritised; and the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs (WCED, 1987). This definition was expanded at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development with the introduction of three pillars of sustainable development: economic
development, social development, and environmental protection (Uni ted Nations, 2002). The idea is that when these three dimensions are addressed coherently, sustainable development could be achieved (Kates, 2018). According to Kates, by creating these pillars some concern on the limits of the concept of sustainable development was dealt with, as development was widely viewed solely as economic development, now, the social segment is also made explicit
Image 1. www.calsense.com/three-pillars-of-sustainability
Besides the concept of the pillars, two other figures exist which further explain the concept of sustainable development (Adams, 2006). The first concept is the one of the ‘interlocking circles’, (see image 2) which was adopted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 2005 (Adams, 2006). The concept shows that the three dimensions of
sustainable development are not three totally separate domains and objectives within the domains should be better integrated in order to attune the balance between the dimensions (Bañon Gomis et al., 2011)
Image 2. www.onestopeco.com/what-is-sustanable-development
The second concept is the concept of concentric circles introduced by Levett (1997). He states that there is no economy or society without environment, moreover economy is a societal construct and exist only because human societies comply by the assumptions, expectations and behaviour which it produces. Traditionally, conflicts between the different concepts have been framed as being
between socio-economic versus environmental factors but according to Morrison-Saunders & Therivel (2006) conflicts are often more between economic and socio-environmental factors as issues included in the social dimensions are often more supported by promoting environmental issues than the economic agenda. Therefore, socio-environmental factors should be elaborated on in greater extent than economic factors (Morrison-Saunders & Therivel, 2006)
Image 3. www.conceptdraw.com/examples/sustianable-development-diagram
In this research the model of the interlocking circles of the IUCN is used as the paper will be elaborating on complementary currencies who’s prime aim are predominantly focused on
environmental goals but also the overlapping areas with the social and economic dimension will be explored as complementary currencies themselves are economic models used between members of society, theory about these currencies will be presented in the next section
2.2 Complementary currencies
Complementary currencies are alternative monetary systems that exist parallel to official monetary systems. The starting point of the development of CCs is often linked with the emergence of the Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) (Boonstra et al., 2013).The LETS model is relatively simple: a currency in form of cheques is used to exchange goods and services for the users mutual benefit. This system was originally set up in 1983 on Vancouver Island, Canada. This system spread in the following years across Canada, the United states and also reached Europe as the first LETS system was set up in the UK in 1985 (Bowring,1998). An important factor that explains historical arising of CCs is the occurrence of social and economic crises like the Great Depression in the 1930s and, later on, for instance, the Argentinean economic crisis in the early 2000s (North, 2007). Although
nowadays crises are still an important reason for the development of CCs, more and more CCs arise from a more societal and ideological point of view (Fare & Ahmed, 2017). They exist in multiple compositions that often have wide array of goals and purposes (Michel & Hudon, 2015) and are often only usable in a delineated geographical area or community (Lietaer, 2001).
Not all of these CCs are concerned with practices following the line of sustainable
development (Seyfang & Longhurst, 2013). Some are highly commercial such as supermarket loyalty-points which are earned by buying produce and therefore strengthen consumption. So how are these CCs defined and how can the researched currencies of this research be classified? Multiple authors have tried to create a classification of these currencies (Blanc, 2011; Seyfang & Longhurst, 2013). This paper will be based on the classification of Blanc (2011) , as the classification of Seyfang & Longhurst (2013) exclude what they describe as the more incentive-based loyalty schemes (which are focussed on rewarding recycling and stimulating purchase of sustainable goods and services). Blanc’s classification does not by definition exclude these incentive-based loyalty schemes but makes a distinction on basis of the aim of the currency system, whether it has a commercial or ideological approach. Commercial systems are excluded while more ideological incentive-based loyalty schemes are included in the classification (Blanc, 2011)
Blanc (2011) distinguishes three types of currency schemes: local currency schemes
(territorial), community currencies and complementary currencies (economic). Additionally he states the obvious that national currency, which is money defined and organized by a national or federal sovereign power is excluded from the classification. Furthermore, Blanc (2011) states that currency schemes created by firms to enhance their own profit should also be ruled out of the classification. Blanc argues that both these currencies are precluded from the classification as they do not comply with the ideological appropriation and the democratic aspirations of the general concept of
complementary currencies. The first type of scheme that is included is the local currency scheme. This scheme mainly includes currencies focused on monetary relations in a geopolitically defined space with the desired outcome to achieve local resilience or development. Because these currencies pursue territorial purposes they are mostly implemented to deal with community and economic purposes. This type of currency is defined as local currency. The second type of currency is primarily focussed on community purpose and emphasizes mainly communal wellbeing,
empowerment, autonomy and social exchange. Activities included may be social services, self -help as well as environmental services for the community. So this type of currency is defined as
community currency. The third type centralizes around economic means involving sets of actors and economic activities like production and exchange mostly ruled by market principles. Nevertheless, these activities are not aimed at a profitable purpose and can be employed to develop actions serving the general interest through forms of protectionism, stimulation and restoration towards for
example environmentally oriented practices. This type of currency is defined as complementary currency. Blanc (2011) adds a second level of typology combining the three discussed models with four general historical distinct generations who are defined through particular monetary
organization and specific relationships with the socio-economic world and governmental institutions. These generations overlap and progressively transform since a generation may be regenerated by innovation. In the combined classification of Blanc (2011) a shift from mostly community currencies towards more local and complementary can be observed.
Image 4. Blanc, J. (2011) classifying “CCs”: Community, complementary and local currencies’ types and generations
Only the fourth generation will be discussed as from the description of Blanc (2011) it becomes clear that the two researched currencies are contained within this category. These schemes are mostly complementary and are constituted by different projects mainly oriented towards consumer responsibility and reorientation of economic activities with a great focus on environmental issues. Because of their variability the projects are costly and require partnerships from multiple
governmental agencies and/or non-profit organizations (Blanc 2011). Also an experimental phase seems to be needed before initiating the project on larger scale. Wasted and E-portemonnee/LimbU fit this description as they stimulate sustainable behaviour by offering a complementary currency as reward for certain actions.
Multiple studies have been conducted on the impact of all the different types of alternative currencies. Two studies suggest that evidence of the possible impact of CCs focused on the
environmental segment is still lacking (Seyfang & Longhurst, 2013; Miche l & Hudon, 2015). But both these studies don’t include these fourth generation of incentive -based currencies that this paper will elaborate on. CCs impacts have been reviewed in a number of ways. Place & Bindewald (2015) have developed a method for assessing CCs as effective and efficient tools for reaching sustainable development goals. Their research proposes the use of The Theory of Change methodology (Anderson, 2006) within the context of an impact assessment.
Image 5. Place, C., & Bindewald, L. (2015). Validating and improving the impact of complementary currency systems through impact assessment frameworks
This Theory of Change methodology is used to find the objectives/initiatives and outcomes of a concept, and by breaking up these objectives and outcomes allowing to find precise quantitative and qualitative indicators. By using these indicators, the activities and outcomes of the CCs can be analysed and thereby their effectiveness and ableness contribute to the environmental segment of sustainable development can be explored. This concept will be used in the analytical framework which will be elaborated on in the next chapter on the methodology.
2.3 Wasted
The first currency that will be researched is the Wasted. This currency is part of the Wastedlab, a project in the Amsterdam-Noord that aims on creating: “the behavioural shift towards an increase in
plastic waste separation, awareness of individual waste consumption and ultimately a more circular recycling future” (CITIES Foundation, 2017a). They hope to “generate value to the act of recycling”
and thereby strengthening reinforcing social ties between engaged community members.
The Wasted initiative started as a pilot project from January through August of 2015 in three neighbourhoods in the Northern district of Amsterdam Vanderpekbuurt, Bloemenbuurt and
Overhoeks (Cities Foundation, 2015). The project focussed on three activities: Local reprocessing plastic waste into products, a community activated reward system through recycling plastic waste flows and an educational program for local secondary schools. The pilot was centred around plastic as, according to the report, this material was designed to be more sustainable as it would create less dependence on material with similar use values like wood and ivory but became the symbol of overconsumption and a its impact on the environment became an import environmental issue (Cities Foundation, 2015). So, the pilot revolved around three main aims with one of them focusing on a so called monetary reward system. This scheme was very basic and straightforward, neighbourhood members could sign up and become Wasted members, started separating their waste and together with Wasted keeping track of these actions (CITIES Foundation, 2017a). This waste separation was rewarded with physical coins that could be used for discount or other benefits in local horeca, stores and cultural institutions. In 2016 the project revolved less around the monetary system and more around the reprocessing and educational aspect of Wasted (S. Gronheid, personal communication,
November 22, 2018). When the reprocessing element proved too expensive, Wasted decided to refocus on the rewarding system. In 2017 Wasted continued the project with the expansion of the currency with a number of steps. Firstly, Wasted created a digital platform using QR technology. Users need to scan the QR code when handing in their waste, and send a picture to Wasted. This picture is validated by Wasted and the digital coin is rewarded. Furthermore, Wasted included new recycling streams, now the recycling of glass, paper and textile are also rewarded.
2.4 E-portemonnee/LimbU
E-Portemonnee was a project launched in 2005 by Limburg.net, the general waste management structure in the towns of the Province of Limburg. The basis of de E-portemonnee was that people who dealt with waste in a somewhat sustainable way like, separating or composting were rewarded with points (LimbU, 2017a). Later, Limburg.net expanded the project of the E-Portemonnee to an electronic saving and reward card by which one could earn credits by performing a number of environmentally friendly actions, like switching to green electricity or handing in second hand goods, from the so called green’ list (Joachain & Klopfert, 2012). These credits could be used to obtain products or services from the so called ‘silver’ list, like tickets for public facilities like swimming p ools or public transportation. From 2014, the other municipalities from the province of Limburg joined the program until around the end of the project of the E-portemonee (CCIA, 2015) when formally all forty-four municipalities of the East Belgian province of Limburg were partaking in the project.
The implementation took place on the level of the participating municipalities, both the financing as the operating was controlled by the towns themselves (Joachain & Klopfert, 2012). Furthermore, the municipalities created their own set of list, both the to be conducted actions and the redeemable products and services. More financial means for the project derived came from the Flemish government (Joachain & Klopfert, 2012) and also from the European Regional Development Fund through the project Community Currencies in Action (CCIA), a transnational project in the community currency field, bringing together expert partners and coordination a number of pilot currencies across Europe (CCIA, 2015).
The project of the E-portemonnee has recently been renewed into a new project called the LimbU. In the core the structure remains the same, citizens perform actions and are rewarded with units that can be spend on activities and product. But there are a number of significant changes with the transformation of the E-portemonnee into the LimbU. The first important change is that the scope of LimbU has been broadened: next to the sustainable and ecological focus of the project, the LimbU now also includes a more on communal and social scope and also aims to include local economic activities (LimbU, 2017b). The second important aspect is that LimbU really wants to become an autonomous currency instead of only a point reward system that can be used without the generalsovereign currency and could regionally become a real alternative to the general currency (LimbU, 2017b).
3. Methodology
In this methodological chapter first the sub questions will be presented fol lowed by the research method, the method of analysis and operationalization. The concepts referred to in the
methodological chapter are derived from ‘Social Research Methods’ by Bryman (2012).
The main research question is divided into four sub questions in order to find a comprehensive answer
1. What are the aims, social and organisational modes of the selected CCs? 2. Who are the involved parties and what role do they play?
3. What are the main outcomes resulting from the set objectives/initiatives of the three researched CCs?
4. What are the main issues arising in achieving the preferred outcomes of the different CCs?
3.1 Research method
This research will be conducted by using qualitative research methods. Social phenomena
surrounding the different complementary currencies will be explored, like possible increased ‘green’ behaviour of individuals. In the research, the two different cases will be extensively explored by looking at their different activities, the outcomes and possible obstacles arising when trying to achieve these outcomes. This research will mainly be inductive, as first data will be collected from the different researched CCs, followed by an analysis from this data after which theory can be formed about how the CCs can contribute to the environmental segment of sustainable development. This inductive process will not start with a specific hypothesis about the CCs in relation to sustainable development, but directly create theory from the analysis by expanding the analysis within the research frame to try to reach a point of theoretical saturation. The method used to create theory from the analysis is grounded theory. Bryman (2012: 387) defines grounded theory as ‘theory that was derived from data, systematically gathered and analysed through the research process’. This theory recognizes the importance of allowing theoretical ideas to emerge o ut of one’s data (Bryman, 2012: 387). Furthermore, there is an close relationship between the data collection, analysis, and eventual theory (Strauss and Corbin 1998: 12) as grounded theory is a iterative approach which means that data collection and analysis build on another when trying to achieve theory (Bryman, 2012: 387).
3.2 Multiple case study
The method used to research the different CCs is the multiple case study method, as a small number (in this case three) research units (CCs) are explored by using a number of variables: the different activities, their outcomes, involved actors and possible obstacles. The multiple case study method expresses the logic of comparison which implies that social phenomena can be better understood when compared to meaningfully contrasting cases or situations (Bryman, 2012: 72). Using multiple cases, case specific occurrences might be explained through particular case features while general research outcomes might be explained by commonality in case study features (Bryman, 2012: 75). In this research, a choice has been made for two CCs (Wasted, E-Portemonnee/LimbU) because it is hard to find one representative CCs as there many ways of addressing environmental issues, the monetary construction differs and the involvement of governmental authorities differs. These differences will probably partly result in different outcomes but when corresponding answers can be
found, expectedly some general conclusions can be made about CCs and their possible contribution to the environmental segment of sustainable development
.
3.3 Thematic Analysis
The method used to analyse the case study is thematic analysis. The method is focused on finding themes within the used research material (Bryman, 2012: 578). To assist the analysis, Framework, a ‘matrix based method for ordering and synthesizing data’ is used (Ritchie et al. 2003: 219). With Framework an index is created where an overview of all central themes and subthemes are
presented in relation to the units of research (Bryman, 2012: 578). An overview of the index created in this research can be found in the Appendix, at the end of the paper. In order to create themes and subthemes, the process of coding is used (Bryman, 2012: 568). This is a process whereby data is broken down into different components and thereby labelling and categorizing the components with potential significance. With grounded theory the researcher’s interpretations shape the resulting codes instead of using predetermined standardized codes (Bryman, 2012: 568). In order to reach a number of themes which can be used in the analysis, a number of steps in the process have to be taken. First, the process of open coding will be conducted. This is the process of breaking down, examine, conceptualizing and categorizing the researched data (Bryman, 2012: 569). The second step is the process of axial coding. This is a set of procedures whereby the identified concepts are reorganized and combined into categories. This process is executed by linking the codes within the themes to contexts, to consequences, to patterns of interaction, and to causes (Bryman, 2012: 569). The third and final step is that of selective coding. This is the procedure of selecting the core
categories, relating it to other categories and thereby validating the relationships (Bryman, 2012: 569). The index is neither developed ahead of after the analysis but is rather refined during the excitement of the analysis and therefore it is often altered when new data is added. Therefore the method is befitting the analytical approach of grounded theory as grounded theory, described previously in this chapter ‘theory that was derived from data, systematically gathered and analysed through the research processes
.
3.4 Data gathering
The research will be conducted by using publications from the organizations of the selected CCs themselves as for example Wasted conducts monthly and yearly research. Furthermore documents from governmental organisations can be used as impact assessments have been made for the E-portemonnee. Next, papers from academic writers can be used as there is a small academic body about these two CCs. Also, it is the intention to conduct interviews with expert (formally) related to the project at both the governmental level, from the initiative itself and possibly independent individuals who have relevant knowledge about the different projects. Experts from all the different levels have enhanced knowledge about the project and therefore are relevant sources of
information when conducting a qualitative research. For Wasted an interview has been conducted with Sietse Gronheid, the current project Manager from Wasted. The interview was held at Chateau Amsterdam, a self-proclaimed creative “powerhouse” which contains a number of entrepreneurs, craftsmen and start-ups. For E-portemonnee/LimbU, two interviews have been conducted. The first interview was held with Wim van De Putte, the general coordinator at Uitmunted Limburg and who has been involved with the project over an extensive time. The second intervi ewee is Hugo Wanner, an adviser on CCs currently working for FairFin and Muntuit, two organisations who have been involved with E-portemonnee during the CCIA trial and are now founding members of LimbU. Both
these interviews were conducted by phone. In the result Sietse Gronheid will be referred to as respondent 1 , Wim van De Putte will be addressed as respondent 2 and Hugo Wanner as respondent 3.
3.5 Operationalization of research questions
From the theoretical framework multiple concepts have arisen that are relevant to include in the interview that will be conducted. Firstly, the method of Place & Bindewald (2015) is used as the different objectives and initiatives will be explored separate for each researched currency. By uncovering these objectives and outcomes both quantitative and qualitative indicators can be defined. Furthermore three more contextual concepts are operationalized in the interviews: Stakeholder involvement, funding and the experimental phase. These three concepts are derived from the classification of complementary currencies by Blanc (2011). Blanc describes these three concepts as characteristics of the fourth generation of alternative currency scheme types in which the researched complementary currencies from this paper are enclosed.
4. RESULTS
In this chapter the results from de collected data will be used to answer the subquestions. First the two descriptive questions will be answered followed by the analytical questions.
4.1 Descriptive subquestion 1: Aims, social and organizational mode.
The first descriptive question: What are the aims, and social scope and organizational modes of the selected CCs? The first sub-question focuses on three elements that are presented in three sub sections: the aims of de currencies, the social scope concerning the participating citizens and lastly the organizational mode of operation of the organization. First, both currencies are discussed separately after which important connections and differences are indicated
4.1.1 Aim of the currencies.
4.1.1.1 Wasted
Researching Wasted shows that the project has a great focus on locality. The CITIES Foundation, the organization behind the project of Wasted, focuses on finding local solutions for global problems (Respondent 1) and empowering this local community by developing scalable solutions. With a long term vision in mind, Wasted uses locality to test different strategies in which local communities are empowered. The global problem Wasted focuses on is the abundance of plastic (Respondent 1). The original approach of the project was to use the collected waste to create plastic blocks which could be used to develop public space in the neighbourhood (Respondent 1). This turned out to be too expensive, so Wasted decided to refocus on the monetary structure. When a certain strategy seems to achieve a significant impact, the next step for Wasted is to find ways to scale this solution to a greater area, to achieve a bigger impact and create a revenue model so Wasted can become le ss dependent on external financing (Respondent 1). This has always been the greater mission behind Wasted, to include a greater area. This has taken shape by including the all the district within Amsterdam-Noord, adding extra residual flows like paper, glass and textile and creating a digital system using QR-codes.
In the coming year Wasted will be focusing on testing a new strategy, a strategy of collective rewarding (Respondent 1). This idea of collective rewarding originated from a feedback moment where forty Wasted users re-examined the entire system behind Wasted, from A-Z. The concept of collective rewarding is the idea that people from a certain neighbourhood combine their coins to save for a collective reward, something where the entire neighbourhood can benefit from
(Respondent 1). This corresponds with the initial mission of Wasted to use the collected waste, to create building blocks which could be used to develop personal space in the neighbourhood. This collective rewarding strategy will be mainly focus on organic waste, as this is one waste stream Wasted has not previously included before. Moreover, the municipality has agreed to support this strategy by financing through the subsidy ‘Groen in de Buurt’. They finance the bins in which organic waste is discomposed to compost (Respondent 1). These composters can be used the entire
neighbourhood and are offered as reward for collective campaigns. This forms an instrument to separate organic waste, a waste-stream which is not actively separated through municipal policy
.
A first collective campaign was launched by the municipality Amsterdam-Noord for the Noorderpark district. People from this neighbourhood could save for a so called ‘Worm Hotel’, a container in which organic waste is organically processed to compost.
Image 6. Wasted Personal communication
According to Wasted, this collective way of rewarding might increase the reach and the accessibility of the project (Respondent 1). Firstly because users of Wasted might start campaigning for their own project as more effort of the users is needed to achieve the set reward. Secondly, the model for collective rewarding would appeal to a larger audience as the rewards can be increasingly more beneficial for the ones who participated in the project. For now the rewards for collective rewarding have been limited to composting bins, but in the future Wasted wants to enable more general appealing rewards, for example discount on the electricity bill could be a possible reward (Respondent 1). Furthermore they want to reward so called plastic-free behaviour, as often the argument is made that Wasted would contribute to plastic consumption. As the disposing of plastic is rewarded, the argument can be made that Wasted is not dealing with the abundance of plastic waste as they do not reward the limited plastic users, rather the ones who consume larger amounts of plastic (Respondent 1). Also Wasted wants to shift the scope of rewarders towards online web
shops, so that the Wasted coin can be digitally consumed (Respondent 1). Currently Wasted coins are generally being spent at physical local shops. With this refocus they want to include mainly sustainable brands and products as this is more fitting the sustainable mission of Wasted, which rises above the local level of Wasted in Amsterdam-Noord (Respondent 1.).
4.1.1.2 E-portemonnee/LimbU
The general goal why Limburg.net has chosen for a complementary currency was initially to
stimulate environmental goals concerning waste. Therefore the general scope of the E-portemonnee was presenting a system in which citizens are involved in realising policy goals concerning waste, by participating in easy achievable actions (Respondent 2). The initial aims of actions were concerned with waste reduction, so instead of disposing all waste with general waste, separation and
composting were rewarded. Furthermore, municipalities could add their own rewardable actions like employing energy-saving measures and brining used items to second hand shops and rewards like tickets for the municipality’s swimming pool or train tickets (New Economic Foundation, 2015). The goal with the E-portemonnee and still is with the LimbU to reach as much citizens as possible, with the general aim to include 10% of the population of the province of Limburg which is around 85000 people (Respondent 2).
Two extra aims arose when E-portemonnee joined the Community Currencies in Action (CCIA) program (Respondent 3). The CCIA program is a transnational collaboration project concerned with developing and implementation of community currencies (Community Currencies in Action, n.d.) The first additional aim was to activate the E-portemonnee in all the forty-four municipalities of Limburg and the second aim was to show that the E-portemonnee could be used for more social goals, to benefit the integration of different groups, specifically focused on societies more vulnerable groups for example problems low income groups and immigrants (Respondent 3). These project concerning social goals were partially waste related but also more social actions in service of the neighbourhood were rewarded (Respondent 3).
After the CCIA traject, the E-portemonnee was formed into an independent organisation with multiple founding members, which will be elaborated on next subquestion. With this new organisation, called Uitmuntend Limburg, the E-portemonnee was transformed into a new configuration with a new name, the LimbU. With the LimbU two additional two additional targets goals arose (Respondent 2). First, the currency is not only to be used for environmental purposes but also the social and local-economic domain are included on both the action and reward side. This is because Uitmuntend Limburg believes that the currency could contribute towards goals within these domains and by including these domains a larger audience is targeted and therefore the currency might appeal to bigger group within society (Respondent 2). Specifically low-income groups and other disadvantaged groups are to be actively included (Respondent 3). The second aim is to create a real alternative currency instead of just a rewarding system. Saving schemes like the
E-portemonnee are more easily forgotten by their users in comparison to a real currency scheme (Respondent 2). By creating a real regional alternative currency users might be more aware of its existence and might be more eager to use it.
4.1.2 Social scope
In this section, the social scope of both projects are addressed. The social scope is mainly focussed on the users of both currencies, what does the currency mean to them and who is participating.
In the previous subsection the great importance of locality of Wasted is already discussed. But how does Wasted manifest itself among the citizens of the northern district of Amsterdam. According to respondent 1, most users are still to be found in the three neighbourhoods from which the project started: Van der Pekbuurt, Bloemenbuurt and Overhoeks. An important factor in the rate in which Wasted spreads across the neighbourhood is the social cohesion within the neighbo urhood (Respondent 1). Additionally what can be observed is that that the users of the project are geographical well distributed over the entire district of Amsterdam-Noord
Image 7. Wasted Personal Communication
Different evaluations of Wasted have shown that for a significant number of users Wasted offers a reasonable bonus on their finances (Respondent 1).This social-economic impact was initially not anticipated, it was expected that mostly people who are already concerned with the wellbeing of the environment would be mainly participating. Because of this unexpected exposure, a group of people who beforehand might not be so concerned with environmental practices now are
participating. This social impact can clearly be observed in the documentary serie “Schuldig”, a serie from Human (2016) concerned with the problems low-income households face every day. In the first episode a woman facing poverty struggle can be observed using Wasted coins.
4.1.2.2 E-portemonnee/LimbU
The target-audience of the E-portemonnee has always been all the citizens of the province (Respondent 2). In general citizens can be observed that citizens are willing to participate and are very positive about the project (Respondent 2). Although all citizens targeted, mostly adults are emphasized as they have often more time and means to participate in the rewarding actions. To what extent a certain population group participates is also dependent on the rewardable actions, for example utilizing reusable diapers is an action appealing to families with young children. In general, with the concept of the E-portemonnee mainly societies prospering groups are reached; as low-income groups do not unprompted participate in the rewarding actions (Respondent 2). The goal
with the LimbU is to find ways to actively include these groups by broadening the scope of the instrument with around more social and local economic goals, in that way involving the full spectrum of Limburg’s citizens (Respondent 3).
4.1.3 Organisational scope
In this section the organisational structures behind the currencies are emphasized, who are organizing parties, how do they work and what does this mean for the project?
4.1.3.1 Wasted
Wasted is founded by Francesca Miazzo, who is also the founder of CITIES foundation. Wasted is one of the two projects run by the CITIES foundation. Wasted has no self -earned revenue and is
dependent on external financing (Respondent 1). Because of this, it’s only possible for the team to work part-time on the project. Also because Wasted is relying on external financing, every year a project plan has to be written to apply for this financing (Respondent 2). This financing is obtained through a number of public and private funds. All the steps necessary for the obtainment of funds occupy a significant amount of time, so only nine months of the year are used for the actual project. Another way Wasted obtains funding is by cooperating with external parties to achieve specific goals (Respondent 2). For example, in the past Wasted did a campaign concerning glass together with Nedvang, an institution concerned with waste collection and separation and also Wasted did a project on bulky waste together with the municipality.
4.1.3.2 E-portemonnee/LimbU
At the start of the development of the E-portemonnee there were three intercommunal waste companies active in the province of Limburg, the E-portemonnee originated in one of these companies (Respondent 3). At the end of 2005, these three companies merged into one big intercommunal waste company. The company in which the idea of the E-portemonnee originated retained an important position in the new organizational structure and the system of the E-portemonnee remained active and is further developed. However, also critique arises within the company as some doubt about the role Limburg.net is playing with the development the
E-portemonnee, as the statutory goal of the intercommunal should only be collecting waste and some potential processing not actively stimulating citizens to separate their waste (Respondent 3). After the CCIA program Limburg.net decided E-portemonnee should become an independent
organisation. So the organisation Uitmuntend Limburg was established by Limburg.net and a number of other founding parties who are now committed to the development of the LimbU (Respondent 3).
4.1.4 Subconclusion subquestion 1
Looking at the different aims, Wasted initially focusses on finding local solutions by experimenting with different forms and actively including citizens while at the same time developing itself to become more scalable and thereby appeal to a bigger audience. In this search Wasted remains within the environmental domain, specifically concerning plastic although including the many different waste streams. When looking at the social grasp of Wasted it can observed that low income households, groups who might not be so concerned with environmental practices are actively participating within Wasted as the currency offers a significant extra on their income. Looking at organisation, Wasted is very small scale; there are only a small number of employees who work
part-time on the project. Wasted has no own revenue and is reliant on external financing which needs to be obtained through project plans or collaborations with specific goals. Writing these plans is time -intensive process and the campaigns often mean a step sideward for the core project.
Studying the aims of the E-portemonnee, it was an instrument designed to reduce waste, trough citizens participation in rewardable actions. In its development the instrument allowed local governments to include their own environmental policy goals. From the beginning the aim has been to include a large audience, to be used in the entire province of Limburg. Therefore gradually the aim has shifted from only concerning environment and waste towards including the social and local -economic domain and thereby the creation of a legal independent currency. With E-portemonnee it can be mainly observed that the middle class residents of the municipalities are activated by the project, the more lower income groups are not participating automatically in contrary to Wasted. With LimbU the currency is trying to change this. Looking at the organisation E-portemonnee has been developed by a great organisation; the intercommunal waste company that covers the entire process of Limburg, this organisation has a significant means to employ. However the role of the Limburg.net has been debated within the company, so E-portemonnee was renewed into LimbU. This renewed company is organised by a number of founding parties including for example the province of Limburg. These parties and their roles will be discussed in the nex t subquestion.
4.2 Descriptive sub question 2: Involved Parties
This section will elaborate on the second descriptive sub question: Who are the involved parties and what role do they play? A distinction is made between public and private parties.
4.2.1 Wasted
With Wasted it can be observed that, looking at the public parties, both the general municipality as the local district have supported Wasted in different ways while private parties often have
contributed to Wasted with a specific goal in mind.
4.2.1.1 Public parties
When looking at the public sector, two parties present themselves, the district Amsterdam-Noord and the municipality of Amsterdam. The local district was mainly involved at the start of the project. Because Wasted was only operating within three neighbourhood of the city district, they were the direct public party Wasted was relying on for financing (Respondent 1). Furthermore the district was involved with the collecting of the separated plastic. The subsidy from the district was te rminated at the end of 2016 as citywide separate bins for plastic waste where placed for the collection of plastic waste (Van Zoelen, 2016). According to a representative of the district the main reason why the subsidy was ended was because collecting the waste using the system of Wasted cost € 4,40 per kilo while using the citywide plastic bins only costs 25 cents per kilo (Van Zoelen, 2016). This was before the system of Wasted was digitized. This year Wasted developed the idea of collective rewarding as discussed in the first subquestion. For this new strategy of rewarding Wasted re -approached the district as they felt this new project could be to the benefit social cohesion within the
neighbourhoods, therefore the project that could serve whole neighbourhoods (Respondent 1). Despite the more social approach, the district stated that they were not interested in participating in the project as they are no longer engaging in projects concerning waste.
A second public party actively involved with Wasted is the central municipality of Amsterdam. The municipality has been engaged in multiple ways to the project. Firstly, trough financing, secondly with by knowledge and network and lastly by collaborati ng through joined campaigns. In 2017, after the project of Wasted expanded from the initial three neighbourhoods to the entire district, Wasted started receiving funding through ‘Afval en Grondstoffen’ a department within the municipality focussed on increasing and stimulating waste separation ( Respondent 1). The engagement with Afval en Grondstoffen was orchestrated through the collaboration of Wasted with Startup in Residence, a project from the Chief Technology office of the municipality of Amsterdam, this is a department concerned with innovative practices (Startup in Residence Amsterdam, n.d.). Through Startup in Residence, Wasted has been able to partake in a number of events where potential investors could be found. Unfortunately, the department of Afval en Grondstoffen was terminated by the municipality past year (Respondent 1). An additional collaboration took shape with the focus on bulky waste (Respondent 1). For the municipality the abundance of bulky waste posed a serious problem. So together with Wasted they tried to address this problem by linking bulky waste to the reward system of Wasted. Repairing, reusing or recycling of bulky waste was proportionally rewarded trough Wasted (see Image 8)
Image 8. Wasted Personal Communication
A second campaign run with a municipal department was a project called ‘Buren zonder Stigma’ (neighbours without stigmatisation) (CITIES Foundation, 2017b). This project was aimed to actively include low-income households within Wasted. Low-income households in Amsterdam can make use of the ‘Stadspas’, a card provided by the municipality (Gemeente Amsterdam, n.d.). However, this card is dealing with stigmatization as the use of it shows that one’s living situation is not be proud of (Respondent 1). By participating in the project of Wasted, they receive the same kind of possi bilities as with the Stadspas but with a positive approach.
4.2.1.2 Private Parties
When researching private party involvement, a number of organizations come forward.
An important organisation that has contributed is PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwhC), an international accounting- and tax advising firm (Respondent 1). They have conducted a pro-bono research
concerned with developing the business side of the project. The most important element that has been benefitting Wasted is PwhC ability to model possible future scenarios around core business elements (Respondent 1). This has been very valuable as the group of people behind Wasted is mainly composed of social scientist, like anthropologists and social -geographers. Wasted has also performed a campaign concerning the recycling of glass together with Nedvang, this is an
organisation concerned with monitoring and stimulating the collection and recycling of packaging waste (Amsterdamsdagblad.nl, n.d.). Wasted users received a higher reward when recycling glass packaging. Looking at funding, Wasted has received financial contribution from a number of private funds. Important private financers where Stichting Doen, an internal fund from the clothing
company Patagonia and Nedvang (Respondent 1). As discussed in the first subquestion, to become eligible for these funds an extensive project plan needs to be written. Particularly for these private funds a good project plan is important (Respondent 1). Future possible partners Wasted is trying to
collaborate with are the ASN- and Triodos bank. The aim is to the involve means and network of these banks in testing the project of collective rewarding (respondent 1) .
4.2.2 Parties E-portemonnee
With the development of E-portemonnee gradually more parties become involved. In the first phase of the project, was solely organized by Limburg.net and funded with internal resources. With the CCIA, the E-portemonnee received additional European subsidy, but the project was still mainly managed by Limburg.net. With the establishing of Uitmuntend Limburg and the development of LimbU, a number of additional partners became involved. These partners are discussed in this section, again a distinction is made between public and private parties.
4.2.2.1 Public Parties
At the start of the project, the E-portemonnee was only usable for the households that were located within municipalities that were actively involved in the project. In 2014 the province of Limburg decided to become involved with the E-portemonnee by for example enabling users to use their saved points to receive discount to a number regional occasions like outdoor museums
(Vandenhove, 2014). Thereby, enabling citizens living municipalities who are not actively involved with portemonnee, to still join the project. By actively associating themselves with the
E-portemonnee, the province hoped to set an example and stimulate local municipalities to also become actively involved. With the development of the LimbU, the province has become a full-fledged partner as it has become a founding partner in renewed project (Respondent 3). The province will be committing 50.000 euros per year for three years to the project (Vandenhove, 2017). Next to this financial commitment, the province will also offer expertise. Furthermore the currency will be used as tool to realise certain policy goals thereby empowering and legitimizing LimbU as an instrument of change.
A second public founding party of Uitmuntend Limburg is RIMO. This organisation is concerned with small scale community building projects focused on supporting disadvantaged groups. The
involvement of RIMO within LimbU will therefore also be concerned with the new more social angle of approach that has been included within LimbU (Respondent 3). RIMO will be fulfilling an advising role in prescribing certain actions, rewarding possibilities, contacting local governments and using the LimbU within their projects (RIMO-magazine, 2018). This will hopefully increase the accessibility of these disadvantaged groups towards the renewed currency.
4.2.2.2 Private Parties
Looking at private parties, an important partner is Fairfin. This organisation has contributed in multiple ways in the development of both the E-portemonnee and the LimbU. Fairfin was responsible for involving E-portemonnee within the CCIA project, thereby attaining European subsidy for further development of the currency (Respondent 3). Fairfin is founded by Muntuit, which is an NGO concerned with supporting multiple currencies within Flanders and Brussel (Respondent 3). Muntuit is a member-organization which musters their different members to exchange information and learn from one another using certain research methods and organizing discussions around relevant topics, Uitmuntend Limburg is a member of Muntuit. Furthermore , Muntuit contributes to the development on new complementary currencies like LimbU with expertise and network, for example Cder is a connected organisation highly involved with relevant juridical topics (Respondent 3). Lastly, both Fairfin and Muntuit have been heavily involved with the
founding of Uitmuntend Limburg, the organisation behind the LimbU. Fairfin has invested 40.000 euros at the initiation of Uitmuntend Limburg (Respondent 3). Furthermore, Fairfin as founding member has been concerned with finding additional parties and organisation who were willing to contribute to the development of the renewed currency. A more unexpected founding private party is the regional newspaper, Het Belang van Limburg. This regional newspaper is quite unique within Belgium; it has a considerable impact within the province of Limburg (Respondent 3). This
newspaper is an essential supportive partner, as the paper presents a platform for reach ing households in Limburg and as the knowledge of communication and marketing that can be used to market the LimbU. A partner that is heavily involved in current phase of the LimbU is Belfius, a Belgian bank and insurance group. Belfius has been engaged in the process of transforming the former saving system currency towards a legitimate currency (LimbU, 2018). The innovation lab from Belfius has developed a payment application and platform which enables the users to use their saved points as a real currency. To be able to develop a legit currency as LimbU, one needs to apply with a set of regulations and attain an e-money license. Belfius possesses such a license and by using the e-money license form Belfius LimbU can be successfully developed as real valid currency
4.2.3. Subconclusion Involved Parties
Looking at Wasted, both significant possibilities and obstacles present themselves looking at their partners. The small scale start-up like background from Wasted has enabled them to become involved with Startup in Residence, from the municipality which has enabled them to find potential investors. Another important party that has done pro-bono research for Wasted was
PricwaterhouseCoopers. They have been a very essential in orchestrating the business background of the project. On the other side Wasted has been very reliant on external public and private parties for financing. This financing is time-intensive to obtain as extensive project plans need to be written. This dependence also creates insecurity as aspirations from governmental bodies to support the project seem to vary over time.
Looking at E-portemonnee, additional parties are involved in a very different way. At the start of the project E-portemonnee was solely organised with the means of by Limburg.net. Gradually a number of other parties became involved like Fairfin with the CCIA traject and the Province who became actively involved by including actions and rewards usable in the entire province. With the renewal of the E-portemonnee by the autonomous established group Uitmuntend Limburg, a number of extra parties became involved. Both the province and Fairfin made a significant investment in the project, RIMO became involved in addressing more social goals that can be reached with the currency and the regional newspaper joined as founding member, posing an important platform for communication towards Limburg’s citizens. A last essential external partner has been Belfius, only through the e-money license of this bank has Uitmuntend Limburg been able to develop a legitimate alternative currency instead of ‘just’ a saving scheme.
4.3 Subquestion 3: Outcomes
In this subquestion the different outcomes and results, from the aims discussed in the first subquestion, are elaborated on. First an overview will be presented for each of the researched currencies after which the similarities and differences are discussed.
4.3.1 Wasted
The first aim of Wasted is finding local solutions for global problems and empowering the local community to deal with this problem, in the case of Wasted this problem i s the abundance of plastic waste. Wasted tried to achieve this aim trough three practices: recycling plastic into building blocks for the community, the reward scheme and trough educational practices (Respondent 1).The creation of plastic blocks from the collected plastic waste proved to be too expensive as a lab needed to be developed and maintained (Respondent 1). So this element of Wasted turnt out to be unsuccessful. The aspect that did produce some successful impact was the rewarding system. The rewarding system is successful as it aspires sustainability at multiple levels (Respondent 1). On the one hand the system fosters sustainable behaviour and on the other hand it should stimulate the consumption of sustainable produce. With this model all three i nvolved domains benefit, this is what Wasted calls the triple-win (Respondent 1). First, there are advantages for the user as they receive discount through the collected coins. Second, there are the advantages for the entrepreneurs, as their group of consumers is possibly enlarged and they receive some extra marketing. Thirdly the environment benefits as more waste is recycled and more sustainable produce is consumed.
A first impact regarding to users that can be noted is that broad audience is reached
(Respondent 1). Not only the people that might already concerned with environmental sustainability are attained, a survey held by Wasted showed that around 40% of the respondents did not separate waste and that after joining Wasted around 70% percent of these initial non-separators are now increasingly separate their different waste streams (Respondent 1). Looking at the entrepreneurial side, the advantages are existing but the extent differs per participating entrepreneur. There are a great number of entrepreneurs are participating but only around ten are used extensively with a top three of Brood (bakery), Oedipus Brewing (Brewery and Café) and FC Hyena (Cinema & Cafe) (Respondent 1). So Wasted does offer advantages for the entrepreneur but this is dependen t on the nature of the entrepreneur and of course how and in what way the entrepreneur is participating in Wasted. Overall can be observed that entrepreneurs who offer so called ‘everyday life produce’, are most used by the users of Wasted (Respondent 1).These entrepreneurs part of the Wasted system do not by definition offer sustainable rewards, or are companies who are fully committed to create sustainable produce. So the argument that Wasted does per definition stimulate sustainable holds only to a certain extent. This is something Wasted is aware, the focus of Wasted has shifted towards finding more sustainable online brands. These brands should match with the general message of Wasted, and by focussing on online brands, the difficulties arising when dealing with physical stores should be eliminated.
The exact impact the project has created for the environment is hard to measure. In image 9 it can be observed that trough Wasted large amounts of in particular plastic have been separated using Wasted, followed by a number of other waste streams. Within the scope of this research it is impossible to determine to what extent which amount would not have been separated if it wasn’t for Wasted. What is a fact is that trough Wasted a significant amount of users has started to
positive impact for the environment.
Image 9. Wasted Personal Communication
The second aim discussed in the first subquestion is the aspiration to find ways scale solutions to a greater area, to achieve a bigger impact when a certain strategy proves successful. With Wasted this was the case for the reward system. Wasted has been successful in scaling up their reward system, as discussed before the system has been expanded from the initial three neighbourhoods to the entire city district. Users spread across all the different neighbourhoods, although most active users can still be found in the areas where the project originated. An important factor in the involvement of the project of households in certain neighbourhoods is the social cohesion within a
neighbourhood. Registration goes faster in well-connected neighbourhoods, for example in Tuindorp-Oostzaan, where Wasted has experienced a rapid growth (Respondent 1).
One of the major factors that has enabled the scaling up has been digitalizing the reward system (Respondent 1). The first step in this process was using the QR-technology, although it has enabled Wasted to expand to the entire city-district and include a multiple waste streams, this system is not ideal. The system needs constant maintenance as stickers are often damaged and therefore frequent checking and replacing is needed (Respondent 1). Also regarding to
entrepreneurs, the QR-system is a time-consuming process as it needs be maintained (quality of stickers), updated and introducing new employees, who work for the participating entrepreneurs, to the system also proves difficult (Respondent 1). The way forward would be developing an
application which would eliminate the use of the QR-system. Wasted has chosen to work with this QR-technology initially as it’s a cheap solution to test how a digital approach would function and what the benefits and obstacles are of working with such a system. Although there is significant call for an application, a part of the community did not appreciate the digitalisation, as they don’t have a smartphone or mobile data. Therefore the ideal solution would to create an application that is usable without mobile data, as this would increase the inclusivity of the digital system. A totally
inclusive system is difficult to achieve as the use of the app would still require the use of a smartphone, this is a necessary requirement to scale Wasted in its current form to a greater area (Respondent 1).
The new aim for the coming year will be the model of collective rewarding. For this aim there are no results yet as it has not been put to practice yet. What can be stated is that Wasted is currently experiencing difficulties finishing the financial side of things. As stated in the within the previous subquestions both the municipality and district are no longer subsidizing Wasted directly. The municipality does support the project by financing a number of worm-hotels, these are the rewards that can be obtained through the collective action campaigns. Additionally Wasted is dependent on private funds, this finance will be received partly through direct private investment and thereby Wasted has launched a Kickstarter campaign.
4.3.2 E-portemonnee/LimbU
First the outcomes regarding the E-portemonnee will be discussed, followed with some result regarding the recent development of the LimbU.
The aim with the E-portemonnee was to actively include the citizens of Limburg in achieving policy goals concerning waste reduction and additional sustainable actions, generally focussing to include all municipalities and activate ten percent of the population. With the CCIA trial the additional aim arose to use the currency as possible instrument for achieving more societal goals concerning disadvantaged groups. In general can be noted that the project has proven its potential but only a limited group of users is was reached (Respondent 2). However, a correlation was found between the regions actively using the E-portemonnee and the amount of PMD waste produced (Plastic, metal, drinks cartons), especially looking at the early adopters of the currency (New Economics Foundation, 2015). Although the statistics are is significant, its remains possible that other factors might have contributed to this decrease in waste. Formally, all forty-four districts were involved in the project (contractual) but in practice the E-portemonnee was active only in fifteen of these forty-four. A first factor that proved difficult was activating and convincing the municipalities to join the E-portemonnee. This process turnt out to be time intensive as finding the right person or administrative body to talk to, proved difficult (Respondent 3). Even more because the scope of the project was “limited” to waste and environmental practices (Respondent 2). Many of these local governments where dealing with economic cuts, retiring personal that is not replaced, so these officials often had a limited amount of time and resources. Therefore convincing these local
authorities to use their decreasing means on a project with a “limited” environmental scope turned out to be challenging (Respondent 2). Looking at the participating citizens a few notices can be made, the goal of involving 10% of the citizens was not achieved, an important factor is the above discussed reasoning of engaging local municipalities (Respondent 2) but next to that, the project in itself did not directly speak to all of societies groups. In general the project experienced a lot o f positivity and effort from those involved, the users of the E-portemonnee were more likely to take part in an awareness-raising campaign in comparison to residents from municipalities that were not connected to the E-portemonnee (New Economics Foundation, 2015). But the environmental scope of gainable rewards proved to be too limited for some (Respondent 3). Initial rewards were things like composters, garbage bags and fluorescent lamps, this are interesting rewards for ones
committed to live and act more sustainable, but for the aim of the E-portemonnee this group committed believers turned out to be too small. Furthermore, generating impact for the more social aim within the CCIA project also proved difficult. Two projects were pursuit to use the
E-portemonnee for the benefit of disadvantaged groups. Only one of these succeeded with the realisation of a public community garden (Respondent 3). With the collected points people could rent a space and conduct private gardening. So this project succeeded but only on a very small scale.
With the redevelopment of E-portemonnee to the LimbU, two additional goals have arisen. First the LimbU wants to broaden its focus from only waste and environmental related goals towards more local economy a societal practices, hereby trying to appeal for a bigger audience and using the currency to create benefit for more disadvantaged groups. This aim resulted from the evaluation of E-portemonnee after the CCIA trail. The currency has recently gone live and for now Uitmuntend Limburg has been able to convince 9 municipalities to join LimbU ( Respondent 2). Because of the innovative nature of the project, local governments are somewhat hesitant to join. Now it’s the mission of LimbU to show its potential within these nine municipalities thereby convincing the other municipalities to join (Respondent 2).
The second aim that emerged with LimbU was the ambition to develop a legitimate local currency instead of a point-saving system. The process of development wasn't without difficulty as the oppositional political parties within the province of Limburg were impeding as they felt that the idea of LimbU wasn't yet clear for the citizen. Furthermore the National bank of Belgium put a hold to the implementation as some juridical issues were still unclear (Thuwis, 2018)
By cooperating with Belfius bank, their experience and with their e -money license these issues could be resolved.
4.3.3 Subconclusion
With the currency system a broad audience within Amsterdam-Noord is reached. An important factor in the rate in which Wasted spreads is the level of social cohesion within this neighbourhood, involvement with Wasted tends to increase quicker in socially well connected districts. Through Wasted a significant amount of users has started separating their waste, although on small scale. Wasted has made a positive impact concerning the environment. The system of Wasted has been able to expand, using the QR-technology. Although this system has proven its potential, it’s not ideal; the system needs constant maintenance and therefore is very time intensive. Looking at the rewards it can be noticed that these are not per se companies who are fully committed to create sustainable produce. So the aim that Wasted does per definition stimulate sustainable consumption only holds to a certain extent. Studying current developments, for next year Wasted will only be relying on private funding as both the municipality and the district are no longer directly subsidizing the project.
Elaborating on the E-portemonnee, in the regions who are early adopters of the currency a significant decreased amount of PMD waste was produced. Although the results tend to favour the potency of the currency, it is not possible to exclude any other factors that may have influenced this decrease. Looking at the partaking municipalities, formally all forty-four districts of Limburg were connected to the project. But in practice only around fifteen municipalities were actively partaking in the currency. Activating municipalities proved difficult and time intensive as the local governmental means are reducing, therefore the scope of the project proved too limited. Also regarding rewards the environmental scope was not sufficient to satisfy the set goal of users. The “limited” general sustainable rewards proved to only be interesting for a group of committed believers.
Looking at recent developments concerning LimbU, the currency has successfully been renewed and has now 9 participating municipalities, where the new currency including more social and economic
