Dr. Gono, governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said in 2008:
"We have been humbled and have taken heart in the realization
that some leading Central Banks, including those in the USA and the
UK, are now not just talking of, but also actually implementing
flexible and pragmatic central bank support programmes where these
are deemed necessary in their National interests. That is precisely
the path that we began over 4 years ago..."
And what happened to Zimbabwe we all know. That is not to say we
can expect dramatic hyperinflation but more likely a steady decline
in standards of living. To look at what the future holds for us we
only have to look at Greece. It will be useful to study then, what
solutions impoverished Greeks have developed to deal with
necessities of everyday live such as food, shelter and so on.
Alternative local currencies have sprung up all over Greece. So
called 'social currencies' are basically a system of
computerized barter where a server and a virtual currency is used
to assist exchange and keep track of transactions and balances.
While it is unsuitable as a means of exchange for more complicated
products or services, it does provide many impoverished Greeks with
a means of obtaining groceries and making a living.
Many websites have been created that attempt to reduce the number
of links between consumers and producers. Although it might take a
little more time to buy directly from a farmer instead of the
supermarket, it certainly makes a difference on a tight
budget.
Another way to save costs is to cook together in so-called
'unemployed kitchens'. Which is also much more fun when you
can't afford cable TV anyway.
Interesting of note in this context is the Bitcoin system on which
we wrote earlier. While not yet widely in use in Greece, it is
gaining popularity worldwide at a steady pace. So much so that the
European Central Bank considers it enough of a threat to undertake
a study (PDF).
Overall the crisis has many positive aspects too: it brings
families, friend and neighbours together, many people discover they
can live happy lives with much less and it stimulates creativity
and self-reliance.
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