In 1983, Judy Wicks founded the White Dog Cafe on the first floor of her house on a row of Victorian brownstones in West Philadelphia. After helping to save her block from demolition, Judy grew what she began as a tiny muffin shop into a 200-seat restaurant featuring fresh local food and a national reputation for community engagement, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices. Judy has since become a leader and speaker in the local living economies movement. You can hear from Judy directly at the Hello Etsy conference in Berlin!
My ideas around building local living economies evolved during my thirty-year career in the restaurant business, when I developed an appreciation for fresh local food and committed my restaurant to buying sustainably and humanely produced foods from local family farms. I also wanted to be sure that the products we purchased that were not available locally were produced in a way that was respectful of workers and the environment, so we committed to purchasing fair trade organic chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, and tea, as well as fair trade crafts for our retail store. At the same time, I developed other sustainable business practices such as composting, recycling, solar hot water, and purchasing 100% renewable electricity.
A critical turning point came when I realized that having these good practices within my own business was not enough. One business or household cannot be sustainable alone. Rather, we must work cooperatively with others, including our competitors, to build a sustainable system – a local living economy for our whole region – by that I mean one that supports both healthy natural life and vibrant community life. This led me to sharing my supply sources with my competitors, loaning money to suppliers to build distribution, and putting 20% of my business profits toward founding two non-profit organizations to support other local businesses and farms in building our local living economy, which serves my own long term interests.
Alarmed by the growing concentration of wealth and political power in large corporations, I co-founded a nationwide non-profit, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) in 2001. Our purpose is to work with others in building an alternative to corporate globalization — a decentralized global network of local living economies comprised of independent, locally owned businesses committed to building healthy communities aligned with natural systems. BALLE connects the dots between the movements for sustainable agriculture, green building, renewable energy, community capital, new urbanism, alternative transportation, sustainable fashion, independent retail, local arts and culture, independent media, and fair trade into a holistic vision for sustainable local communities.
Rather than depending on large corporations to ship basic needs long distances, a precarious position during this time of climate change and peak oil, living economies produce basic needs — food, clothing, shelter and energy — locally and sustainably. This builds community self-reliance, reduces the cost and carbon of long distance transport, provides new opportunities for local ownership and job creation, and keeps capital from draining out of the community. What is not available locally is sourced from community-based businesses in other regions and countries in fair trade exchange. Global interdependence is based on trust, mutual respect, and reciprocity, rather than exploitive resource extraction and sweatshops.
Through corporate globalization, our unsustainable Western culture, which takes more natural resources and gives off more pollution than the earth can restore, is being spread globally. Corporate monoculture has no sense of place and the same chain stores and consumer goods are seen around the world. Locally owned independent retailers give each town and city unique local character. In a global system of local living economies, cultural diversity flourishes, local languages are preserved and what is indigenous to a region is valued for its individuality. Unique locally made products — wine, cheese, fashions, art, music, crafts and new innovations — are valued in the global marketplace and can be traded in an intricate global web of small-to-small, win-win relationships, which celebrate what it is to be human.
Businesses in local living economies remain human-scale, fostering direct, authentic and meaningful relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, neighbors and local habitat, adding to the quality of life in their communities. Rather than measuring success by the paradigm of continuous material growth — something impossible on a finite planet — in local living economies, success can be measured in non-material ways: deepening relationships and knowledge, expanding consciousness and creativity, and increasing happiness and well being.
Decentralized ownership spreads wealth more broadly. More owners mean greater democracy and freedom by bringing economic and political power from distant boardrooms to local communities. Unlike publicly held corporations, independent businesses are free to make decisions in the interests of all the stakeholders, rather than only stockholders. Business owners who live and work in the same community are likely to understand that it is in their self-interest to run their companies in a way that benefit their own neighborhood and natural environment.
We need capital to build local businesses, yet when we invest in the stock market, we take money right out of our communities. When I realized this ten years ago, I sold all stocks and put my savings into a local reinvestment fund. When I discovered that this fund capitalized the wind turbines that produce wind energy for my region, I realized that I was receiving a “living return” – not only a financial return, but also the benefit of living in a stronger and more sustainable community. By disinvesting in the stock market and putting our money in a local bank, credit union, or community reinvestment fund, we can bring your money home and build direct relationships between investors and borrowers, supporting businesses we know and trust.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, this alternative economic model is building a global peace economy. Large corporations have historically used militaries to protect their ability to exploit natural resources, cheap labor and new markets in other countries, which often leads to war. When every community has local food, water and energy security there is no reason to fight for survival. Through local self-reliance, equitable and sustainable use of natural resources, decentralized power, and celebration of cultural differences, local living economies are building the foundation for lasting world peace.
To summarize:
The Local Living Economies Movement is about:
Maximizing relationships, not maximizing profits,
Growth of consciousness, not materialism,
Democracy and decentralized ownership, not concentrated wealth,
A living return, not the highest return,
A fair price, not the lowest price,
A living wage, not the minimum wage,
Sharing, not hoarding,
Simplicity, not gluttony,
Life serving, not self-serving,
Partnership, not domination,
Cooperation based, not competition based,
Win-win exchange, not win-loose exploitation,
Family farms, not factory farms,
Bio-diversity, not monocrops,
Cultural diversity, not monoculture,
Creativity, not conformity,
Slow food, not fast food,
Our bucks, not Starbucks,
Our mart, not Wal-Mart,
Valuing life, over life-style,
And as the Earth Charter says,
“Being more, not having more.”
2 Featured Comments
Sign in to add your ownKettleConfections says: Featured
There are so many compelling points made here and perfectly well said! A free country and economy cannot flourish if we put power and wealth within a handful of corporations by investing in the stock market. Large entities come to power with the consent of the people, and it is through the stock market, that we give corporations more power, capital, wealth, and control of the country.
265 days ago
LyonHarts says: Featured
I live in a town where the idea of localism is hugely important. Western NC is highly concentrated with crafts people and folks who are self employed, so it makes sense for us to keep our economy as local as possible. An issue we experience here is that while our small business owners source local food, buy from local artists, and are members of our community, lots of the businesses have labor practices that are worse than the big corporations. In a time when this sort of green capitalism is becoming popular, and offering an excellent alternative to global corporations, I would love to see these same business owners make giving their employees a living wage, benefits and job security as big a priority as solar heated water.
258 days ago
73 comments
Sign in to add your ownoverthemeadow says:
Incredible post. Judy Wicks is an amazing person ! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
265 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Wow, great ideas! Things in our world are rapidly changing and we need to adapt. Thanks for starting the discussion Judy :)
265 days ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
What an inspiring story! I completely agree, with the economy the way it is, small business owners need to work together and help each other out. My husband and I were just talking the other night about how communities need to come together and it will help us out of this economic depression. Thank you for posting!!
265 days ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
I have heard about Judy Wicks so I am thrilled to be reading her own words here on Etsy. Judy is a true inspiration. Giving back to the community as she has (and that is an understatement) should serve as a reminder for all of us that we have a responsibility on a bigger scale to the world around us just as much as we have a responsibility on a smaller scale to our direct customers. Bravo, Judy.
265 days ago
littlebugjewelry says:
What a great story! My husband went to school in Philly and still talks about the White Dog Cafe.
265 days ago
tarikyousef says:
I love it , this makes so much sense. Back when I was an engineer for a large global corporation, not only was I unfullfilled, but I noticed that the corporation would grow, move and adapt in a very awkward and unnatural way. Profits from US sales would be used to fuel growth in other countries, materials would be shipped all over the world and no one ever knew if our operations would get reduced or expanded in the coming months and years. During the recession of 2008 they doubled our work force and facility size, while at the same time cutting production and reducing manufcturing time to 4 days/ week. Talk about crazy and un-natural economies.
265 days ago
melaniepaulson says:
What an amazing and inspirational woman! Thinking about not just stockholders, but stakeholders raises our awareness of all those affected in both the short and long term effects by our actions. Thank you for sharing this!
265 days ago
blessedvintage says:
very cool lady!
265 days ago
SimpleSmiles says:
AMAZING article! couldn't have sum it up better. there is a local community centre (www.evergreen.ca) in my area (Toronto) that revolves around these principles and is a wonderful place to learn or visit or even participate in their events for all sorts of ages. I hope to see more articles like this.
265 days ago
RossLab says:
The summary list is definitely worth printing and hanging on my wall just to remember how we can be different and really change things! Thanks for sharing this inspiring story.
265 days ago
NecessiTees says:
I'm printing out your summary to post in my workspace, Judy! Wonderful!!!
265 days ago
sparrowgrey says:
Great post with great ideas. Love the summary.
265 days ago
MootiDesigns says:
Amazing. great post.
265 days ago
VintageEye says:
This is the direction we all need to move towards if there is to be any hope of a sustainable future. Wonderful post! Thank you!
265 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Interesting and informative post, thanks.
265 days ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
I'm seeing this happening more and more...we're shifting into a more positive age, and it makes me oh so happy!! Back to the basics...yippee!!
265 days ago
rarebeasts says:
Great story, we need more of this.
265 days ago
LivingVintage says:
I love the White Dog Cafe in Philly. Love the Jan. 1 pajama brunch.
265 days ago
KabiDesigns says:
Very informative, ^---^ Thanks
265 days ago
jamiespinello says:
I will be printing the "Local Living Economies Movement" list and framing it and displaying it at my booth at all of the local fairs that I work, where I am surrounded by importers. Love this article!!!
265 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I really miss the unique high street our city used to have, here's to independent traders, artisan bakers and local deli's!
265 days ago
TheScarfTree says:
Brilliant story! Thanks for sharing!
265 days ago
jungledread says:
Love the summary. ESP this nugget to sum up the rest "Valuing life, over life-style" love it
265 days ago
OneClayBead says:
These are the aspirations that i am passionate about, too. Great post!
265 days ago
gaiaconceptions says:
Beautifully said Judy!!! Thanks so much for this lovely post ♥ Those of you thirsty for more should check out a great little book called SMALL IS POSSIBLE life in a local economy, by Lyle Estill. This is about a small town in Pittsboro in North Carolina
265 days ago
aestivationdesigns says:
I love the phrase "a living return" I will print this article and put it on my inspiration board to look at everyday! :)
265 days ago
Furiousdreams says:
I've eaten at White Dog café! And know of Judy's great work - the Philly area, including Greensgrow and Weavers Way urban farms in the city and Chester County, PA are some of the best examples of grow your own, local sustainability. I worked with the farming community there, recruiting dedicated young organic farm interns and watching the local farmers markets grow their base. Support local food and business wherever you are!
265 days ago
stepbackink says:
What a wonderful article, I would like to follow this model in my new venture of helping in revitalizing a down economy in a country out side of the USA. How can I get hold of Judy Wicks
265 days ago
rachelledyer says:
This is so perfect! We need to make the shift from valuing success in dollars to personal well being and our positive impact on our own personal communities. When we can start the conversation with WE instead of I we will be on the right track!
265 days ago
seacucumbermama says:
Yes!
265 days ago
Virtualdistortion says:
Great article.
265 days ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
Fantastic Article!!!! Lots to think about!!!
265 days ago
SassySisterVintage says:
Love this post and everything it stands for!
265 days ago
strawberryluna says:
As a native Philadelphian I am SO thrilled to see your piece here! Seriously, these issues are so much more important and meaningful with every passing day. Thanks so much for the voice.
265 days ago
Iammie says:
Great post.
265 days ago
lilinspirations says:
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
265 days ago
riverstar says:
bring on the muffins and coffee! Local is great.... and creativity is healthy.
265 days ago
cristinapires says:
so inspiring! i read about judy in david suzuki's books : ) ...so excited about Berlin!!!
265 days ago
KettleConfections says: Featured
There are so many compelling points made here and perfectly well said! A free country and economy cannot flourish if we put power and wealth within a handful of corporations by investing in the stock market. Large entities come to power with the consent of the people, and it is through the stock market, that we give corporations more power, capital, wealth, and control of the country.
265 days ago
TheNikiProject says:
I hope I live long enough to see this happen all over the world.
265 days ago
birchbaykay says:
Very compelling and articulate article! Glad I found it on Etsy. Will look for more!
265 days ago
strangeinstereo says:
I absolutely love the white dog cafe, some of the best food I have ever had (fresh, local, and seasonal!) and a fantastic beer selection. If any of you ever make it to Philly you must check them out and the lovely little gift shop next door called the Black Cat. And a little historical lesson: the White Dog is housed in the mystic Madame Blavatsky's old brownstone. Cheers Judy Wicks!
265 days ago
MizzleKids says:
thank you; great post!
265 days ago
FiveSproutsStitching says:
I agree- great article. Building and sustaining our local economies is vitally important to our health and wealth. It will be a good day when more people understand this. Congrats on all your success!
264 days ago
LazyTcrochet says:
Thank you - I enjoyed this post!
264 days ago
mylenefoster says:
This is a great article, full of information that is pertinent today and useful. Unfortunately, there's always someone who have agendas that are more of a priority mostly unto themselves in any system. That you cannot take away as proven by history. We only see the negative and positive results and consequences down the road and we are not any wiser.
264 days ago
Feille says:
I will be printing out that list. Words, and actions, to live by.
264 days ago
accentonvintage says:
Great article and words to live by!
264 days ago
MishaGirl says:
Very inspiring! I hope more people will follow this example.
264 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
I need to print this out!
264 days ago
lulusnest says:
What a great story! I coouldn't agree more with the hard times our economy has recently seen. Thank you for sharing this story with all of us!
264 days ago
ArtistBeingHuman says:
Excellent! She's got it covered. This is it! This is the future! The alternative is unacceptable.
264 days ago
tiemee says:
I love this--thank you!!
264 days ago
esther2u2 says:
Wow! I am stunned..speechless...I love this woman...where has she been....it is all so easy and so good ....and this is GOOD
264 days ago
kerimuller says:
This is a very interesting article and it so wonderful to be seeing this shift in consciousness in the USA. Come on all you brilliant individuals MAKE THIS STUFF that Judy talks about happen everywhere. Stop going to Walmart, Starbucks and driving your massive SUV's. It is wonderful to see this being published on ETSY. Buy local + live local + work local = a much happier world And you have a truly rad president's wife - I heard a talk she did in South Africa and it was absolutely exceptional in how she reached and inspired some of the most marginialised and at risk individuals. I think it reminded everyone of the power of one and what that can turn into. We all have it in us - it just needs to be let loose. Just start by recycling and walking to places. Thank you Judy and ETSY
264 days ago
LarissaSpafford says:
Wow. Awesome.
261 days ago
girliepains says:
Wow. Just wow.
260 days ago
MaidenJane says:
This is what I long for....
258 days ago
CelebrateDiversity says:
Incredible. Powerful. Thought provoking. Dynamo!!
258 days ago
FavreBijoux says:
Have had several great meals here! Thanks for featuring the White Dog story!
258 days ago
lynnfaust says:
Dang!! powerful had to share!!!
258 days ago
MonkeysOnTheRoof says:
One of the best articles I have read on Etsy!! What a great start to my day!! Thanks!
258 days ago
artoftam says:
what an admirable woman and cause! ♥
258 days ago
TheJuicyFig says:
Fascinating reading, I agree with every word. With our UK government promoting the 'community' this is the ideal way to go, I get the feeling they don't practice what they preach though.
258 days ago
LyonHarts says: Featured
I live in a town where the idea of localism is hugely important. Western NC is highly concentrated with crafts people and folks who are self employed, so it makes sense for us to keep our economy as local as possible. An issue we experience here is that while our small business owners source local food, buy from local artists, and are members of our community, lots of the businesses have labor practices that are worse than the big corporations. In a time when this sort of green capitalism is becoming popular, and offering an excellent alternative to global corporations, I would love to see these same business owners make giving their employees a living wage, benefits and job security as big a priority as solar heated water.
258 days ago
indigoflea says:
Something to really think about; something to consider how to incorporate into my own community.
258 days ago
TheBargainBabe says:
love! Living wage! Our mart, not walmart! :)
258 days ago
GlassElements says:
Perfect!
258 days ago
quirkyessentials says:
This is so inspiring!
258 days ago
Arang says:
Fascinating!
258 days ago
VillaCollezione says:
wonderful & powerful post! i i haven't shop & refuse to shop at walmart, sam's club & gave up costco a long time ago! the joys of small-scale living!
258 days ago
creations138 says:
Excellent Article!....YES to Substainability ....for the future of all Generations...
251 days ago
truthbeautyandlove27 says:
Fantastic post, I saved it so I can read and re-read it. That is how I would like to run my business
164 days ago