Stories by Stacy Mitchell
Stacy Mitchell is a senior researcher with the New Rules Project, a program of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. She is the author of "The Hometown Advantage: How to Defend Your Main Street Against Chain Stores and Why It Matters."
Hoping to capitalize on growing public enthusiasm for all things local, some of the world's biggest corporations are brashly laying claim to the word "local."
Posted on Sep 8, 2009, Source: New Rules Project
So far, the public debate about cars and climate change has been dominated by fuel economy -- but what if we didn't have to drive to the store at all?
Posted on Aug 24, 2009, Source: New Rules Project
Wal-Mart's commitments to become more energy efficient are not without substance, but what can't be ignored is that big-box retailing is intrinsically unsustainable.
Posted on Apr 2, 2007, Source: Grist.org
A growing number of communities are fighting back against the rising power of large retail stores like Wal-Mart. But real change won't come until we stop thinking of ourselves as consumers and start thinking of ourselves as engaged citizens.
Posted on Dec 7, 2006, Source: AlterNet
Known for squeezing every last dime out of employees and suppliers, Wal-Mart has even managed to get a rock-bottom deal on corporate green-washing.
Posted on Apr 21, 2005, Source: AlterNet
People looking for an alternative to Wal-Mart may need look no further than their own community, to the growing number of successful community-owned retail enterprises operating around the country.
Posted on Mar 17, 2004, Source: AlterNet
Wal-Mart and its ilk are muscling small businesses aside. But mom and pop are mad as hell and they're not going to take it anymore.
Posted on Sep 8, 2003, Source: AlterNet
Far from becoming obsolete, public libraries still operate at the heart of their communities. They're fighting, on behalf of their patrons, to prevent private companies from passing legislation that restricts the right to read free of charge.
Posted on Feb 20, 2001, Source: New Rules Project
Higher graduation rates, less violence, a sense of belonging instead of alienation: the case for small schools is overwhelming. Then why do so many state and local governments insist in creating more and more giant schools?
Posted on Jul 21, 2000, Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance
