It’s nice when mainstream media sources finally mention great ideas that have been around for a long time. Local (or alternative) currencies, whether they’re called LETS Systems, HOURS, or Time-Dollars, are an absolutely wonderful method of maintaining indigenous capital and keeping local economies vibrant. Here is a great searchable database you can use to find resources like this in your area, and here is an article that puts the idea of alternative currencies into the broader context of American banking in general.