In part 1 of this article, we introduced the definition of grassroots innovation (GI) and how it connects to sustainability.
GI takes many different forms. Nicolosi et al. (2018) classified GI into seven categories, each encompassing several different forms of GI. In this article, we’ll introduce two examples of GI that have been explored by academic research.
Time Bank
Time banks are community-based reciprocal support networks. Members of a time bank can earn hourly time credits by helping neighbors or participating in community activities. The credits will then be “deposited” into the time bank, which allows the “withdrawal” of credits when the credit receivers themselves need help. The time bank acts as a broker, recording and matching needs and skills (Seyfang, 2006).
Time banks value each person’s time equally. By providing one hour of service, a time bank member receives one time-credit, regardless of the type of service given. By bringing people and local organizations together to help each other, rewarding activities that are not valued by the formal labor market, and empowering the marginalized by making them feel valued (Seyfang, 2006), time banks are conducive to building social capital and strengthening social cohesion.
According to Cahn (2015), about 500 timebanks have been established in the US, with a total enrollment of over 37,000 members.
Repair Cafés and Hackerspaces
Repair Cafés and Hackerspaces are two examples of community-based workspaces where people come together to make, modify, and repair products.
Repair Cafés provide physical spaces where people can bring their items in need of repair and work on fixing them with the help of volunteer repair coaches. According to Charter & Keiller (2014), items brought to Repair Cafés for repair are varied, including kitchen appliances, bicycles, clothing, computers and printers, furniture, electric power drills, lighting, smartphones, toys, and lawnmowers.
Based on product repairability and longevity, Repair Cafés help reduce solid waste and avoid overconsumption, thus contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Hackerspaces are physical places within a community where people with common interests, such as science, technology, and digital art, can come together to exchange knowledge, learn from each other, and collaborate on projects. Charter & Keiller (2014) suggests that hackerspaces engage in various activities, such as coding and software development, making or modifying electronic/electrical devices, upcycling waste, and working on renewable energy projects. The growth of hackspaces has been fueled and supported by new technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, and biotechnologies. Hackerspaces themselves have been playing an important role in facilitating the underserved community to explore these fields of technology (Kostakis et al., 2015).
Members of a hackerspace share common ownership of the infrastructure as well as the final products/results of the projects.
Hackerspaces Contribute Positively to Social Sustainability
From learning new technologies to working on DIY projects, hackerspaces offer a unique opportunity to build community while contributing to a more sustainable future. They embrace the concept of inclusion by being open to new members and guests, using common interests as the primary or only criteria for enrollment. Their emphasis on knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration in productive activities promotes community vitality, nurtures creativity, and helps members develop a sense of community.
References:
Nicolosi, E., Medina, R., & Feola, G. (2018). Grassroots innovations for sustainability in the United States: A spatial analysis. Applied Geography 91:55–69.
Cahn, E. S., & Gray, C. (2015). The Time Bank Solution. Stanford Social Innovation Review 13(3): 41–45.
Charter, M., & Keiller, S. (2014). Grassroots innovation and the circular economy: A global survey of repair cafés and hackerspaces. The Centre for Sustainable Design 1–18. Available at: https://cfsd.org.uk/site-pdfs/circular-economy-and-grassroots-innovation/Survey-of-Repair-Cafes-and-Hackerspaces.pdf Retrieved 04/16/2022.
Kostakis, V., Niaros, V., & Giotitsas, C. (2015). Production and governance in hackerspaces: A manifestation of Commons-based peer production in the physical realm? International Journal of Cultural Studies 18(5): 555–573.
Seyfang, G. (2006). Harnessing the potential of the social economy? Time Banks and UK public policy. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 26(9/10): 430–43.
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