France/Seine Saint-Denis: Eco, the new local currency that aims to "reconcile economy and ecology".

A new dematerialized local currency was launched this Saturday in three towns in Seine Saint-Denis. "L'Éco" is currently accepted in 140 businesses and associations committed to the ecological transition.

Changing habits through money: that's the aim of "l'Éco", the new local currency in Seine Saint-Denis. Launched on Saturday June 29 in Saint-Ouen, this new dematerialized currency is also being extended to Saint-Denis and Île Saint-Denis.

Supported by a group of associations, this currency promotes short circuits and environmentally-friendly products. " When you convert a euro into eco, you have the guarantee that that euro will circulate locally," explains Vincent Loubière, one of the co-founders.

140 registered businesses

At the time of launch, 140 businesses and associations had agreed to receive payments in Eco, and to reach as many people as possible, the 15 or so volunteers on the Eco committee are working hard to expand the network. "The aim is to have everyday businesses: grocers, a pharmacy, an insurer..."Vincent Loubière explains.

The aim of this new currency is to encourage residents to change their consumption habits. "As Théo Sentis, general coordinator of l'Éco, points out, "When people can spend money anywhere, it often ends up in supermarkets or online shops.

And for the gamble to work throughout the chain, retailers must also be able to pay their suppliers in Eco. This is the main challenge on the road to the new currency.

Source: www.francebleu.fr/