LETS explained

A Local Energy Trading System (LETS) will be explained at a meeting on Saturday, May 6, at the Woy Woy Environment Centre.

LETS is a non-profit system that allows members to trade services and goods with other local people, without using money, according to organiser Ms Zainem Ibrahim.

Participants provide services for other members in return for credits to their account.

Then participants use these credits to "buy" services from other members.

Participants can trade almost anything such as cooking, repairs, word-processing, home-grown vegetables, massage or music lessons, said Ms Ibrahim.

There are also regular trading sessions and picnics to bring members together to meet one another and organise trades.

LETS is "green" economics in practice, she said.

"It unlocks community resources, putting the emphasis on people instead of profit and promoting local trading and networking.

"Unlike the money economy, there is no scope for financial speculation or exploitation.

"It is also a good way to meet like-minded people and make new friends."

There are LETS organisations worldwide and around Australia.

LETS on the Central Coast is part of the Hunter LETS group that also covers the Newcastle region.

Hunter LETS is currently looking to boost membership on the Central Coast.

To find out more or to join, visit the organisation's website at www.centralcoastlets.org or telephone 4342 6589.

Press release, April 10 Zainem Ibrahim, Woy Woy Environment Centre