Sustainable consumption and social innovation: the case of Banco Palmas social currency

Abstract

This article aims to analyze elements of social innovation that can contribute to the promotion of sustainable consumption. To this end, a case study of the social currency operated by Banco Palmas was carried out. Thus, we used the framework proposed by Araújo (2020). Banco Palmas is considered a typical social innovation case that favors the satisfaction of social needs in several areas, including consumption. The understanding of social innovation from the perspective of sustainable consumption highlights the importance of analyzing the new organizational formats characterized by innovative, inclusive, and sustainable structures. The social currency plays a crucial role in this process because it reorganizes the local economy and promotes social transformation. It also assists in the access of consumption, encouraging the valorization of local resources and potentials, thus developing a local network of producers and consumers. It represents is a social and cultural change in the community through participatory and emancipation processes.

Keywords

• consumo sustentável
• inovação social
• moeda social
• banco palmas