complementary currency

A complementary currency is a type of money used alongside a country's official currency to encourage local trade, support specific communities, or promote social and environmental goals. It is issued and accepted within a particular network or region, often designed to complement the main currency rather than replace it. For example, local communities might use a complementary currency to boost local businesses, reward positive behaviors, or foster economic resilience. These currencies can take various forms, such as community scrip, time banks, or digital tokens, and are managed to serve specific economic or social objectives beyond national monetary systems.