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Inside the German town where people print their own money

08:23

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Jonas Mayer in Traunstein, Germany
April 3, 2026

It may look like play money — but you can actually use it to buy things, at least within a special region in Bavaria, Germany. The "Chiemgauer" is supposed to strengthen the local economy and cut CO2 emissions at the same time. Does it work?

In Traunstein, Bavaria, residents earn a regional currency — the Chiemgauer — for climate‑friendly actions like carsharing or installing solar panels. The money can only be spent locally, supporting small businesses and encouraging shorter supply chains to reduce CO2 emissions.

With millions of Chiemgauers in circulation and verified CO2 savings, this community experiment shows how alternative currencies can boost local economies and cut emissions.

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