Would You Spend JP-Bucks?

This holiday season you could buy your gifts locally with cash, or with Jamaica Plain-only currency.

Boston Bean, in partnership with The JP New Economy Transition, will inject $1,000 worth of $5 “Boston Bean” notes into the local economy. The notes will be distributed for free to neighbors to spend on holiday shopping at local participating stores.

Each bill will get its own authentic, indented serial number, according to Dakota Butterfield, a JPNET representative, at a Wednesday meeting of the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association. The program has been funded by an anonymous donor.

The currency is good through Jan. 31, 2013.

The idea is that dollars spent locally is a sustainable solution to an economic downturn, according to a JPNET press statement.

“Every dollar spent locally generates two to four times the economic benefit (in terms of income, jobs, tax revenue) than a dollar spent at a multi-national chain store,” the statement says.

Here’s a list of businesses accepting Boston Bean currency: 

• Plaza Meat Market (local meat, eggs, butter and milk) -
• Designs by Rey (the tailor for David Ortiz!) – 3161 Washington Street
• Latino Beauty Salon
• La Personalidad Beauty Supply – 3119 Washington Street
• Crystal fruit - 278 Centre Street
• Evelyn's Market - 298 Centre Street
• La GranVia (Casual and Sports Clothes)- 306 Centre Street
• Gondres Bakery - 333 Centre Street
• Video Underground - 385 Centre Street
• Revolution Bicycle - 371 Centre Street
• Yachris Market - corner of Boylston & Amory
• Canto 6 – corner of Green & Washington
• Ula Café – in the Brewery 

The program will begin with a kickoff event Nov. 27 with a potluck dinner at the NATE Smith House, 155 Lamartine St.

Would you spend JP-only currency? Tell us in the comments.