permaculture

[Vint Lawrence <vlawrence@nets.com>]

Earlier this year, the Social Investment Forum and Co-op America named 
the Permaculture Credit Union as one of the "top ten green financial 
institutions" in the country. Although our original intention was to 
create an "invisible structure" to serve the financial needs of the US 
permaculture community. it appears we are becoming more and more "visible".

Over 400 "permies" and friends have created and democratically run the 
first US credit union to be chartered and operated on the ethics of 
permaculture. The field of membership includes anyone who believes in PC 
ethics. Unlike a conventional bank which is owned by investors who 
receive the profits, the PCU is owned by its members and operates as a 
non-profit that returns any benefits to its members in the form of lower 
interest rates and (eventually) dividends.

We encourage members to borrow money from our pooled funds for 
"sustainable" projects and practices like rainwater harvesting, energy 
efficient home improvements, agricultural projects and equipment, 
plantings, and land improvement work (to name a few) by offering a .75% 
(3/4 of 1%) discount on loan rates for projects that are "earth-friendly".

Most important news!!! The Permaculture Credit Union is now able to make 
"consumer" (that's what they're called, unfortunately) loans in 31 
states! "Consumer loans" include signature (personal, unsecured loans), 
deposit secured loans, and new and used vehicle loans. Even if you are 
not buying a new car at this time, we may be able to help you refinance 
your existing loan at a better rate. We have a special rate reduction 
for fuel-efficient vehicles that can save you as much as 1.5% in 
interest rates for vehicles that achieve over 45 mpg. If you do not see 
your state on the list below, don't despair, instead, call the PCU toll 
free at 866-954-3479 and talk to Don Sarich, our new CEO. If we have a 
sufficient loan demand from any state, then we will set up the paperwork 
to be able to lend there.

We can currently make loans in: AK,AZ,CA,CO,DE,FL,HI,IN,KA,MA,MI,MN,MO, 
MS,MT,NC,ND,NE,NM,NV,NY,OH,PA,RI,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,VT,WA.

For information on joining the PCU, go to our web site at www.pcuonline.org.
email "perma@pcuonline.org",
or write to us at
Permaculture Credit Union
P.O.Box 29300
Santa Fe, NM 87592-9300

If you would like to support the operations of the PCU with a 
tax-deductible donation to our operating fund, then you can send a check 
made payable to the "Permaculture Credit Union Fund" to
Permaculture Institute ( our 501-c-3 partner)
P.O.Box 3702
Pojoaque, NM 87501

With my sincere thanks for your time and attention,

Vint Lawrence
50 Apache Creek Ranch
Santa Fe, NM 87505