In crisis,Greeks go back to clasical ways

“I felt liberated,I felt free for the first time,” Mavridis said. “I instinctively reached into my pocket,but there was no need to.”

Mavridis is a co-founder of a growing network in Volos that uses a Local Alternative Unit,or TEM in Greek,to exchange goods and services — language classes,baby-sitting,home-cooked meals — and to receive discounts at some local businesses.

Part alternative currency,part barter system,part open-air market,the Volos network has grown exponentially in the past year,from 50 to 400 members. It is one of several such groups cropping up as Greeks squeezed by large wage cuts,tax increases and growing fears about whether they will continue to use the euro have looked for creative ways to cope with a radically changing economic landscape.“Ever since the crisis there’s been a boom in such networks,” said George Stathakis,vice chancellor of University of Crete.

Even the government is taking notice. Last week,Parliament passed a law to encourage “alternative forms of entrepreneurship and local development,” including networks based on an exchange of goods and services. The law for the first time fills in a regulatory gray area,giving such groups nonprofit status.

The concept is simple. People sign up online and get access to a database that is kind of like a members-only Craigslist. One TEM is equal in value to one euro,and can be used to exchange good and services. Members start their accounts with zero,and accrue credit by offering goods and services. They can borrow up to 300 TEMs,but are expected to repay the loan within a fixed period.