Believe it or not, some U.S. destinations actually have their own currency. So why on earth would you want to use it?

Because it’s a way to show that you’re helping the local economy.

Last year, a group of Detroit business owners created the local currency, called Detroit Cheers. Now, one “cheer” is worth one dollar, but they way they explain it, it’s kind of like a secret handshake.

The point here is it shows you’re willing to spend money on participating local businesses, rather than chains and big-box stores.

The Plenty is the currency being used in Pittsboro, North Carolina. The only drawback is that one Plenty costs 90 cents, so you’re taking a 10 percent hit. But again, this kind of exchange gives incentive to spend locally.

The BerkShares currency is accepted by more than 350 local businesses in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. And it’s easy to get your hands on it: there are at least 13 branch offices that will exchange dollars for BerkShares.

And someday, locals even hope to have ATMs that dispense the local currency.

These currencies bring attention back to economies that can ultimately promote sustainability and self sufficiency. Hey, as they say, when in Rome …

Get more help in our Money, Currency & Credit Cards section.

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