Search for "Consumerism"
ACTION KIT: Schools Unbranded – simple steps to understanding and pushing back against rampant in-school commercialism
Resources | by New Dream | April 14, 2017
This helpful guide offers simple steps to understanding and pushing back against rampant in-school commercialism.
Giving Away Your "Declutter" to People Who Want It
Blog | by Dale S. Brown | May 28, 2012
Guest blogger Dale Brown offers tips on thoughtfully giving away things that you don’t need, rather than simply throwing them in the trash.
Our 35 Favorite Gifts on SoKind Registry
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | July 16, 2017
At SoKind, you can register for anything you can imagine. Here are some of our favorite quirky and creative gift ideas from users.
Voluntary Simplicity: Reimagining the Good Life Beyond Consumer Culture
Blog | by Lisa Mastny | July 22, 2011
A new analysis of "voluntary simplicity" dispels some common criticisms that it is an escapist, hippie, or leisure-expansion movement.
Why I Stopped Combing Through Chemicals and Took My Hair Care Into My Own Hands
Blog | by Jasmine Curtis | February 18, 2020
Many of the hair and beauty products marketed to Black women—from dyes and relaxers to lipsticks and makeup—pose serious health and environmental risks. Jasmine Curtis wants to change that.
Excerpt: The Art of Frugal Hedonism
Blog | by New Dream | March 5, 2018
Looking for a way to save money (and the world), inoculate yourself against many of the ills of modern life, and enjoy everything more? Try "frugal hedonism."
Downsizing Stuff, Super-sizing Life
Blog | by Jenna Brown | April 14, 2014
Jenna Brown's journey from suburban housewife to downsized city dweller—and tips for doing it yourself!
Mindful Decluttering: Your Stuff, Their Stuff, Our Stuff
Blog | by Pam Holland | May 2, 2016
Decluttering expert Pam Holland believes that tackiing the excess stuff in our lives is key to improving well-being.
Skip the Goody Bags and Embrace Creativity Instead
Blog | by Rinny Yourman | December 13, 2017
New Dreamer Rinny Yourman describes how her family ditched goody bags in favor of giving guests at her daughter's birthday and Bat Mitzvah parties a more meaningful experience.
Are You Being Frugal, or Just Plain Cheap?
Blog | by Dale S. Brown | September 2, 2011
In today’s society, frugality can lead to accusations of “cheapness.” But there’s an important difference.
Be There for People: Life Lessons from a Fifth Grader
Blog | by Jen Patterson | April 9, 2019
New Dreamer Jen Patterson shares her experience working as an academic coach and being personally challenged and inspired by a student's poem.
Donating Your “Declutter” to Charity
Blog | by Dale S. Brown | June 27, 2012
Many of us bring unwanted stuff to a drop-off box, donation center, or collection event. But how much of it is actually reused?
The Benefits—and Joy—of "Making Do" With What You Have
Blog | by Bea Echeverria | December 14, 2017
After moving to the U.S. from Spain, New Dreamer Bea Echevarria realized that "making do" wasn’t a coveted value for everyone. But there are many good reasons it should be.
VIDEO: Visualizing a Plenitude Economy – an animated take on what a post-consumer society could look like (5 min.)
Videos | January 1, 2018
This fun animation, narrated by economist and bestselling author Juliet Schor, provides a vision of what a post-consumer society could look like.
ACTION KIT: Step-by-Step: How to Hold an Alternative Gift Fair in Your Community
Resources | by New Dream | October 15, 2013
Here's all the info you need to hold an alternative gift fair in your community, connecting people to charities that are working to make our world a better place.