Survey Results I: Conscious Consumers and Activism

Blog   |   by Guest bloggers   |   June 11, 2009

Free Time: The Forgotten American Dream

Blog   |   by Lisa Mastny   |   June 20, 2013

A new book describes how Americans have distanced themselves from their historical yearnings for free time, in favor of a culture of overwork.

Great Summer Reads: Recommendations from New Dream's Board

Blog   |   by New Dream   |   June 18, 2013

We asked our Board members for their favorite recent books on consumerism, community, and more. Check out their diverse and inspiring picks.

What Is the American Dream? Dueling Dualities in the American Tradition

Blog   |   by James Gustave Speth   |   June 27, 2011

The story of the pursuit of happiness in America is a story of its close alliance with capitalism and consumerism. But is there another option?

How to Hook Kids into Civic Engagement

Blog   |   by Suzita Cochran   |   October 19, 2016

Looking for a way to get your kids more involved in the community? There's an easy place to start.

Bikes, E-Waste, Petlessness, Oh My! Reflections from Portland

Blog   |   by Erik Assadourian   |   September 30, 2011

This week I had the opportunity to visit Portland, and it was refreshing to see so many efforts to grow a sustainable culture wafting out of the Rose City. There were some scary trends oozing out from there as well. But let’s start with the positive:

Replacing the Value of "More" with "Enough

Blog   |   by Rob Dietz and Dan O'Neill   |   October 11, 2013

How can we overcome the dominance of consumer culture in America? Here are some ideas for getting the transition under way.

What’s the “Real” Climate Footprint of Your Community?

Blog   |   by Lisa Mastny   |   February 23, 2012

By measuring consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions, we can chart a path to more sustainable ways of living and doing.

Rethinking Work: Replacing the Treadmill With Time, Flexibility, and Happiness

Blog   |   by Hayley Schultz   |   February 27, 2013

The reason we work is simple: we need to pay for the things that keep us fed, safe, and comfortable. But do we really need to work as much as we do?

America the Possible: A Manifesto, Part II

Blog   |   by James Gustave Speth   |   July 2, 2012

We need a compelling vision for a new future, a vision of a better country—America the Possible—that is still within our power to reach.

Whatever Happened to Waste Reduction, or Preventing Waste in the First Place?

Blog   |   by Kelley Dennings   |   January 10, 2019

Advisory Council member Kelley Dennings considers why the recycling community may be abandoning the once-worthy goal of waste reduction, and offers thoughts for refocusing these efforts.

Living the Dream: Planetwalker John Francis

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   September 19, 2013

John Francis gave up motorized transportation for 22 years. His next journey? Public service and teaching others.

POLL: New American Dream Poll 2014

Resources   |   by New Dream   |   June 29, 2014

What does the “American Dream” mean today? How—and how successfully—are Americans achieving this dream? How has the concept of the “American Dream” shifted over the past 10 years? These questions are at the heart of New Dream's 2014 national survey.

The Balance: What Is the American Dream Today?

Blog   |   by Kimberly Amadeo   |   October 29, 2018

The Center for a New American Dream envisions "... a focus on more of what really matters, such as creating a meaningful life, contributing to community and society, valuing nature, and spending time with family and friends."

How a Group of Kids Bagged the Disposable Bag in Boulder, Colorado

Blog   |   by Kate Bailey and Kate Nelson   |   March 17, 2016

What decades of education and outreach couldn’t accomplish, a group of high school students could.