Search for "Society"
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.
New Dream Evolves: Young Leaders Question Consumption
Blog | by Amy Hartzler | August 15, 2018
In July, New Dream gathered 10 Youth Fellows in Boston for focused sessions on the complex landscape of consumption and possibilities for future efforts.
Why Gift At All? Top 3 Reasons Why People Should Still Use Registries
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | February 25, 2016
A few years ago, when the New Dream staff started tossing around the idea of creating an alternative gift registry, we weren’t all on board. Most of us had an “ick” sort of feeling when it came to registries. Traditional registries can sometimes come across as a bit tacky or even greedy. Plus, New Dream is an organization dedicated to shifting the ways that people consume—so why were we jumping into an industry dominated by big-box stores hawking more stuff? Wouldn’t we be encouraging people to create more waste and clutter? Read on to learn the top three reasons we were convinced that registries (and gifting) are still important.
Have More, Waste Less, and Build Community with a Library of Things
Blog | by Gene Homicki | July 18, 2018
Through a growing "libraries" movement, people can gain access to power tools, musical instruments, and just about any other product.
Signs of Hope from 2019
Blog | by New Dream | December 18, 2019
As we looked back on this year, 2019 seemed to offer it all: moments of deep concern and persistent challenges to our safety and well-being, alongside meaningful signs of hope that are taking us into 2020.
iFixit.com: Boldly Empowering Us to Repair Stuff Ourselves
Blog | by Lisa Mastny | November 14, 2012
Through its clean, user-friendly interface, iFixit offers free manuals and advice for repairing thousands of different consumer products.
Living the Dream: Psychologist and Blogger Suzita Cochran
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | April 9, 2014
Suzita Cochran's decision to choose a “time over money” lifestyle came from her work in psychology, where she learned in-depth what children need to thrive.
New Dream Evolves: The Future Beyond Overconsumption
Blog | by New Dream | June 13, 2018
New Dream is ramping up our collaboration with young people to engage them more directly in our efforts to tackle excess consumerism, build community, and improve overall well-being.
Helping Teachers and Their Students Think About the "Stuff" They Use
Blog | by Shara Drew | September 19, 2017
Susan Salterberg talks about her work helping K-12 educators design creative lesson plans around consumption, well-being, and sustainability.
Our Emerging Normal: Results from New Dream's COVID-19 Survey
Blog | June 10, 2020
In April, we asked our audience for thoughts and feedback on how the COVID-19 pandemic was informing what they prioritize and consume. The feedback was deeply insightful.
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: 2018 Edition
Blog | by New Dream | May 8, 2018
We asked members of our Facebook group to post a comment about a book that's inspired them to make change. Check out their responses!
The “Gendering” of Our Kids’ Toys, and What We Can Do About It
Blog | by Elizabeth Sweet | October 7, 2011
On a quest to find a gender-neutral toy for her daughter, an inquisitive mother delves into the magical history of pink and blue branding.
Give What Matters—Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate It
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | September 2, 2015
Read an excerpt from Rachel Macy Stafford's (also know as the Hands Free Mama) beautifully written new book, and learn how her daughter Natalie taught her to let go of societal expectations and her perfectionist tendencies and give the gifts that really matter in life.
Confronting Racism Through Personal Action and Deeper Community Connections
Blog | by Casey Williams | September 21, 2017
By building stronger networks with people and groups from diverse backgrounds, we can all help to create a more socially just and sustainable world.