Who Gives a Sheep?

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   October 29, 2014

After several years as a wedding photographer, Danielle Calhoun had begun to feel frustrated with the excessiveness of the weddings she was documenting. A trip to photograph West African orphanages cemented these feelings of uneasiness and frustration. But, rather than give up and quit the entire industry, Danielle decided to harness the amazing potential of the wedding market. 

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.

What Would It Take to Shift Our Gifting Away from "Stuff"?

Blog   |   by New Dream   |   October 9, 2017

Learn more about New Dream's research on the barriers and benefits to giving gifts of experience rather than "stuff."

Avoiding the Trap of Holiday Consumerism

Blog   |   by Isaiah Johnson   |   December 7, 2018

New Dream Youth Fellow Isaiah Johnson details the true costs of holiday consumerism and outlines five things you can do to avoid its traps.

Do You Love What You Wear? 10 Tips for Boosting Your Style While Avoiding the Traps of Fast Fashion

Blog   |   by Rebecca Ballard   |   June 9, 2016

Here are 10 tips for boosting your style while avoiding the traps of fast fashion.

Food, Pleasure and Science

Blog   |   by Kim   |   December 30, 2008

Stories of Going Veggie

Blog   |   by Hanaa   |   April 14, 2009

"Fast Fashion" Isn't Just Trendy and Glamorous: It Has Consequences

Blog   |   by Addison Del Mastro   |   May 12, 2013

Bangladesh is a heartbreaking reminder of the flip side of conscious consumption—and why we need to do better.

You are what you eat - but do you change when your diet changes?

Blog   |   by Kim   |   December 29, 2008

Big Media, Big Bullying, and What You Can Do About It

Blog   |   by Emily Long   |   May 13, 2013

Big media companies spend huge sums on anti-bullying messaging, but the real power lies in our own ability to filter their product.

Three Reasons Why GMO Labeling Is a No Brainer

Blog   |   by Addison Del Mastro   |   February 6, 2014

As debates rage over the safety of genetically engineered foods, it’s time for some new arguments in support of GMO labeling.

Beyond GDP: New Measures for a New Economy

Blog   |   by Lisa Mastny   |   January 31, 2012

A new report from Demos points out the problems with using GDP as the predominant benchmark of our economic and social progress.

Adrienne & Chris’s Family Reunion Wedding

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   June 16, 2014

In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Adrienne and Chris used their wedding as an opportunity to spend meaningful time with the people most important to them. 

Marketing CPG: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Blog   |   by Emily Canan   |   May 2, 2016

The Center for the New American Dream believes that the American Dream is re-emphasizing its focus to “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.”

Greener Grads: Changing the Way We Approach Graduation

Blog   |   by Seth Yon   |   April 26, 2015

Greener Grads is offering the tools to change our traditions into less wasteful and more responsible celebrations.