Search for "Philosophy"
“Craigslist Joe”: A Unique Experiment in Social Living
Blog | by Ryan Dwyer | April 12, 2013
Can a person live completely off of the goods, services, and support offered by strangers online?
Mackle-more of What Matters
Blog | by Ryan Dwyer | March 8, 2013
You know times are changing when a rap about the hipness of thrift store shopping hits the top of the charts.
The Privilege of a Simple Life
Blog | by Kate Parker | June 10, 2020
The pandemic has shown that the ability to "simplify our lives" is not distributed equally. For those able to simplify, how can we direct this privilege toward better tending to the injustices of the world?
Who’s Telling the Story? Consumer Culture and America’s Rural Communities
Blog | by Kate Parker | November 21, 2019
The commodification of rural life is happening across the country, from factory farming to agritourism. What are the costs of these changes and how can they support the people and communities that make a place what it is?
What We See and What We Know (Or, Why We Need to Question Overabundance)
Blog | by Kate Parker | February 18, 2020
What is lost when we're confronted with a constant state of overabundance? What are the hidden systems that prop up these manifestations of largesse? And who are they good for?
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
Blog | by New Dream | June 24, 2011
A memoir of a year spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.
Moving Without a Car, and Other Tips for Going “Car Light”
Blog | by Kevin A. Straight | December 18, 2012
Do you really need to own a car "just in case" you have to move every few years? A car-free enthusiast responds to his critics.
Give Less, Give More
Blog | by Julie Fathy | November 16, 2016
Mom and simple living expert Julie Fathy explains her "give less" approach to holiday gift giving, which honors the recipient, people, and the planet.
How to Stage a Clothes Swap
Blog | by Regan McMahon, courtesy of Shareable.net | July 25, 2011
At these friendly social gatherings, one person’s discard is another one’s treasure.
“A Small Good Thing”: Bringing the New American Dream Into the Spotlight
Blog | by Lisa Madison | June 3, 2016
A new film examines how the American Dream has come to the end of its promise, and shows us an alternate pathway to happiness, wellness, and success.
Helping Your Kids Embrace a “More Fun, Less Stuff” Holiday
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | November 7, 2017
New Dream's Edna Rienzi shares six tips for how she gets her family on board with a simpler, yet more meaningful, holiday season.
Make It Do: A Year of Buying Only What I Need
Blog | by Wen Lee | March 14, 2012
In 2012, Meg Hourihan won't buy anything new until she's used up or worn out the old.
Do We Need to Sacrifice Communities in the Name of Progress?
Blog | by Addison Del Mastro | February 12, 2013
As environmentalists, we sometimes forget that a green energy company is just that—a company.
Real Celebration: Emet’s Meaningful Coming of Age Story
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | February 3, 2016
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how one family used SoKind to provide long-distance family and friends the opportunity to not only participate in their son's Bar Mitzvah, but to also express themselves through their gifts.