Polls and Research
Over the years New American Dream has conducted a number of polls aimed at discovering how our issues, campaigns, and programs resonate with the American Public.
Green Cars Today Poll (2006)
This nationwide poll found that more than half of Americans (56%) believe our dependence on oil is a problem. Eight of ten (84%) believe automakers could do more to help reduce our dependence on oil.
Summary | Full Results (pdfs)
More of What Matters Poll (2005)
This national survey revealed that 86% of Americans feel the term more of what matters in life fits their concept of the American Dream better than the term more is better. The survey also found Americans to be nervous about the current state of the American Dream. We worry that excessive materialism is having serious consequences for our children, for society, and for the environment. We worry about a pervasive buy now, pay later mentality and believe that the American Dream is getting out of reach for many Americans.
Summary | Full Results (pdfs)
Materialism, High Cost of Living Has Public Focusing on More Meaningful Holiday (Holiday Poll 2005)
With soaring gas prices and the rising cost of living, Americans in this poll showed signs of financial anxiety about the coming holiday season. In fact, a surprisingly number of Americans said they were looking for gifts that encourage savings rather than spending. More than three out of five Americans (62%) surveyed said they were planning to or considering giving family members gifts such as a savings bond or a piggy bank this year.
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Take Back Your Time Poll (2004)
This survey found an alarming percentage of Americans felt pressure to work too much. More than half of the adults in this country would trade a day's pay in exchange for a day off from work.
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Americans Say Spending Less on Gifts Allowing Them to Focus on Holidays' True Meaning (Holiday Poll 2002)
A huge percentage of Americans were concerned about the economy as the 2002 holiday season approached, but this did not dampen their spirits. More than half of those surveyed (54%) felt that spending less money on gifts would actually allow them to focus more on the true meaning of the holidays.
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Climate Poll (2001)
In this poll, 96% of Americans said that individuals should take personal action to conserve energy and protect the environment. Almost two-thirds of Americans (64%) indicated they would do more to conserve energy and protect the environment if they felt their individual actions would have a measurable positive impact on the environment. Fifty-seven perceont would do more if they thought it would teach children an important lesson.
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Americans Looking Deeper this Holiday Season in Aftermath of 9/11 (Holiday Poll 2001)
This poll revealed a vast number of Americans yearning for deeper meaning in the aftermath of September 11th. According to the national survey, conducted in mid-November, 63% of Americans were planning to make the holiday more meaningful than ever as a result of the recent tragedy.
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Americans Want Holiday Celebration That Money Can't Buy (Holiday Poll 2000)
Eighty four percent of Americans would prefer a less materialistic holiday, with more emphasis on the things money can't buy. Fifty five percent of those surveyed said they plan to spend less money or otherwise simplify their holiday celebration this year.
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Fed Up With Holiday Commercialism, Americans are Starting to Simplify (Holiday Poll 1999)
Americans are nearly unanimous in their dismay with holiday commercialism. According to the poll, a staggering 91% of Americans feel that the holidays are too commercialized and that the idea of "peace on earth" has been forgotten by too many people. The difference is, according to the survey, that people are finally starting to do something about it. Almost three out of five Americans reported that they had begun taking steps to buy fewer gifts and otherwise simplify their holiday celebration.
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Americans Want "More Joy, Less Stuff" (Holiday Poll 1998)
Amid the noise, confusion and expense of the holiday season, is it possible that all Americans really want is a little joy? A national poll says that a surprising 44% of Americans in 1998 felt pressure to spend more than they could afford at holiday time and that only 28% of Americans felt that the holiday season left them feeling "joyful."
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