The competitive and aggressive nature of the American economy has caused poverty for many, while creating hostile, crime-driven environments that result in an increased gap between the rich and the poor. The current state of the American economy has sparked an outcry of criticism and alternatives. American citizens agree that the American economic system has failed the vast majority of its citizens (Bruner, 2012). Economists agree that inequality has increased enormously, but they differ sharply on government action (Bruner, 2011). The most difficult challenge in attempting to radically reform the economic structure is that almost everyone has a vested interest in today's economy. The future prospects of most Americans have become rather bleak in recent years; people feel isolated and alone, deprived of community and the vital resources needed to live fulfilling lives (Fleischauer, 2006). The future of the American economy may seem bleak; however, the purpose of this article is to propose a lighter future. A future filled with an overwhelming sense of individual importance, community support and sustainable living. This future is realized through the implementation of aspects of the gift economy in society. Doing what you love and sharing the results of this labor of love with your neighbor is the foundation on which the gift economy rests. Implementing a gift economy would be a way to unite and strengthen communities, while establishing “social mechanisms” of accountability and accountability. CommunityIn today's world, if an individual is completely financially independent, there is no need for him to know his neighbors. This person can demand any goods or services they please on a daily basis through the medium of paper. Investipodia. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/Lapavitsas, C. (2004). Goods and gifts: why raw materials represent more than market relations. Science and Society, 68(1), 33-56.Leahy, T. (2013). The perils of consumption and the gift economy. Retrieved from http://www.freebay.net/site/content/view/1243/33/Miller, D. (2012). Consumption and its consequences. Cambridge: Polity Press. Nelson, A. and Tinnerman, F. (2011). Contact and converge. In A. Nelson and F. Tinnerman (Eds.), Life without money: Building just and sustainable economies. (pp.213-234). London: Pluto PressPomme van Hoof's Video Blog #3 (2005) [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4lzwR4e8VgRichter, W. (2010). Fighting corruption, encouraging ethics: A practical guide to management ethics. (pp.110-225) (2nd ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield Press.