The New Dream Blog
In our blog, we feature stories, tips, and commentary from contributors around the world on topics ranging from
consumerism and parenting to how to live a fuller life with less. Enjoy!
Interested in contributing a guest post? Please review our submission guidelines.
Tackling Holiday Consumerism With Creative Resistance
by Jenny Blair | December 7, 2012
A New Dreamer’s toughest challenge might be navigating the stuff-obsessed holidays. Here are some tips.
"Buying Nothing New" Isn't About Shopping, It's About Facing Our Deepest Values
by Anjuli Crocker | December 7, 2012
For AJ Crocker, a month-long attempt to "buy nothing new" became an unexpected exploration into her deepest motivations and values.
Helping Your Kids Give Back: 11 Fun Holiday Service Ideas for You and Your Family
by Edna Rienzi | December 6, 2012
Looking for ways to incorporate volunteering into your holiday season? It might just be your family’s favorite memory this year.
Hooked on Stuff: The Black Days of Post-Thanksgiving Consumerism
by Ray Lumpp | November 27, 2012
What started as a celebration of prosperity has become something akin to a national addiction. Are we choosing stuff over joy?
A Smaller Piece of a Better Pie: Embracing "Luxurious Frugality
by Jake Giessman | November 27, 2012
Living simply shouldn't remain class-based or countercultural; it should be downright American.
Black Friday Spoofs Have Come True, But You Don't Have to Join the Madness
by Addison Del Mastro | November 20, 2012
As Hollywood spoofs become Black Friday realities, we need to fundamentally question what this says about our consumer-driven society.
Break Free From the Carbon Confusion
by Elizabeth O'Brien | November 14, 2012
By doing the math for you, "How Bad Are Bananas?" can help you be more realistic—and efficient—in your eco-conscious decision making.
iFixit.com: Boldly Empowering Us to Repair Stuff Ourselves
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.
America the Possible: A Revolution Cookbook for a More Decent Society
by Chris Stratton | November 14, 2012
In his new book, Gus Speth tells us the hard, necessary truth about the mess we’re in here in the United States—but he also offers hope.
Etsy Goes Beyond Online Sales to Support Local Economies
by Krislyn Placide | October 24, 2012
Many of us know Etsy as a crafting and vintage sale website. But the Brooklyn-based company also supports entrepreneurs and communities directly.
Local Food Hub Brings Fresh, Healthy Food to Virginia’s Heartland
by Kristen Suokko and Emily Manley | October 23, 2012
Charlottesville's Local Food Hub has a mission: to fix a broken food system by reconnecting local farmers, families, and food grown close to home.
My Attempt to 'Buy Nothing New' This October
by Anjuli Crocker | October 22, 2012
How hard is it to not buy anything new for an entire month? New Dream's AJ Crocker tries it out—and finds a world of abundance and creativity.
Embrace the Risk: Shop With Recycled Containers
by Jake Giessman | October 15, 2012
Want to reduce your plastic packaging waste? Consider bringing your own recycled containers when you go to the food store.
Save Money and Have Fun: DIY Halloween Decorations
by Ethan Freeman | October 12, 2012
These five do-it-yourself decoration ideas will help you put your family and home in the Halloween spirit—without spending a ton of money.
Easy Steps to Waste-Free School Lunches
by Tovah Paglaro | September 25, 2012
By choosing to forgo packaged or cafeteria food, we can teach our children healthy eating habits and minimize the garbage that ends up at landfills.