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.
"Our American Dream": Traveling Families Live Outside the Box
by Lisa Mastny | September 29, 2011
A group of nomadic bloggers inspires us to think beyond the white picket fence and to forge our own paths and destinies.
Artist Critiques Social Norms and Our Consumer Culture
by Lisa Mastny | September 26, 2011
Undermining the status quo with provocative artwork and a healthy dose of wit and humor.
Calculating the Savings in Growing Your Own Food
by Dawn Handschuh | September 22, 2011
Growing our own food offers multiple benefits—for our health, our taste buds, and our pocketbook. So how much money are we actually saving?
Fostering Connection and Community Through Resilience Circles
by Luka Carfagna and Emilie Dubois | September 7, 2011
Two Boston graduate students are building community and increasing their personal security through participation in a local Resilience Circle.
Copia: Snapshots of Consumer Culture
by Wen Lee | September 7, 2011
How much do we shop? And what is it doing to us? Photographer Brian Ulrich explores these questions in a new series.
Finding Our Way Out of the Sprawl: An Interview with Mark Valentine
by Lisa Mastny | September 7, 2011
A sustainability consultant talks about the livability challenges facing U.S. communities today and the glimmers of hope he sees around the country.
Are You Being Frugal, or Just Plain Cheap?
by Dale S. Brown | September 2, 2011
In today’s society, frugality can lead to accusations of “cheapness.” But there’s an important difference.
New Infographic Shows Our "Hyper Consumption"
by Lisa Mastny | August 19, 2011
One of the root causes of our environmental problems is hyper consumption. We simply buy too much of what we don't really need.
Sailing Simplicity: My American Dream
by Lisa Mastny | August 17, 2011
In 2008, Teresa Carey left her job, sold many of her belongings, and moved aboard a 27-foot sailboat to pursue her dream of simpler living.
Work Sharing: The Quick Route Back to Full Employment
by Lisa Mastny | August 15, 2011
In the current economic climate, work sharing may be the most effective way to avoid many layoffs and quickly return the economy to full employment.
Spending Strategies: How Frugality Helped Me Cut Costs and Gain Freedom from “Work”
by Dale S. Brown | August 11, 2011
A D.C. resident describes how she became financially empowered to turn down work that is not in accordance with her values.
First Earth: Uncompromising Ecological Architecture
by Lisa Mastny | August 10, 2011
A documentary film about a paradigm shift to building healthy homes in ancient ways.
Musicians at the Cutting Edge of Eco-Awareness
by Amy Curtis | August 8, 2011
Some bands are working hard to lighten the heavy environmental footprint of their performances.
My Story of Frugality: Breaking My Economic Dependence on My Job
by Dale S. Brown | August 4, 2011
How one D.C. resident changed her relationship to money and gained just a bit of freedom from the endless demands to earn it.
Consumed: Inside the Belly of the Beast
by Lisa Mastny | August 3, 2011
A new film explores the "unhealthy dose of pathos" that links us to our consumer culture.