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.
"The Struggle in Rural Kentucky, Being a Black Producer, Is Real"
May 10, 2019
New Dream speaks with Tiffany Bellfield about the challenges she's faced as a business woman of color, and her contributions to her community as a holistic farmer, producer of botanical products, wellness practitioner, convener of women’s retreats, and mom.
Youth Perspective: Seattle Is Dying, At Least for Longtime Residents and Job Seekers
by Alexis Arambul | May 3, 2019
New Dreamer Alexis Arambul discusses a challenge facing more and more U.S. cities: a lot of people who need work simply can’t afford to live in the places where work is offered.
Youth Perspective: Why We Need Equity and Empathy to Move Our Communities Forward
by New Dream | April 16, 2019
Former Youth Fellow Josmar Torres talks about the challenges facing his community and the important roles that empathy and political change can play in creating a brighter, more equitable future.
Be There for People: Life Lessons from a Fifth Grader
by Jen Patterson | April 9, 2019
New Dreamer Jen Patterson shares her experience working as an academic coach and being personally challenged and inspired by a student's poem.
Conscious Consumerism Won’t Change the World: Why We Need to Think More Deeply About Equity and Consumption
by New Dream | March 19, 2019
We need to learn more about the extent of the problems we face, to understand how the complex systems of consumption and capitalism function, and to understand how they impact people differently. To do this, we need to get into the inquiry—to thoroughly examine the problem—in order to orient ourselves to what needs to change.
How Sara Day Evans Is Working With Local Businesses and Growers to “Accelerate Appalachia” in an Equitable and Regenerative Way
by New Dream | March 19, 2019
In this interview, Sara Day provides her thoughts on the connections between agriculture, equity, and consumption—and what we can do, as individuals and communities, to tackle these important issues.
Meet Raagini Appadurai, Our New Program Lead
March 15, 2019
Raagini is a social justice and equity educator whose deep commitment to this work is informed and fueled by her unique position as a woman of color, an artist, and an activist.
6 Ways I’m Having a More Wildlife-Friendly Wedding
by Sarah Baillie | February 7, 2019
A wildlife lover uses her passion for the planet—and SoKind registry—to personalize her nuptials.
What You Want From New Dream: Key Themes and Messages on Equity and Consumption
January 14, 2019
New Dreamers share their thoughts about the connections between consumerism, class, and race; our new focus on equity and consumption; and what you’d like to see from New Dream in the future.
Expecting a Baby? Embrace the Gift of Community Supported Postpartum (CSP)
by Kerry Ingram | January 10, 2019
When someone you know is about to welcome a new baby into their family, offer them the gift of a supportive community through CSP.
Whatever Happened to Waste Reduction, or Preventing Waste in the First Place?
by Kelley Dennings | January 10, 2019
Advisory Council member Kelley Dennings considers why the recycling community may be abandoning the once-worthy goal of waste reduction, and offers thoughts for refocusing these efforts.
NPR's On Point: No-Gift Christmas Advocates Say That's a Wrap on Presents Under the Tree
December 20, 2018
The joy of a no-gift Christmas. Don’t blame the Grinch. Real people are pushing back against presents and advocating for new traditions. Featuring special guest Guinevere Higgins, director of strategic partnerships for New Dream.
The Atlantic: The Joy of No-Gift Christmas
by Joe Pinsker | December 13, 2018
Raagini Appadurai, a 26-year-old educator and social-justice advocate living in Toronto, told me that her family—her two sisters, her parents, and herself—made a no-gifts pact this year. “When we remove material purchasing and consumption from the table, we are forced to question what we are bringing to [the holiday] instead—individually and collectively,” she said.
Avoiding the Trap of Holiday Consumerism
by Isaiah Johnson | December 7, 2018
New Dream Youth Fellow Isaiah Johnson details the true costs of holiday consumerism and outlines five things you can do to avoid its traps.
The Gift of Connecting with the Past
by Moira Silva | December 7, 2018
New Dreamer Moira Silva shares the experience of creating a truly meaningful gift for her family: the gift of interviewing her great aunt.