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.


What If You Cut Your Consumption Rates by Half?

by Inbar Hyams, OuiChoose.com   |   July 18, 2018

What if instead of breaking our heads trying to determine the optimal choices, we go for something radically simple and just cut our consumption rates by half? Here's how.


Have More, Waste Less, and Build Community with a Library of Things

by Gene Homicki   |   July 18, 2018

Through a growing "libraries" movement, people can gain access to power tools, musical instruments, and just about any other product.


Community Building Through Peacemaking Circles — and Dinner

by Jessica Laus   |   June 26, 2018

Community dinners bring people together as equals in order to have honest, and at times difficult, exchanges in an atmosphere of concern and respect for all.


Christmas* in June: A Gentle Nudge to Help You Start Planning Your Alternative Gift Fair Now

by Shara Drew   |   June 13, 2018

Take advantage of your time and energy during the summer months to set the stage for a more meaningful holiday season for your community.


New Dream Evolves: The Future Beyond Overconsumption

by New Dream   |   June 13, 2018

New Dream is ramping up our collaboration with young people to engage them more directly in our efforts to tackle excess consumerism, build community, and improve overall well-being.


Bring "Play" Back Into Your Life

by New Dream   |   June 13, 2018

As we grow older, we tend to abandon our desire for unstructured outdoor play, but it's still important as we enter our adult years. 


Leaving My Dream Job to Find Space to Grow

by Edna Rienzi   |   June 11, 2018

Edna Rienzi explains her decision to leave New Dream to pursue personal growth and to further her efforts to give back to her community.


10 Ways Changing Your Consumer Habits Can Change the World for Animals

by Stephanie Feldstein   |   June 6, 2018

How you spend your time and money affects the lives of those around you—including other animals.


How Two Women Followed Their Passions and Became "Green Bag Ladies"

by Pamela Lamp   |   June 6, 2018

Since the founding of this nonprofit group in 2008, volunteer “bagettes” have cut, sewn, and given away more than 46,000 reusable cloth shopping bags.


5 Simple Steps to Start Your Nature-Based Playgroup

by Shara Drew   |   June 6, 2018

Regular play opportunities in nature help to develop a greater sense of place, wonder, and connection to the planet we all call home. 


5 Action Steps to Change Kids’ Screen Time

by Shara Drew   |   May 15, 2018

Here are five steps you can take to help make childhood what it should be for kids: filled with play, quality time with caring adults, and exploration in the natural world. 


Behavior and Social Change Campaign: May 2018 Update

May 9, 2018

An update from New Dream’s Social and Behavior Change fellow, Kelley Dennings.


Great Summer Reads: 2018 Edition

by New Dream   |   May 8, 2018

We asked members of our Facebook group to post a comment about a book that's inspired them to make change. Check out their responses!


Living the Dream: Island Minimalist Moira Silva

by Moira Convey Silva   |   May 3, 2018

In our latest Living the Dream interview, we talk with Moira Silva, a mother, writer, and teacher, about the joys and challenges of living in a small island community.


Repair Your Stuff AND Build Your Community: Lessons from the CVille Repair Café

by Ann Marie Hohenberger   |   April 9, 2018

Repair cafes are a beautiful concept: neighbors help each other keep useful things out of the landfill and avoid buying more stuff.


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