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.
Helping Your Kids Embrace a “More Fun, Less Stuff” Holiday
by Edna Rienzi | November 7, 2017
New Dream's Edna Rienzi shares six tips for how she gets her family on board with a simpler, yet more meaningful, holiday season.
Alternative Daily: This Is How Much the Average American Spends on Halloween
by Tamara Pearson | October 31, 2017
Casey Williams, a director of New Dream, an organization focused on transforming consumption habits for the wellbeing of people and planet, also talked to AD, and warned that these high spending levels and the general “accumulation of stuff” is having significant consequences for not just the environment, but also on “our own health and happiness.
This Holiday, Opt for Giving Over Receiving
by Edna Rienzi | October 19, 2017
Rather than making a typical wish list of items to receive, why not create a list of gifts you want to give to your loved ones?
Beyond the Lion’s Den: Mapping a More Meaningful Family Holiday
by Shara Drew | October 12, 2017
New Dream's Shara Drew describes her quest to create a different kind of holiday tradition for her family—one that has nothing to do with "stuff."
Tips for a Greener, Simpler Halloween
by Lisa Mastny | October 11, 2017
Halloween is big business. Avoid the hype and direct your energy, $$$, and creativity toward a greener, simpler holiday.
What Would It Take to Shift Our Gifting Away from "Stuff"?
by New Dream | October 9, 2017
Learn more about New Dream's research on the barriers and benefits to giving gifts of experience rather than "stuff."
Living the Dream: Part-timer Sarah Lakeman
by Edna Rienzi | October 9, 2017
By cutting back her work hours, Sarah was able to make more time for her family and community—and to live true to her values.
Confronting Racism Through Personal Action and Deeper Community Connections
by Casey Williams | September 21, 2017
By building stronger networks with people and groups from diverse backgrounds, we can all help to create a more socially just and sustainable world.
This October, Turn Your Intention Into Action
by New Dream | September 20, 2017
Through NWEI's EcoChallenge, join thousands of others in proving that small actions add up to real change.
Need Help or a Way to Help Out? SoKind Provides Meaningful Support Post-Disaster
by Edna Rienzi | September 20, 2017
SoKind Registry can be used as a centralized tool to coordinate meaningful hurricane relief for yourself or for friends and family.
Helping Teachers and Their Students Think About the "Stuff" They Use
by Shara Drew | September 19, 2017
Susan Salterberg talks about her work helping K-12 educators design creative lesson plans around consumption, well-being, and sustainability.
Welcome, Shara!
by New Dream | July 20, 2017
Shara Drew has joined New Dream as the new Program Director for our Kids & Commercialism work.
A Craigslist for Saving the Planet? Check.
by Steve Seeger | July 17, 2017
Steve's Weave is a place for greensters to get together to publicize events, projects, services, jobs, and more.
How Electricity Cooperatives in the U.S. Are Paving the Way for a Renewable Future
by Kevin Stark | July 17, 2017
Emerging co-op programs are keeping costs down and stimulating the economy while reducing energy use and benefiting the environment.
Our 35 Favorite Gifts on SoKind Registry
by Edna Rienzi | July 16, 2017
At SoKind, you can register for anything you can imagine. Here are some of our favorite quirky and creative gift ideas from users.