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.
Want to Change Your Life? Change How You Consume
by Chris LaPlante | June 6, 2017
Take Back Your Time's Chris LaPlante describes the pitfalls of consumerism and explains why we can all benefit from cutting back.
Great Summer Reads: 2017 Edition
by New Dream | June 2, 2017
Looking for a great summer read? Here’s a list of our favorite recent (or recent to us!) books.... and a few more we're excited to delve into.
Bringing Meaning Back
by Edna Rienzi | May 30, 2017
New Dream's SoKind registry enables registrants to request meaningful gifts from the heart.
ATTN: This Is What People Are Now Doing to Make Their Weddings 'Woke'
by Danielle DeCourcey | May 19, 2017
SoKind Registry bills itself as an "alternative gift registry that encourages donations, homemade gifts, and volunteered time as gifts."
Want to Encourage Gifts That Really Matter? Plan an Alternative Gift Fair!
by Jennifer Oehme Knepper | May 4, 2017
It's never too early to start planning an alternative gift fair. Here's one story about getting it done.
Does Your Registry Reflect Your Values, or Just Your Fantasy Vision of Yourself?
by Edna Rienzi | May 3, 2017
Sometimes people register for items they don't really want or need because they have these fantasy visions of themselves.
How to Create a Zero Waste Easter Basket
by New Dream | March 22, 2017
Challenge yourself to create an Easter basket that will produce no garbage that would be sent to landfill.
Have a More Fun, Less Stuff Easter
by Edna Rienzi | March 22, 2017
Easter doesn't have to be yet another commercialized, excessive celebration. You can still participate in all the fun without the waste and stress.
You Don’t Have to Bake Your Own Matzo: Tips for an Environmentally Friendly Passover
by Evonne Marzouk | March 17, 2017
If you’ve been wondering how to do Passover in a more environmentally friendly way, here are six ideas that might help.
How Neighbors in Canada Used a Gift Registry to Welcome Refugees
by Edna Rienzi | February 23, 2017
SoKind Registry provides a unique tool for helping newly arrived families adjust to their communities.
Making the Shift to Zero Waste Living
by Julie Fathy | February 23, 2017
A zero waste lifestyle might seem hard to implement and complicated to follow. But by taking small steps, you can make it a reality.
Learning About Microfinance as a Family: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
by Suzita Cochran | February 10, 2017
We often hear about gifts that “keep on giving,” but in the case of a microloan, it really can. A Colorado mom shares her experience.
Real Celebration: Ashley and Kenny’s Chic-Macabre Hallowedding on a Budget
by Edna Rienzi | February 10, 2017
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how a couple of wine-loving DC professionals managed to pull off an amazing and meaningful wedding celebration without spending a fortune.
The One Question to Ask Yourself When Wedding Planning
by Caitlin Frauton | February 10, 2017
DIY Wedding Mentor's Caitlin Frauton has discovered the most important question you can ask yourself when you're at a crossroads in your wedding planning.
We Must Be the Change
by Edna Rienzi | January 24, 2017
Beyond everyday lifestyle changes like wasting less, we can take steps outside our homes to have greater influence.