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.
Partner Update: Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood Adopts New Dream’s Kids & Commercialism and Kids Unbranded Programs and Assets
February 19, 2020
Our longtime partner, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), has officially adopted New Dream’s work in this area. CCFC is committed to helping children thrive in an increasingly commercialized, screen-obsessed culture, and is the only organization dedicated to ending marketing to children.
Question Consumption (and Go Lighter on the Planet) This Halloween
by New Dream | October 22, 2019
Halloween is big business. It also requires a bit of cultural and environmental sensitivity, so we can be sure we're really embracing the spirit of good old fashioned fun.
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.
Tales from a Tech-free Summer Camp
by Eli Austin | October 11, 2018
A recent high school grad shares a lesson for young people about the benefits of getting off our devices and out into nature.
Lessons Learned from a Low-Waste Party
by Shara Drew | September 12, 2018
When New Dream's Shara Drew moved her family to Maine, she took on the challenge of hosting a low-waste party for friends and family. Here are some lessons learned.
May My Children Be Givers
by Bellamy Shoffner | February 7, 2018
Bellamy Shoffner, editor of the online magazine Hold the Line, shares an eye-opening experience that led her to deepen her social justice work and step up her family's efforts to give more to their community.
The Value of Reducing Children's Screen Time: An Interview with Jean Rogers
February 6, 2018
Jean discusses how screen-time overuse is affecting kids' social-emotional and physical health, and provides tips for parents seeking to reduce screen time.
10 Great Books to Teach Your Kids About Consumerism
by New Dream | February 6, 2018
Shara Drew, the director of New Dream's Kids & Commercialism campaign, reviews two recent children’s books that deal with the topic of consumerism in a way that's impactful and fun, and also suggests eight more oldies but goodies.
The Benefits—and Joy—of "Making Do" With What You Have
by Bea Echeverria | December 14, 2017
After moving to the U.S. from Spain, New Dreamer Bea Echevarria realized that "making do" wasn’t a coveted value for everyone. But there are many good reasons it should be.
Skip the Goody Bags and Embrace Creativity Instead
by Rinny Yourman | December 13, 2017
New Dreamer Rinny Yourman describes how her family ditched goody bags in favor of giving guests at her daughter's birthday and Bat Mitzvah parties a more meaningful experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.