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Have a More Fun, Less Stuff Easter
Blog | 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.
Challenge Toolkit: Simplify Your Holidays
Custom Pages | March 19, 2018
Why Gift At All? Top 3 Reasons Why People Should Still Use Registries
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | February 25, 2016
A few years ago, when the New Dream staff started tossing around the idea of creating an alternative gift registry, we weren’t all on board. Most of us had an “ick” sort of feeling when it came to registries. Traditional registries can sometimes come across as a bit tacky or even greedy. Plus, New Dream is an organization dedicated to shifting the ways that people consume—so why were we jumping into an industry dominated by big-box stores hawking more stuff? Wouldn’t we be encouraging people to create more waste and clutter? Read on to learn the top three reasons we were convinced that registries (and gifting) are still important.
Top 10 SoKind Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | April 15, 2014
I certainly can’t speak for every mother out there, but my informal survey of mom friends and family members seems to indicate that what most of us want for Mother’s Day this year cannot be contained in a box or bought at a store.
What Is "Enough"? Achieving the Right Balance in Our Lives and Families
Blog | by Suzita Cochran | December 5, 2011
Whether it’s a material item like shoes or a non-material one like free time, how do you know when you have enough of something?
Love in the Time of Coronavirus
Blog | by Dyaami | March 23, 2020
In the time of coronavirus, we may find that we have a lot more to give to others when we give love to ourselves.
Let's Get to Know Our Towns and Neighbors
Blog | by Bea Echeverria | February 28, 2018
New Dreamer Bea Echeverria offers insight into how she built a small network of acquaintances in her new home country and eventually found her community.
Living the Dream: Psychologist and Blogger Suzita Cochran
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | April 9, 2014
Suzita Cochran's decision to choose a “time over money” lifestyle came from her work in psychology, where she learned in-depth what children need to thrive.
Giving Away Your "Declutter" to People Who Want It
Blog | by Dale S. Brown | May 28, 2012
Guest blogger Dale Brown offers tips on thoughtfully giving away things that you don’t need, rather than simply throwing them in the trash.
Helping Your Kids Give Back: 11 Fun Holiday Service Ideas for You and Your Family
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | December 6, 2012
Looking for ways to incorporate volunteering into your holiday season? It might just be your family’s favorite memory this year.
Fostering Connection and Community Through Resilience Circles
Blog | by Luka Carfagna and Emilie Dubois | September 7, 2011
Two Boston graduate students are building community and increasing their personal security through participation in a local Resilience Circle.
The Gift of Connecting with the Past
Blog | 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.
Finding Our Way Out of the Sprawl: An Interview with Mark Valentine
Blog | by Lisa Mastny | September 7, 2011
A sustainability consultant talks about the livability challenges facing U.S. communities today and the glimmers of hope he sees around the country.
How Two Women Followed Their Passions and Became "Green Bag Ladies"
Blog | 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.
Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids
Blog | by Margaret Swink | August 12, 2015
Mindfulness facilitator and mom Laurie Cousins shares some tips for New Dreamers on how to be more mindful.