558 avsnitt • Längd: 30 min • Veckovis: Tisdag
Creating eco-minimalist, non-toxic homes (without the extra work). Although minimalism has experienced a rebirth in recent years, the ”less is more” movement has been around for centuries. Yet today’s minimalist influencers have resurrected minimalism with a decidedly consumerist spin, as modern minimalism is nearly synonymous with decluttering. While there’s a lot of chatter about tidying, it’s radio silence and crickets when it comes to sustainability. The result? Aspiring minimalists find themselves on an endless hamster wheel of buying, decluttering, buying more, and purging again. Overemphasizing decluttering and underemphasizing the reasons why we overbuy in the first place is thoroughly inconsistent with slow living as a movement; consumption without intention is terrible for the planet, too. Your host, Stephanie Seferian, is a stay-at-home/podcast-from-home mom and author who believes that minimalism, eco-friendliness, and non-toxic living are intrinsically intertwined. She’s here to explore the topics of conscious consumerism, sustainability, and environmentally-friendly parenting practices with like-minded women; she’s here, too, to show you how to curate eco-friendly, decluttered homes (without the extra work).
The podcast Sustainable Minimalists is created by Stephanie Seferian. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Women have been targeted for decades with the message that shopping is recreation. It’s a way to relax and unwind, sure, but recreational shopping also contributes to the climate crisis, supports the worst of shareholder capitalism, and creates an awful lot of unnecessary waste.
Enter Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, a hard-hitting new Netflix documentary that forces viewers to look at our waste-related woes. On today’s show producer Flora Bagenal offers a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary’s creation; she also answers your pressing, post-viewing questions.
A note from Stephanie: This episode was recorded before the Los Angeles wildfires. If you're able, please consider donating to one of these organizations.
Here’s a preview:
[7:00] People find it hard to look at waste, and yet the film makes us look. A behind-the-scenes examination all those hard-hitting images
[16:30] Adidas, Amazon, Unilever, and Apple: Here's why the film featured former employees-turned-whistleblowers
[26:00] Corporate execs must show growth, and corporations are on a treadmill of extracting more and more $$ by pushing unnecessary and redundant products. Is not buying an effective act of resistance?
[30:00] Mindset shifts! Quality is a climate issue, and once you press ‘Buy Now’ you become responsible for the item’s end of life
[36:00] Exactly how to Use. Your. Rage!
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Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without a trash can?
Here in the US, we don't think much about what happens to stuff once we're done with it. Indeed, American infrastructure isn't equipped to properly handle waste, and our wonton wastefulness on the cultural level exacerbates the climate crisis.
It's entirely possible to take matters into your own hands by stepping up as a change maker. On today's show activist and author Fredrika Syren suggests tangible ways to treat waste with the reverence it deserves by systematically creating less of it.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Recycling is broken in America, and yet other countries have figured out how to do it right
[17:00] Being a change maker means asking guests to take their trash home with them
[26:30] Exactly how Fredrika saves $18,000 each year thanks to her zero-waste lifestyle
[30:00] Pick a self-sufficient skill and teach yourself! Thoughts on taking your zero-waste efforts up a notch in 2025
Resources mentioned:Does it feel like there’s something hypocritical about New Year’s resolutions? They run counter to the idea that we should accept who we are. That we should give ourselves grace.
Resolutions shouldn’t be so grand that we set ourselves up to fail; they shouldn't attempt to "fix" what we've been told is broken, either ("I should be skinnier! I should make more $$!"). There’s a way to work towards personal development without believing you are deficient, and author Tyler Moore is here to show us how.
Here's a preview:
[10:00] Where can you edit to make the time and space to flourish?
[15:00] Differentiating between becoming the best you can be versus "fixing" what you've been told is broken
[22:00] Clearing mental clutter is an awful lot like decluttering your closet
[27:00] Instead of a New Year's resolution, try 12 monthly 'experiments', instead
[32:00] Why hitching your star to external markers of success rarely works, plus: Don't move the goalpost!
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Have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? While capsule wardrobes are often touted as the singular solution to closet overwhelm, many report that they can be restrictive, boring and, frankly, unrealistic in practice.
A minimalist closet is best served by first identifying the outfits needed to live YOUR unique life. On today's show podcaster Lauren Morley shows us how to streamline our wardrobes, say goodbye to clutter, and feel effortlessly put together every day by focusing less on capsules and more on a 20 outfit wardrobe, instead.
Here's a preview:
[5:30] Identifying exactly where and why capsule wardrobes fall short
[11:00] Why doesn't buying more clothes solve the problems associated with getting dressed? Conversely, why isn't decluttering the singular solution?
[16:00] Say goodbye to capsule wardrobes and hello to your 20 outfit wardrobe
[20:00] Getting to the root of our cultural reverence for bottomless closets
[28:00] The trend cycle is not your friend, so hop off that bandwagon!
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In Scandinavia, daily interaction with nature has helped turn many people into passionate advocates for the environment. But there are forces at play in American society that divide humans from nature. To name just a few? Schools cut recess to make more time for academic instruction, cities boast sprawl over walkability, and our societal reverence for cleanliness prevents many Americans from getting outside and getting a little dirty.
Best-selling author Linda McGurk was born in Sweden and, later, raised her own children in the US. Linda is on the show to highlight the ways in which the two cultures diverge with regard to interacting with and respecting the natural world; she also offers both the encouragement and the how-to to get outside in all weather.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Nature isn't an essential part of childhood here in America. Why not?
[18:00] Not competitive, not motorized, and 3 other ways adults prioritize the open-air life in Scandinavia
[23:00] No such thing as bad weather? What about extreme, climate change-induced weather events?
[28:00] Revisiting our very-American need to be comfortable at all times
[32:00] American schools are slowly eliminating outdoor recess. Here's how to advocate for more outdoor time at your child's school
Resources mentioned:What is the "holiday season", really?
Savvy marketers have inserted gingerbread lattes, blow up lawn decor, and lots of gifts as synonymous with December. But we aren't in some made-up season of buying; instead, we are approaching the Winter Solstice. And when nature is our guide, living seasonally is less about shopping hauls and more about existing in pace with the changing seasons.
In a world where we can buy just about anything, it takes intention to live in alignment with nature. On today's show Bailey Van Tassel offers suggestions for weaving what's outside your front door — not what's in Target! — into your seasonal celebrations.
Here's a preview:
[11:00] Transitioning from commercialized seasonal living to interacting with nature at your feet
[15:00] The ways in which nature's pace complements modern life (if, of course, we allow it)
[19:30] Minimalists, unite! Don't buy more ultra-trendy seasonal stuff; do this instead
[25:00] Slow down your life by making your family traditions crave-able
[33:00] Connections between seasons of a year and seasons of a life
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Denim jeans were once the preferred trouser for cowboys in the American west; some decades later, they became a symbol of rebellion for non-conformist teens. These days jeans are all about comfort and casual style, and the average American woman owns 7 pairs.
And yet blue jeans also happen to have one of fashion's biggest environmental footprints. On today's show Sarene Alsharif reveals the harsh realities associated with jeans production; she also shares practical strategies for transforming this wardrobe staple into a sustainable solution.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] Stone-washed with actual stones? Dyed with carcinogenic dyes? Uncovering your favorite pair's dirty little enviro-secrets
[13:00] Want some stretch? Revisiting our desire for synthetic fibers in our denim
[23:00] The trend cycle = smoke and mirrors
[27:00] It's a marriage not a fling (and other tried-and-true sustainable fashion tips)
[31:00] Stephanie's nihilist thoughts: What happens when collective action matters, and yet the collective isn't doing its part?
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We Americans may indeed be "rich" in material terms, but we suffer from what Mother Teresa calls a poverty of spirit. As we chased economic growth we closed ourselves off. We abandoned interconnectedness with other people, beings, and things. We also abandoned ourselves.
Many of the problems in our world today are visual manifestations of such abandonment. If the world isn't looking the way you want it to look right now, author Jeff Golden argues that solving our (numerous) issues starts by healing our culture-wide poverty of spirit.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Money doesn’t make us happy, and the extent to which we strive for stuff is a manifestation of how unhappy we actually are inside
[8:00] How we feel about ourselves impacts how we show up in the world. How we treat others! Whether we regard other beings with love and respect!
[16:00] Exactly why healing our world (and ourselves!) may indeed start by getting out of our heads
[32:00] Debunking heady intellectual conversations about the importance of the economy, plus: a laundry list of the ways we use stuff as stand-ins for well-being
[38:00] Tangible ways to "drop into yourself" (because you and others deserve it!)
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Many of us shy away from the word 'activist' because the term brings to mind a very specific type of person. But if you're regularly taking action to make the world a better place? Guess what my friend, you're already an activist (yes, really!).
What matters is not the size of the action, nor how vigorous the action is. It's all about consistency. On today's re-air author Omkari Williams helps us find the kind of social justice engagement that feels both empowering *and* sustainable.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Activism isn't just marching and picketing: Here's what micro activism looks like in the day to day
[10:30] Are you a headliner, an organizer, a producer, or an indispensable? How to determine your unique activist archetype
[22:00] The status quo isn't working for the vast majority of us. So where's the passion for change?
[30:00] How to know whether your efforts constitute shallow work or deep work
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Capitalism has transformed the world, sure. But at what cost? (Immense environmental ones, of course.)
Americans, it's high-time we accept that the Golden Age of capitalism is long gone. On today's show: A frank discussion with sustainable finance visionary Kara Perez about insulating ourselves from late-stage capitalism's most damaging effects with individual and collective action.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Money is a tool for change, and yet it's literally something we made up
[11:00] Can we be nickled and dimed even more than we already are? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)
[14:00] A few of the ways in which shareholder capitalism limits society's ability to progress
[22:00] Tangible ways you and I can "change the flow of money"
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Cyberpsychology is an emerging field that examines the ways in which technology influences human behavior. On today's show we discuss what happens to our purchasing habits when psychology, sociology, and 21st century tech collide.
Here's a preview:
[1:30] Who you think you are is influenced by others (hello, looking glass self!)
[8:30] It's human nature to compare and compete: Here's how and why we internalize social media messaging
[16:00] 3 reasons why shoppers feel better when they purchase items that contribute to self-repair
[20:00] 2 ways dopamine and online algorithms work together and entice us to buy
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Our culture is marked by both comparison and overconsumption, and we are constantly urged to hustle for something bigger, better, or more expensive because (supposedly) happiness lies within the next purchase or achievement. But what if the key to living a more satisfied life is to simply slow down and listen to your intuition?
On today's show: A conversation with best-selling author Stephanie O'Dea about breaking free from hustle culture for increased fulfillment, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Doing things out of guilt, obligation, or acceptance versus Simply Looking Only Within (SLOW!)
[12:00] It's a lot easier to sell to people who are unhappy. Enter our preponderance for fast living
[20:00] Is conventional 'success' possible when we are living slow?
[25:00] What to do when you can't hear the voice within because daily life is too fast and too noisy
[27:00] The more social media scrolling, the more disenchantment. And yet we are creatures of comparison ...
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There's no way around it: more stuff means more sedentarism.
Products of convenience move on our behalf, and our kids are moving their bodies less than any other generation in human history. Our culture–and the items the market produces to support our ways of life—dissuade self-sufficiency, and so creating a movement-rich life for our health and for the planet's may often feel like an uphill battle.
This week I speak with author and biomechanist Katy Bowman. Katy offers tangible ways to reclaim the movement opportunities that have been lost to the conveniences associated with modern living.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] The relationship between carbon footprints, pleasure, and movement lost
[16:00] How to become more tolerant of movement in the house
[19:15] Ways to engage kids who don't consider themselves "outdoorsy"
[22:45] Multitasking versus stacking: What's the difference (and why does it matter?)
[25:20] 2 steps listeners can take right now to reclaim movement opportunities that have been lost to convenience
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Water is a finite resource. Freshwater shortages are increasingly striking regions around the globe and, as demand for water rises while supply continues to drop, the price of water will likely skyrocket.
It’s more important than ever to be smart about water. On today's show horticulturist Noelle Johnson offers easy ways to save water and have a beautiful yard — even amongst challenging climatic conditions.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Globally, less rain is falling. And simultaneously the planet is desertifying. What are the consequences?
[11:00] Exactly why rainwater is better for our plants than water from the hose, plus: 3 ways to effectively capture rainwater
[15:00] Did you know you can repurpose gray water in your yard? (I sure didn't!)
[26:00] Musings on lawns
[32:00] 7 ways to use less water in your vegetable garden (hint: raised beds require more water!)
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Many people — and many societies, for that matter — rely on short-sighted quick wins as their Number One go-tos when managing oversized problems. But what works in the short-term likely isn’t best in the long run; worse, such near-sightedness rarely considers its impacts on generations to come.
Enter longpath thinking, a mindset that prioritizes future-conscious thinking and behavior.
On today’s episode I speak with author and futurist Ari Wallach. Ari argues that when we step away from knee-jerk reactions we will both reclaim meaning in our lives and help preserve the planet for future generations. And if making daily decisions by considering their reverberations 500 years from now sounds revolutionary to you, you’re absolutely right. Ari’s on the show to ease the transition to future-consciousness in 3 simple steps.
Here’s a preview:
[2:00] “Future” isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. Here’s why
[4:30] Debunking lifespan biases so as to create a better world for future generations
[6:00] 3 problems associated with short-termism
[11:30] How an understanding of transgenerational empathy encourages us to act on behalf of future generations
[17:00] What doubling down on sandbag strategies means for fulfilling our collective moral obligations
[20:00] 3 ways to start practicing longpath thinking and acting right now
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These days, dry cleaners press shirts, industrialized farms grow monocrops, and factories churn out single-use varieties of (nearly) everything. And when a possession looks a little worn or a little torn? Many Americans trash it and buy new without a second thought.
Life can be simpler, more affordable, and downright sweeter when you do things yourself and maintain what you already own. On today's show: Calling on the timeless wisdom of our great grandparents to re-learn specific, self-sufficient skills for the long haul.
Here's a preview of the skills we are re-learning today:
[5:30] How to season your cast iron skillet
[9:30] How to buy local food every week
[21:00] How to best care for your leather footwear
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Clothing swaps (or toy swaps, or book swaps, or home goods swaps) are a low-stakes way to declutter your closet and acquire new-to-you clothes. These events also happen to be the epitome of communal care and can fundamentally change how others view secondhand items.
Share resources with your neighbors, reduce waste, and get socializing without exchanging money! On today's show 4-time clothing swap host Jess Schroeder divulges her pro secrets to hosting a successful event.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] The price of clothes has dropped dramatically in the last 30 years. Are clothing swaps pointless amidst our cultural reverence for cheap goods?
[13:30] What is it about a swap that's so darn fun?
[19:00] Your questions answered: Exactly how to host a killer clothing swap
[24:00] How to be size inclusive and other pro tips for hosts and guests alike
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Since the dawn of the chemical era more than 300,000 chemicals have been invented, and many are made from oil and natural gas. While some manufactured chemicals have indeed provided benefit (Disinfectants! Antibiotics!), they have also caused great harm. Manufactured chemicals pollute every corner of the planet. They kill bees, fish, and mammals. They nearly destroyed the ozone and, yes, they give us cancer.
Many types of cancer are on the rise in the US, and one explanation for this increase lies in our world of chemicals. On today's show environmental investigative reporter Kristina Marusic identifies the harmful environmental exposures linked to cancer; she also provides a step-by-step roadmap for reducing your cancer risk.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Breaking down exactly what's happening with cancer rates around the world and why
[12:00] The 3 Ps: 3 categories of pollutants that have clear links to childhood cancer
[20:00] Pay special attention to these preventable environmental exposures if you have children
[24:00] Revisiting the personal care product conundrum
[28:00] The harmful environmental exposures you should zero in on at your child's daycare or school
[36:00] In defense of being a loudmouth: You've been given a voice; here's how to best use it
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Our To-Do lists are never-ending, sure. But it's neither realistic nor fair to assume we can excel in every arena.
Enter selective mediocrity, a.k.a. that conscious choice to let some stuff go.
We simply can't do it all, and selective mediocrity enables us to give our whole selves to the tasks and goals that really matter. On today's show: A conversation with Dr. Whitney Casares about *actually* lowering our expectations (not just pretending we lowered them!) and preserving our precious time and energy.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] Feel like you're doing it all? Here are the 9 areas that take up the majority of a woman's time and energy
[9:30] We moms aren't broken. The system is broken!
[21:00] How do you decide when and where to be 'selectively mediocre'?
[24:00] Anxiety loves perfection because anxiety loves control. Musings on being OK with letting some things go
[28:00] Women have been conditioned to put others' needs ahead of their own. Time to enact self-boundaries!
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Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be
A recent study finds Americans are spending notably more time at home, and it's not wholly the pandemic's fault. Thank technology: For the last 20 years Americans have slowly traded their social institutions — like churches and clubs — for isolation.
Have we forgotten how to be social creatures? On today's show: A conversation with journalist Rosie Spinks about concrete ways to rebuild your proverbial village.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Counting the ways in which the pandemic hastened a cultural shift toward isolation already in progress
[9:00] You don't need friends; you need 50 people
[16:00] Be the person who asks twice!
[24:00] The quiet genius of enacting place-based rituals
[31:00] Reminder! Canceling is not a form of self-care
[35:00] Are your social efforts rarely reciprocated? Enact this 3-second mindset shift
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Life is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.
Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today's show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention
[9:30] The paradox of choice, plus: Why many of us rarely go after our first choice
[16:00] Words of encouragement for listeners who examine their life and don't like what they see
[21:00] Using your unique "core competencies" as organizing principles when editing your life
[27:00] Editing for generosity: How to edit your narrative to benefit the collective
[33:00] Elisabeth and Stephanie's thoughts on enjoying life despite the world's messiness
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The US hails consumption as a patriotic duty. But refraining from buying isn't a punishment, and practicing a bit of self-control both resets our hedonistic baseline and re-centers our behaviors around moderation.
It's paradoxical but true: Imposing temporary limits ultimately sets you free. On today's show author John Oakes discusses the numerous benefits associated with fasting from food, from spending, and everything in between.
Here's a preview:
[9:00] What do ancient philosophers have to say about self-control, holding back, and managing desires?
[13:00] Musings on why it's important to put limits on ourselves even though our economy thrives when we consume without limits
[25:00] We can do hard things! The personal benefits associated with embarking on a challenge and accomplishing it
[29:00] Is overconsumption contributing to our nationwide 'modern malaise'?
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Big tech trains kids to become consumers from … well, birth.
Child-targeted marketing is cringe-worthy at best and unethical at worst. It also undermines children’s healthy development because it robs them of opportunities to play, imagine, and learn freely without manipulation.
Today I speak with Dr. Susan Linn about the ways in which technology exploits children (and what we can do about it at home).
(The podcast is approaching its 500th episode and in celebration I'm re-airing my Top 5 favorite episodes of all time. Here's #5.)
Here’s a preview:
[3:30] Brand loyalty? How media corporations exploit our children for profit
[6:30] Societal implications associated with perpetually up-selling to kids
[11:30] The ways in which big tech manipulates children into bonding with their devices
[17:00] A good, hard look: Addressing our collective preoccupation with technology
[28:00] Thoughts on breaking an older child’s screen addiction
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The Japanese argue that we each have three faces. The first is your idealized, near-perfect version; it's also the mask you present to the world. You reveal your second face selectively to very close friends and family, and you keep your third face — your true self — hidden from everyone (including, perhaps, yourself).
Our first mask conveys self-assuredness. Of being happy, put together, and in charge. But beneath our masks, we are messy creatures. We may even be living in deep emotional pain. On today's show: A conversation with author Jarod K. Anderson about removing our masks, being vulnerable, and boldly accepting our authentic, messy selves.
* A note from Stephanie: The future of this show is uncertain, and it needs hundreds (hundreds!) more supporters to stay afloat. If you find yourself thinking about the world differently after listening, please consider supporting the show with $5 per month or $45 per year. Thank you for doing your part to keep Sustainable Minimalists in existence! https://sustainableminimalists.substack.com
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Shoulds, musts, and our cultural love of billable productivity
[10:00] Jarod's thoughts on why we tend to turn to external validation and societally-approved markers to enhance self-esteem
[13:00] The toxic myth that is 'rugged individualism'
[18:00] Exactly why vulnerability is terrifying but essential
[25:00] How to view the natural world as a medicinal anchor that accepts us just as we are
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Want to be "up to date" with your wardrobe choices? Fashion forwardness understands that the textile industry is incredibly polluting; having your finger on the fashion pulse, then, is about consciously choosing not to participate in trends.
And yet we somehow must dress ourselves. While fast fashion is quite literally made to fall apart, wearing what we wore decades ago isn't a good look. So what on earth is a sustainable minimalist to do?
On today's show: How to mindfully refresh your wardrobe with tips straight from experts.
* A note from Stephanie: The future of this show is uncertain, and it needs hundreds (hundreds!) more supporters to stay afloat. If you find yourself thinking about the world differently after listening, please consider supporting the show with $5 per month or $45 per year. Thank you for doing your part to keep Sustainable Minimalists in existence! https://sustainableminimalists.substack.com
Here's a preview of the expert-backed techniques we are discussing today:
[8:30] All Killer, No Filler! Stop settling for garments that are "good enough"
[17:00] Adapt, Don't Abandon: How to pair an outdated item with something that's on trend
[24:00] Refine your style with The 3-Word Method
[26:00] Raise the dead! (A.K.A. bring back to life high-quality, foundational pieces)
[31:00] When all else fails, consider a uniform
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More free time and less stress. Extra money in the bank. While minimalists often report such benefits of the lifestyle over and over, for many of us, it goes deeper. Indeed, a minimalist lifestyle may fundamentally change the way we interact with the world.
As this podcast approaches its 500th episode I find myself curious about the ways in which adopting a minimalist or minimal-ish outlook has altered the ways in which we as community act and think.
On today's show: A conversation with minimalist Elaina Jindra about just some of the ways her life is different these days.
Here's a preview of the minimalism-inspired habit changes we are discussing today:
[8:00] Watching less television and turning away from mass media
[14:00] Buying in bulk, no more
[19:00] Storing it at the store? Sure. Plus: Storing it at Goodwill!
[22:00] Eating healthier and drinking less alcohol
[25:00] Stepping into the role of 'creator' while losing the identity of 'consumer'
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Just because a product is marketed to babies or kids doesn't mean it's safe, and new research published just last week has alarming things to say about the presence of phthalates in personal care products for children.
While minimalists know that excess stuff harms our emotional well-being and mental loads, *sustainable* minimalists understand that products can harm our physical health. On today's show: Applying the tenets of sustainable minimalism to the hair and skin products our children use each day.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] If phthalates make plastics flexible and bendy, what on earth are they doing in personal care products?
[10:00] Don't see the term 'phthalate' on a product's ingredients list? That doesn't mean it's phthalate-free!
[13:00] Are phthalates the reason why our daughters are getting their periods younger and younger?
[19:00] No 10-step skincare regimen to see here: Here's a 5-step cleanup regimen for your household
[25:00] Musings on the tween and teen skincare beauty craze
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Products mentioned on today's show:
Meal planning and prepping, laundry, and taking out the trash: These non-negotiable household tasks are never truly "done". And because it's impossible to get ahead of these mundane chores, they are likely the reason you feel like you’re always busy but never accomplish anything.
The bad news? Non-negotiables are a part of adulting. The good news? Streamlining such chores with a reduces the time and mental load associated with getting them done.
On today's show: How to streamline meal planning *for the rest of your life* in under an hour.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] Breaking down exactly how much extra you're paying for meal kits
[12:00] How to create a 28-day meal plan so you never have to meal plan again
[16:00] Take it a step further with one-and-done and done grocery lists
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American culture is heavily influenced by a “rise and grind” reverence for hustling, and many of us have adopted the belief that sleep is a waste of time. When we dismiss the importance of sleep, we have more time to work harder and longer. And when we have more money in our pockets, what we are really doing is keeping our capitalist engines turning.
Contrary to what you've been told, sleep is not time wasted. On today's show: The Number One way to improve your health, wellness, and quality of life without spending any money at all (ahem ... prioritizing sleep).
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Rise and grind culture promotes sleep deprivation!
[9:00] What happens when we sleep? Hop on a metaphorical submarine and explore the Sleep Sea
[15:00] A laundry list of bad sleep's deleterious health and wellness effects
[21:00] In your 40s or 50s? You especially need to prioritize sleep, and here's why
[29:00] 6 research-backed ways to prioritize sleep every darn night
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We humans are evolutionarily primed to live in concert with the natural world, but these days Americans spend over 92% of time either indoors or inside a vehicle. The result? Stress, inflammation and — for some of us — a pervasive sense of malaise.
American culture is designed to keep us indoors because capitalist engines make money when we are distracted, and yet cutting-edge science supports the reality that life on this planet is radically interconnected. On today's show author Lyanda Lynn Haupt introduces the concept of rooted living to benefit of both humans and nature.
Here's a preview:
[11:00] Nature provides connection, and yet 21st century life vilifies the outdoors
[16:00] Exactly why our capitalist engines benefit when we live indoors lives
[22:00] Musings on our collected extractive mindset, plus: how roots are the antidote
[28:00] Lyanda's Number One tip for re-rooting yourself and your children (It's a good one!)
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A product needs to fit into someone’s life seamlessly in order for it to be bought, and it’s the job of the advertiser to show exactly how the item in question will fit into a life. On today's show: 5 crucial insights advertisers know about us (that we perhaps don't know about ourselves).
Here's a preview:
[1:00] Examining our clutter problem through metaphor (bathtub, baby!)
[9:00] Selling isn't about emotion; it's about seduction
[13:00] We humans are animals, and animals are evolutionarily primed to heed warnings
[15:00] Curiosity versus urgency: Both emotional states convert!
[21:00] How companies slowly but surely increase market share, plus: here's what happens when a product differentiates itself on eco-friendliness
[26:00] Insider advertising works!
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The Hidden Clutter Creator Right Under Your Nose (via Your House Machine on Substack)
One football field's-worth of forest is lost every single second of every single day. Loss of forests means loss of species and loss of stored carbon; it also means an increased risk of pandemics.
On today's show: Explaining the ways in which deforestation is linked to the pandemic prevalence, with tangible action steps for conscious consumers.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] It's not *just* about timber; it's about livestock, soy, and palm oil too
[12:30] Exactly what happens when we raze forests and the generalists (ahem ... the rats, the mosquitos) march in
[26:00] Breaking down the differences between the 3 Forest Stewardship Council certifications
[29:00] Revisiting the palm oil problem
[32:00] The industrialized food system is broken, and it pays to shorten your personal food chain
Resources mentioned:
Parenthood is awash with immense pressure to do right by our kids. We are told that children need certain (expensive) experiences to 'get ahead', and many of us observe our parenting peers investing in countless extracurriculars. But children need downtime, and recent research suggests that children should experience twice as much unstructured time as structured enrichment.
On today's show podcaster Kathryn Garland and I discuss how to find the structured, extracurricular sweet spot for your family.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Scheduling rule #1: Family First (not Kid First!)
[15:00] When dabblers don't fit into a world of specializers
[22:00] Musings on extracurriculars, the 'rat race' and getting ahead
[26:00] Start with the end in mind (and other tips for finding the extracurriculars sweet spot)
[31:00] Words of encouragement for leaning into the quiet and into the slow
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‘Tis the season for back-to-school door busters, price slashes, and closeouts. On today’s re-air: How to reduce clutter, save money, and help the planet by shopping for back-to-school with greater intention.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Let’s pull back the curtain on back-to-school marketing, shall we?
[11:00] Here’s what it actually means (and what it actually looks like!) to shop your own home
[18:30] Revisiting the kids’ capsule conversation
[26:00] Thoughts on teacher wishlists (from a former teacher)
Resources mentioned:
Welcome to Back To School Week 2024!
In many homes, back to school season means back to packing lunchboxes. It's a stress-inducing chore, sure, as many parents find it difficult to think up new, creative lunch ideas that are actually healthy (and will actually get eaten!).
On today's show registered dietician nutritionist Megan McNamee offers up her tried and true lunchbox formula; she also suggests simple lunch ideas that will make prepping lunches a breeze.
Stay tuned for Thursday's Back To School episode about acquiring school supplies, clothes, and gear like a sustainable minimalist.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Is there anything "wrong" with school lunches?
[8:00] Pack when your kitchen is open! (And other practical ways to make lunchbox packing easier)
[13:00] Add balance and variety by following Megan's Lunch Formula
[20:00] Lunchbox ideas you've never heard of before
[26:00] Must lunchboxes have a dessert?
[33:00] How to best use after school snack time as a sneaky way to supplement your child's diet
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Scientists have found unsettling details about the potential health risks of common household cleaning products. And yet Big Cleaning capitalizes on fear of germs, bacteria, and disease to sell us home cleansers with traditional chemical compounds on the regular.
It behooves us to ask ourselves whether the ways things have always been done align with our own values. On today's show Zac Kieffer argues it's high-time we redefine what it means to clean.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Three reasons why it's important to perpetually question the way we clean and disinfect
[8:00] Are you disinfecting correctly? (Answer: Probably not.)
[16:00] Ammonia! 2-Butoxyethanol! BACs! Here's what cleaning companies don't want you to know about the (very powerful) chemical compounds in traditional cleansers
[21:00] Big Cleaning and fear-based marketing
[28:00] Does microfiber = microplastics?
Resources mentioned:
If you're like me, you're likely dealing with constant, low-grade clutter situations, and that's because once a purchase is made, the item is ours to maintain, manage, and store. Sadly, consumerism never talks about the negative wellness effects of buying (I'm looking at you, cortisol!).
If clutter keeps piling up despite your best efforts, my guest today argues that it's time to dig deeper. Not deeper into the piles, of course. Deeper into yourSELF.
On today's show professional organizer Jenny Albertini argues that decluttering is an act of self-care; it can also become a habit that enhances wellness. Put this episode on while you tackle an oft-forgotten space in your home and get to work!
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Why do we clutter?
[5:30] Breaking down the bidirectional exchange between clutter and wellness
[12:00] Our personal thresholds for clutter tolerance ebb and flow throughout life (and that's totally normal)
[24:00] Tangible ways to stop the many clutter streams coming into our homes
[27:00] Thoughts on right-sizing other people's gifts and hand-me-downs with our own space confines
[31:30] The quiet genius of the "Someday Maybe" technique
Resources mentioned:
Thanks to E-Cloth for being the feature sponsor of this episode! Use my code "Minimalists15" for 15% off sitewide: https://us.e-cloth.com/
In our hyper-capitalist society, it's often implied that the only things worth savoring are the really fancy, really shiny, really new, and really exotic. Let's push back against that narrative by finding the glimmers, also known as those simple moments of pleasure that pop up during our days.
We minimalists already know that it's in the small things that beauty lies. On today's show: Research-backed ways to spot life's glimmers and reap the most joy possible from every instance.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Glimmers are all around us all the time. Are you paying attention?
[16:00] Savoring offers many wellness benefits. One of them? It's an active way to fight back against our innate negativity bias
[26:00] Introducing savoring's evil cousin, dampening (plus: how to stop it right this second)
[32:00] Add in some effort! Determine a glimmer in your life and get optimizing
[37:00] Downtime is a necessary part of life (it's also a time when we are most available to catch the glimmers)
[42:00] Say it loud and say it proud! Verbalize the simple pleasures as a means of extending and expanding the pleasure
Resources mentioned:
We talk an awful lot about "climate science" and "what climate scientists predict" on this podcast. Today, I'm talking to one of them.
What exactly are the next 100 years likely going to look like for humans? What needs to happen for the US to mobilize for real? On today's show: A conversation with Michael Barnard about climate solutions, with an emphasis on that pesky air conditioning problem.
Here's a preview:
[9:00] When it comes to cooling the planet, here's why my guest is "cautiously optimistic" despite the impending "ugly process"
[14:00] Why climate change must first become impossible to ignore
[20:00] The hotter it gets, the cooler we need our homes to be. And yet cooling our homes demands energy, which heats the planet more
[27:00] Do we need to worry about mass electric grid failures in summer months?
[32:00] Exactly why heat pumps are our collective heating and cooling future
Resources mentioned:
Thanks to E-Cloth for being the feature sponsor of this episode! Use code "Minimalists15" for 15% off sitewide: https://us.e-cloth.com/
When it comes to environmental concerns, there's certainly plenty to worry about at the moment. Whether you and your family is eating microplastics on the regular may not be your list of top concerns.
But it’s an important topic to cover. While the health effects of microplastics on humans are not fully understood, common sense measures that reduce our exposures to both the plastic itself and also the endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are on and in such particles are certainly prudent. On today's show: How to eat, drink, and inhale fewer microplastics as you go about your days.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Synthesizing the latest research into the effects of microplastics on human health
[11:00] Stop eating microplastics! 3 practical action steps in the kitchen
[27:00] Inhalation and absorption matters: Why vacuuming and dusting helps
[35:00] 3 (super easy) ways to reduce your plastics exposure when you're out and about
Resources mentioned:
In 1901, American families spent 20% of their income on non-necessities. But 123 years later? These days that figure has risen to 50%. Many of us spend hard-earned money in hopes of acquiring things that money can't buy, and the result? Nearly 3 and 4 of Americans identify finances as a top stressor in their lives.
Marketers have created consumer desire, sure, but it's entirely possible to spend in alignment with your values. In a world of disposable incomes, global warming, and far too much cortisol, we need values-based spending now more than ever, because spending on your core values benefits your wallet, your sanity, and the planet all at once.
On today's show author Jill Sirianni encourages us to drill down our core values so we spend less, save more, and recenter our lives around what's actually important.
Here's a preview:
[8:30] The Number One reason not to buy to solve your problems (It rarely works!)
[15:00] Faith, Family, Friends, and Fulfilling work: Identifying core values and the Four Fs
[18:00] It's not deprivation, but it could be sacrifice ... How does self-care fit into the values-based spending conversation?
[26:00] Nailing down your values and curb impulse spending for good
Resources mentioned:
Thanks to E-Cloth for being the feature sponsor of this episode! Use my code "Minimalists15" for 15% off sitewide at: https://us.e-cloth.com/
Once upon a time (oh, about 175 years ago) we were epic creators. Human hands made things, grew things, built things, and even invented things on the regular. But these days? By and large, we identify as consumers, and our hands are mostly used for typing and swiping.
And yet, when we consume too much, many of us experience stress, anxiety, and depression. We know it because we're living it: Our possessions can possess us.
If we create more, we may very likely consume less. On today's show: Moving the needle of contentment away from over-consumption back to self-sufficiency by highlighting what research has to say about the wellness benefits associated with using our hands to create.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Exactly when and how did we lost our collective abilities to create (Here's lookin' at you, mail-order catalog)
[9:30] Our hands are marvels. Marvels, I say!
[15:00] Crafting is good for you, so pick up those knitting needles, woodworking tools, or art supplies
[20:00] In defense of active leisure (and I do mean active!)
[24:00] Puzzles, board games, and the wellness benefits associated with "supercharged socializing"
Resources mentioned:
Tomatoes, green beans, peaches, and so much more: Our great-grandmas knew a thing or two about food preservation, and yet these days few of us can. It's a time- and labor-intensive practice, sure. But it's also a self-sufficient life skill.
Whether you grow some or all of your own food or seek out bargains at the store and farmers' market, canning the season's bounty means you'll be eating well all year round. You'll also be participating in a nearly waste-free practice (no plastic to see here!).
Back to our great-grandmas for a hot minute: They infused love in every jar, and so can you. On today's show author Sarah Thrush invites us to go back to food preservation basics with advice on how to integrate canning into a self-sufficient, money-saving, and sustainable lifestyle.
Here's a preview:
[10:00] Say it loud, say it proud: There's no self-sufficiency without community!
[15:00] The #1 Rule of canning, plus: why it's super important to start small
[19:0o] The One Week, One Month, One Year principle: Here's exactly how Sarah keeps enough food on hand to feed her family for an entire year
[25:00] Troubleshooting the most common canning conundrums
[33:00] Take it outside and make it a party! The benefits to canning outside with your family
Thanks to E-Cloth for being the feature sponsor of this episode! Use code "Minimalists15" for 15% off sitewide: https://us.e-cloth.com/
Resources mentioned:
Does it sometimes feel as though the passive act of being alive is too expensive and too difficult? You're not alone: Many scholars argue that late stage capitalism is what happens when everything (literally everything!) is commodified. Existing feels unnecessarily hard, too.
There IS good news: Surviving (and perhaps even thriving!) in a late stage capitalist society is possible. On today's show Laura Oldanie shows us exactly how to sur-thrive, with 6 actionable steps.
Here's a preview of the strategies we're discussing today:
[15:00] Pay attention to when and how you're influenced
[17:00] Think of yourself less as a consumer and more as producer
[21:00] Use your attention capital wisely
[27:00] Embrace different forms of currency (free time, perhaps?)
[35:00] Reduce unnecessary consumption and get off that capitalist hamster wheel, for good
Resources mentioned:
Despite our massive financial and material gains, happiness in the US has been in a consistent state of decline since at least the 1940s.
The research is clear: Materialism is toxic to human happiness. On today's show author Jeff Golden suggests practical ways to nourish in our lives the things that can help us live well (while simultaneously avoiding the hooks of money and stuff).
Here's a preview:
[5:30] We live amidst unimaginable wealth, yet we are unhappier than ever before. Here's why
[10:00] Materialism is toxic to happiness, and not for the reasons you think
[16:00] Exactly why you should choose your neighborhood wisely
[22:00] Want to be happier? Don't put your effort into amassing stuff; put it here instead
[30:00] Are we overly concerned about owning stuff so that we don't have to face our internal lacks?
For so many of us, day in and day out home maintenance feels like a gigantic weight on our shoulders. And because conventional gender roles pervade, matters of the home often continue to be one (wo)man's burden.
Decluttering, tidying, organizing, and cleaning, oh my! On today's show: A conversation with professional organizer Sona Avetisyan about getting our partners and our children to pitch in.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] What is it about clutter that's so triggering for women?
[10:00] Status quo fallback prevention 101
[13:00] Sick of nagging? Here's what works when I need my kids to help the heck out
[18:00] Let's talk partners! Musings on what to do when your partner can't/won't pitch in
[28:00] In defense of bringing playfulness back into our closest relationships (It's not that deep!)
When we buy something, it's not necessarily about the *thing*. Oftentimes we are buying into a story about ourselves; namely, what we simply must fix as we seek to get one step closer to our aspirational, in-a-perfect-world self.
Important truth time: You are not a perpetual self-improvement project, and no product can fix what was never broken in the first place. On today's show: A conversation with author Cait Flanders about why she broke up with self-help content and flaws-first marketing messages (and why, too, she never looked back).
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Buying stuff to escape your feelings? (Me too.)
[10:00] The "there's something wrong with you" messaging starts in childhood, my friends
[13:00] Where's the line between prioritizing self-growth versus living in that perpetually sad place of 'less than'?
[20:00] Here's how your life may change if you stopped spending $$ on products to fix what you've been told is broken
[26:00] Musings on letting go of our aspirational selves once and for all
Resources mentioned:
Americans spend about 21 hours per day inside. On the whole, we are also more depressed and anxious than ever before.
Many of us have been trained to seek out commodified services to unwind (I'm looking at you, #selfcare!). But what if a potential solution cost zero dollars and offered zero risk?
On today's show: An invitation to welcome nature back into your life, with 5.5 novel suggestions that are backed by science.
Here's a preview:
[9:00] Walk barefoot! (Around your yard, at least)
[14:00] Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, camping edition
[20:00] We don't have to optimize every second. Here's how to wander like a boss in a wild space
[26:00] Get your hands dirty
[34:00] 2 hours per week outdoors offers a laundry list of benefits, so move your favorite activities outside
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Hyper-capitalism — also called late-stage capitalism — is what happens when material resources, lifestyle activities, and everything in between becomes both commodified and consumable. In hyper-capitalistic economies, products get invented that no one needs or wants. Celebrities are revered like gods. Inequity is everywhere, and citizens internalize the idea that their worth is measured by some mysterious combination of career success and amassed material goods.
Many argue that the United States has entered its hyper-capitalist era, as Americans report that the relentless demands of trying to keep up results in working longer hours, increasing loneliness, and lowered life satisfaction.
On today's show: A conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kirsten Powers about the ways in which Americans are experiencing the effects of hyper-capitalism in real time.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] A laundry list of hyper-capitalism's consequences in 2024
[11:00] Europe doesn't consume way America does. They're not as lonely, either
[15:00] Taking a good, hard look at our disordered American beliefs
[19:00] Implications associated with celebrity worship
[26:00] Pay for what you get? Not in this case! Debunking the privatized healthcare myth
[33:00] Musings on nationwide learned helplessness
There's plenty of distressing research into what smartphones are doing to adults' attention spans, focus, and memory. And on child/teen development? Emerging research is even more alarming.
We are change makers, and change making means making difficult decisions, having difficult conversations, and going against the grain. On today's show: Why we need to (yet again!) rethink our approach to technology and delay the age at which we give our children access to smartphones.
Here's a preview:
[8:30] 57% of Americans report being "addicted" to their smartphones. Are you one of them?
[11:30] Smartphone addiction isn't your fault! Here's exactly how social media keeps your attention so they make more $$
[17:30] How to declutter your cell phone like a boss
[26:00] What recent research says with regard to the impacts of smartphones on children's/teens' wellness
[37:00] 5 reasons parents say they're pulled to give their child a smartphone, plus alternative solutions!
[43:00] Individual actions impact the collective. How to make delaying the smartphone a staple in your community
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Want to feel calmer and happier? You don't have to shell out hundreds of dollars for the newest wellness product or service. In fact, the solution doesn't cost a cent: simply get in touch with your breathing.
Breath is an amazing and responsive teacher. That's because if we breathe as we live — take in and let go — we can't go wrong.
On today's show: An invitation to meet yourself with author Jean Hall.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] The breath underpins everything we do in life, and yet we rarely bring awareness to it. Why not?
[10:00] 5 wellness benefits re: paying attention to your breathing patterns
[25:00] Exploring the pause changes everything
[29:00] Flowing with the breath is great practice for learning how to flow with life
Resources mentioned:
From phone calls to blind dates to punctuation to civil discourse, the internet has changed every aspect of human life. While some losses are insignificant, the rise of the internet has also resulted in larger repercussions, like shorter attention spans, a collective inability to sit in solitude, and the the utter demolition of personal privacy.
On today's show: A conversation with author and New York Times columnist Pamela Paul about the ways in which the internet has fundamentally changed human existence.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Do humans need to experience boredom once in awhile? (Absolutely yes, and here's why)
[14:00] Not-so-thanks to the internet, the past no longer stays in the past
[20:00] The hive mind and queen bees: Does the internet hamper independent thought?
[27:00] Parenting implications associated with the loss of the kitchen landline
[35:00] Ruminating on the disappearance of the phone call
Resource mentioned:
I received an email last month from two Dutchmen who have been sailing around the world for 8 years in search of climate solutions. They asked to visit my home and chat. I obliged, and I'm so happy I did.
On today's show: an in-person interview with Floris van Hees and Ivar Smits — also affectionately known as Sailors For Sustainability — about the wisdom they've gained from their adventure.
Here's a preview of 4 pieces of wisdom we are discussing today:
[7:00] Leaving the "golden cage" is big risk, sure. But there's also big reward
[16:00] America isn't normal!
[22:00] Bad news sells, but there's plenty of good going on in the world because humans are incredibly adaptable
[43:00] When the smoke in the global theater thickens, the exit signs will shine brighter
Before aluminum coated in Teflon, there was cast iron.
Our great-grandparents revered cast iron in the kitchen because it lasts *forever*. And with proper care? It's naturally non-stick, no PFAS necessary.
These days cast iron is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, and for many good reasons. On today's show cast iron historian Kyle Seip answers our burning questions about how to cook on and care for our beloved cast iron cookware (it's way easier than you think!).
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Before aluminum, it was iron: A brief cast iron history
[11:00] What a price tag says about new and vintage cast iron pieces
[13:00] Getting to the bottom of the confusing health claims
[18:00] How do you clean cast iron? Is soap OK?
[22:00] When to use enamel-coated cast iron (hey there, Le Creuset!) versus when reach for traditional
[25:00] Everything you need to know about seasoning your cast iron (spoiler alert: you don't need to do much!)
[27:00] Troubleshooting a rusty skillet
Resources mentioned:
Is the glass half empty, or is it half full? According to Tony Robbins, trading your expectations for appreciation instantly changes everything. Psychological research agrees: Gratitude has the power to improve every single aspect of your life.
On today's show: how to truly feel gratitude for your stuff and people.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Want to be 18% happier? It's as easy as putting on a new pair of glasses, metaphorically speaking
[10:00] HABITUATION! Our brains are primed to forget why certain stuff and people are important
[19:00] Say it with me: Stuff doesn't create gratitude! 3 tips for feeling grateful for what you already own
[28:00] We expect way too much from our partners. Let's fix that together
[35:00] Feeling less than grateful for the people in your life? That's normal (there's also a simple antidote)
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Packaged foods (obviously) have ingredients lists. Our favorite beauty products have ingredients lists. And those cleaning products under the kitchen sink? Yup, they've got ingredients lists, too.
Ever wonder why our clothes don't have ingredients lists? While we'd *like* to think our favorite garments are made of woven fibers and nothing more, the sad truth is there are countless unregulated chemicals in our closet go-tos (and these chemicals are likely harming our health).
On today's show investigative journalist Alden Wicker explains why synthetic fashion and dyes made from fossil fuels are so deeply intertwined with the rise of autoimmune disease, infertility, asthma, eczema, and more; she also suggests concrete action steps for curating a clean(er) closet.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] Uncovering the chemicals in our clothes and what they're doing to our health
[10:30] Taking a special look at the especially problematic petrochemical-based azo dyes (often used on petrochemical-based fibers)
[17:00] If all this stuff is in our clothing, why don't garments have ingredients lists?
[22:00] Carter's, Victoria's Secret, and victim body blaming
[31:00] Why 'organic' doesn't mean much when it comes to clothing
[36:00] For subscribers! Action steps for curating a clean(er) closet
Resources mentioned:
Modern life panders to our innate desire to be sedentary, and never has it been more difficult to resist the alluring convenience of screens.
Yet walking matters. On today's show author Annabel Abbs-Streets suggests tangible ways to attain the full range of benefits that walking has to offer — physical, emotional, and spiritual — that's backed by latest research.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] A laundry list of all the physiological benefits of walking and hiking for movement (get ready to be blown away)
[11:00] Why it's important to walk with our eyes, plus: the mental health benefits associated with panoramic vision
[16:00] Want more calm in your life? Research finds that these very specific nature sounds matter
[21:00] Terpenes, baby! Large trees offer us these psychological and physiological benefits
[25:00] Don't shy away from that mud puddle. Soil microbes matter!
[30:00] How to best optimize your daily walk for health and wellness benefits
The environmental news headlines you need to know for Friday, May 10 2024:
[00:30] Fish are shrinking around the world and no one knows why
[4:00] Have a gas stove? Here's another thing to worry about
[7:00] Exactly how green initiatives push some voters to the far right
[11:30] A Sriracha shortage has climate change to blame
[15:00] Climate change raises the risks of another pandemic, and here's why
While fresh fruits and vegetables are irreplaceable parts of a healthy diet, pesticides aren't benign. Sadly, many of our favorite produce items carry unhealthy levels of pesticides, and each one comes with its own unique risk profile.
On today's show: A comprehensive review of the most recent research into pesticides in produce.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Not all pesticides are the same, and different pesticides have different risk profiles
[10:00] DDT, bald eagles, Silent Spring, and America's history with pesticides
[19:00] Stephanie's thoughts on the EWG's Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen
[25:00] Are the EPA's maximum residue limits too high?
[30:00] ** You need to know about these countries with organic reciprocity!
[34:00] Does peeling help? How should we best wash conventional produce?
[38:00] For subscribers! 6 concrete action steps for informed consumers
Resources mentioned:
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We know climate change is expensive, but how expensive is it really?
A new analysis finds that beyond its effects on the broader economy, rising temperatures seriously hurt our personal finances. On today's show: A conversation with Alexandra Grose about what happens when climate change reduces lifetime income and simultaneously raises prices on ... well, everything.
Resource mentioned:
Climate Change Could Cost Each American Born Today $500,000 (via Consumer Reports)
The environmental news headlines you need to know for Friday, May 3 2024:
[1:30] Newly released documents and Big Oil's secret climate strategy
[7:00] Here's what Patagonia's doing with all its profits
[13:00] Therapists are trading the couch for the great outdoors, and here's why
[16:00] Sea levels are rising in the US coastal South faster than anywhere else on Earth
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Something semi-sad happens as we age: We lose our nimbleness. So many of us white-knuckle grip long-held habits and beliefs and thus fail to question whether such routines and ideas are working in our best interests. Worse, such rigidity goes directly against our "factory settings" as human beings: As a species, we fully live when we prioritize resilience, light-footedness, and fearlessness. (Don't believe me? Just observe a child!)
On today's show: embracing fresh starts, prioritizing roads less travelled, and unpacking pressures associated with cultural uniformity with author and podcaster Shannon Leyko.
Here's a preview:
[14:00] How to lean into tension by taking "messy action"
[18:00] It's not *just* about trying a new hobby; it's about resiliency. Self-efficacy, too!
[23:00] Timelines are rarely linear, and "starting over" isn't starting back at square one
[30:00] Common struggles associated with living unconventionally in a conventional world
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Many corporations are hopping on the sustainability bandwagon these days, but it's not for altruistic reasons. It's likely due to the green premium: because eco-friendly products cost more, business owners see an opportunity for increased revenue.
The result? Greenwashed products abound (And guess what? You're likely paying *extra* for a product that isn't at all eco-conscious!).
On today's show Aidan Riehl offers advanced tips for avoiding greenwashing in today's ever-changing market.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] Some questions to ask: Is this eco-friendly product owned by a conglomerate? Is this one product the *only* eco-conscious product in their product line?
[9:30] Getting to the bottom of "biodegradable" claims once and for all
[16:30] Should we look for pre-consumer or post-consumer recycled plastics?
[19:00] Laundry sheets and dishwasher pods! Is polyvinyl alcohol actually benign?
[22:00] So many pledges, so little action
[25:00] Steph's tips to spot greenwashing in influencer marketing
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The environmental news headlines you need to know for Friday, April 26 2024:
[00:30] The world's biggest plastic polluters revealed
[2:30] Biden limits oil drilling in the Alaskan arctic (it's also an election year)
[5:00] One of the worst coral bleaching events happening right now in the Great Barrier Reef
[8:00] Nearly 2 in 5 Americans live in a place with unhealthy or hazardous air. Are you one of them?
[12:00] Can cloning be a legitimate solution to species extinction?
Resource mentioned:
One million species face extinction, U.N. report says. And humans will suffer as a result. (via WaPo)
We Homo Sapiens are notorious for avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. In fact, we have transformed the planet from a place of scarcity to a place of overwhelming abundance, with ample opportunities to flood our brains with dopamine at every turn.
But over-consuming has consequences: Exposure to prolonged and repeated pleasurable stimuli decreases our capacity to tolerate pain and increases our threshold for experiencing pleasure.
On today's show: Resetting your neural set point to make dopamine work FOR you, not against you.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Here's exactly why our brains aren't designed to work optimally in our 2024 world of pleasure
[7:00] Measuring the dopamine-induced addictive potential of various foods, habits, and drugs
[10:00] What goes up must come down: Here's what opponent process theory means for you and your brain
[14:00] Quantifying leisure time from the Civil War to present day
[24:00] Dopamine fasts work! Here's how to recalibrate your brain
[28:00] How to best lean into a bit of pain (and why you may want to)
Resources mentioned:
Last year was the hottest year on record, so it's safe to say that Earth Day as we traditionally celebrate isn't working.
On today's show I suggest what I believe is the antidote to the climate crisis (and I'm willing to bet you won't be able to guess what it is!).
Here's a preview:
[3:45] The Big 5: We know what we should do environment-wise, so why aren't we doing it?
[7:15] Communal care is anti-capitalist, and that's really darn important
[16:30] Here's what research finds re: the relationship between collectivist culture and pro-environmental behaviors
[24:00] If the problem is disconnection, is the solution as simple as authentic reconnection?
[34:00] It's actually not hard at all to pivot from the conventional, negative feedback loop we find ourselves currently in
Reminder! Our hands can do more than type and text. In fact, they can grow things.
On today's show — and in honor of National Gardening Day! — permaculture expert Kareen Erbe lists countless tangible and intangible benefits associated with active participation in your local growing community; she also offers practical suggestions for getting off our screens and reengaging with the natural world.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Industrializing our food systems has benefits, sure. But in doing so, what have we sacrificed?
[19:00] Industrial agriculture is the problem, but agriculture is also the solution
[23:00] Don't want to grow anything? You don't have to! Here's how to best invest in your *local* food systems
[27:00] It's not that local, organic food is so expensive; it's that corporate, industrialized food is too cheap
[31:00] The 5 S-es: Scalable tips for newbie growers
[35:00] Kids who grow kale eat kale!
Resources mentioned:
Identifying 5 expensive and downright impractical geoengineering ideas designed to curb global warming:
[5:30] 2 direct carbon capture projects (one of which plans to drill more oil)
[8:30] A gigantic umbrella in space?
[10:00] Adding iron to the ocean in hopes of spurring algae blooms
[13:00] Sending sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere in weather balloons, oh my
Resources mentioned:
Take stealth wealth and reverse it: Stealth frugality is what happens when a person lives big without spending lots of money.
On today's show: A laundry list of the ways in which we can each live a rich life but do so frugally.
*A note from Stephanie: I mention a ridiculous amount of companies in today's show. None of them are sponsored!
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Home is where the heart is, so open up your home!
[10:30] Pizza? Cocktails? Manicures? Learn how make/do what you love but better
[14:30] #selfcare culture is a capitalist construct (and you should never have to pay to care for your SELF)
[19:00] How to enjoy your hobbies without going all-in with the extras
[23:00] Want to eat like royalty? Learn how to cook
[30:00] Get yo' hands on some great reading material (without overspending!)
Resources mentioned:
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Work emails. Social media notifications. Weather alerts. The constant news cycle.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get lost in the chaos of endless distractions. Yet research has shown that information overload can lead to mental exhaustion, reduced cognitive function, and an inability to make sound decisions. On the other hand, intentional disconnection has the power to enhance creativity and productivity. It improves overall well-being, too.
On today's show podcaster Diane Boden and I discuss exactly why it's so important to disconnect from modern distractions at least once in awhile; we also brainstorm how to best unplug.
Here's a preview:
[12:00] Are we becoming a culture that can't sit with negative emotions? With boredom?
[16:30] Blue laws once encouraged rest; these days stores are open 7 days a week (thanks, capitalism!)
[23:00] Stephanie's Number One tip for mindfulness newbies
[26:00] Hurry culture, busy-ness, and setting professional boundaries
[30:00] Do you watch TV while scrolling on your phone? Theres a name for that! Outlining the (numerous) consequences associated with 'continuous partial attention'
Resources mentioned:
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Can a white couch and a toddler coexist?
Research finds that environment impacts well-being, and we shouldn't have to wait 18 years to enjoy our homes.
On today's show we address the age-old question: Can we have kids and nice things? The answer is yes; here's how.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Hey you. (Yes, you!) You don't have to wait 18 years to enjoy your home
[21:00] Don't invest in expensive accents and accessories! Go big on the timeless staples, instead
[25:00] Making a case for proudly using and displaying heirlooms
[35:00] Exactly how to reframe accidents into teachable opportunities
Resources mentioned:
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Living the low-tox life can seem expensive and out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be.
On today's show podcaster Regan Nelson suggests 7 research-backed ways to reduce your exposure to toxins that just so happen to *also* be free.
Here's a preview:
[10:00] Lead! Pesticides! Here's what's on the bottom of your shoes
[14:00] Sure, this household staple is convenient (but it's also bisphenol- and phthalate-laden)
[19:00] Be wary of these "regrettable substitutions"
[26:00] Are you still using products with synthetic fragrance? (Stop!)
[34:00] Teens, tweens, and beauty products: How to best present the "less is more" message
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 29 2024:
[00:30] Here's why Americans pay the most after a natural disaster
[6:00] New laws against intentional methane release, plus: why this new law is a money maker
[9:00] Throwing $$ at the industrial carbon emissions problem
[12:00] Introducing radar gaps (a.k.a. another thing to worry about)
Resources mentioned:
Fossil fuels power our modern lives, and yet fossil fuels are also powering global warming. Because many of us lack the self-sufficient skills necessary to survive an extended power outage event, we are one thing and one thing only: vulnerable.
We have become over-reliant on the very thing that's destroying our planet. On today's show: Imagining the ways in which modern life, interpersonal connections, well-being and more would change in a hypothetical, fossil fuel-free world.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] We are so reliant on electricity that we are incapacitated without it. This is a problem!
[11:00] In the event of a 2-weeks plus outage, modernity would look a lot different
[24:00] Is minimalism late stage capitalism personified?
[28:00] Without fossil fuels, we'd be circular
[30:00] What research says with regard to the wellness benefits of working with our hands
Resources mentioned:
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When it comes to furnishing and styling ours homes, we all deserve spaces that facilitate easeful living. But for those of us without an eye for design? Furniture and decor mistakes can happen (and they can be costly).
On today's show best-selling author Myquillyn Smith reveals her signature house rules for homes of every size, style, and budget; she also shows us how to get the most amount of comfort from our space with the least amount of stuff.
Here's a preview of the house rules we are discussing today:
[16:30] Threes, please
[21:00] Resourcefulness is the ultimate resource
[25:00] Plan on the kids growing up
[29:00] Timelessness is here to stay
[34:00] The size of your house does not dictate the size of your hospitality
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 22 2024:
[00:30] What you need to know about "the most significant climate regulation in US history" announced this week
[6:15] It has never been cheaper to purchase an EV, and here's why
[9:00] ... Speaking of EVs: enter mega mining
[12:00] Hi, TIM! How to book a flight like a conscious consumer
Resources mentioned:
Things are a-changin' around here.
On today's show: Introducing new ways to support the show (with fun perks like ad-free shows, subscriber-only episodes and, yes, real life Book Club!)
This is YOUR show. As always, thank you for your support! >> https://sustainableminimalists.substack.com/
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Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Say hello! [email protected].
Eating meals together is the ultimate parenting cheat code, and that's because in just one hour you can improve your kids' academic performance, self-esteem, and cardiovascular health while simultaneously reducing their risks of substance misuse, depression, and obesity.
On today's show: author Annette Thurmon on making the kitchen the heart of the home once again.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] A laundry list of the nutritional benefits of regular family dinners, plus the developmental and mental health benefits for kids and teens
[10:00] We parents should be including our children in the cooking process, and here's why (plus: easy lift how-tos)
[20:00] Remember: It's not about the food! It's about the face-to-face, tech-free time
[23:00] Practical dinnertime prompts
Resource mentioned:
Creative alternatives to "How was your day?"
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Say hello! [email protected].
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 15 2024:
[00:30] The paradox that's holding back clean energy gains
[7:15] You're not crazy: Spring is indeed arriving earlier
[13:00] Breaking down the EU's new 'gold standard' deforestation law
[12:00] A war on utes? Updates from Australia's emissions regulations
Resources mentioned:
Today's show is a series of 3 very diverse updates straight from developments in my own life: The first is about self-sufficiency, the second is sustainability-focused, and the final act dedicates itself to intentional living.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Act 1: The hydroponic growing hype. (Stephanie's good, bad, and ugly experiences with her new grow tower)
[16:00] Act 2: Electrify Everything? (Our boiler is leaking. Here's where we are at with regard to heat pumps: costs, struggles, etc.)
[28:00] Act 3: More intention, please! (Here's what I'm working on to avoid the busy trap)
Resources mentioned:
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Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Say hello! [email protected].
There's convenience, and then there's *excessive* convenience. While some modern conveniences are indeed necessary and needed, the excessive ones can be detrimental to ourselves and society as a whole.
Items and services of convenience are often substitutes for supportive culture and connection. On today's show historian Jennifer Newton and I discuss how culture - and specifically excessively convenient, disposable culture - perpetuates itself; we also muse on what to do if the prevailing culture no longer "fits".
Here's a preview:
[5:00] How'd we get here? A brief history of the Convenience Industrial Complex in America
[10:00] Weak ties, strong ties, and 3 ways convenience culture reduces social connection
[23:00] The average American watches 4 hours of TV a day. What are the cultural implications?
[35:00] Passive and active ways to fight back against excessive convenience
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 8 2024:
[00:30] SEC scales back its new pollution-disclosure rules
[4:15] Apparently we're smuggling greenhouse gases now
[9:00 It's no longer a debate! Our warm winter has human fingerprints all over it
[12:00] Gray whales in the Atlantic? How is this possible?
Resources mentioned:
Yoga pants, baby! Athleisure is a fashion trend that features comfortable, flattering, and aesthetically pleasing athletic clothing designed to be worn all day. And while many of us turned to athleisure during the pandemic and never went back, athleisure has a dirty little secret: petroleum-based fibers.
On today's show former Athleta senior fashion designer Nancy Taylor outlines what needs to happen systemically to make the the fashion industry circular; she also introduces bio-based textile innovations in the athleisure space we all should be paying attention to.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] From a fashion designer's perspective, here's why athleisure is so darn amazing
[12:00] What's the fashion industry's biggest problem: is it that too many products are being produced, or is that consumers simply consuming too much?
[18:00] Bio-based synthetics, oh my! Here are some exciting innovations happening right now in the textile space
[23:00] Are items made from recycled materials of lesser quality?
[28:00] Don't forget about natural fibers and semi-synthetics when exercising! Here are the best
Resources mentioned:
Soil grows 95 percent of our food and sustains human life. But monocrops, pesticide reliance, and other modern farming methods have degraded soil health in lasting ways. Some scientists believe we have less than 60 harvests left.
The way we are feeding ourselves is undermining the very ecology we’re dependent upon. The hope? Regenerative farming. On today's show Kiss The Ground's Chief Executive Officer Evan Harrison urges each of us to participate in the regenerative movement.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] A laundry list of all the consequences associated with degraded soil
[10:00] The main reason why pesticides are a staple of the monocrop farming model, plus: what science says about degraded soil and a food's nutrient density
[19:00] For people who buy and eat food (aka everyone), here's how you can support regenerative agriculture
Resource mentioned:
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Say hello! [email protected].
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 1 2024:
[2:30] Air pollution and Alzheimer’s
[5:00] Won't you be my neighbor? Supreme Court seems poised to halt EPA's 'good neighbor' rule
[9:00] 150 Canadian 'zombie fires' just won't die
[12:00] A breakdown on how air quality is measured, plus: How to find the best air quality apps
“From the cradle to the grave … the [wo]man of modern times struggles through a maze of endless complication.”
Although Charles Wagner penned these words over 125 years ago, they are more true today than ever before. On today’s show author Suzanne Johnson modernizes Wagner’s tenets of simple living for twenty-first century existence.
Here’s a preview of the Wagner-isms we are revisiting today:
[7:30] We suffer the consequences of a too artificial life
[11:30] The more goods a woman has, the more she wants
[18:00] Pleasure cannot be bought or sold
[24:00] Obscurity is not a sign of disgrace
[30:00] The realm of silence is vaster than the realm of noise
[41:00] Simplicity is a state of mind
Resources mentioned:
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Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Say hello! [email protected].
Billions of people worldwide rely on seafood for nutrition and economic livelihood, but 90 percent of fish populations are currently overfished.
Your seafood choices matter, and buying responsibly is one of the most important ways you can contribute to healthier oceans. On today's show: breaking down exactly how to be an informed seafood consumer.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Everything you need to know about that wild-caught fish
[14:00] Dirty little secrets from fish farms
[21:00] ... But which is healthier: farmed or wild caught?
[26:00] 6 ways to buy seafood like an informed and conscious consumer, plus: what it looks like to use a sustainable seafood guide IRL
Resources mentioned:
Reminder to my fellow moms: You don't have to do it all.
Studies have shown for decades that women in heterosexual partnerships are responsible for the "invisible labor" at home. Not surprisingly, carrying the lion's share of the burden has oversized impacts on women's mental health.
The solution sounds simple: Divvying up domestic responsibilities decreases resentment and increases family cohesion. But how do we best encourage our partners and children to participate in the work of the home for the long haul?
It's not gendered work; it's the work of the family and all should contribute. On today's show Lori Sugarman-Li encourages us to release the need to do everything; she also calls on our partners and children to step up and participate in the essential - yet sadly unpaid! - work of the home.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] Semi-disturbing stats re: impacts of inequitable unpaid labor on women's wellness
[9:00] Defining family flow: How can we best change a family's flow if the flow isn't working for everyone?
[17:00] They aren't chores! Here's why we must change both the language and the energy around "chores"
[19:00] Full task ownership versus division of labor: Which provides long-term balance?
[30:00] Words of encouragement for the default (ahem ... 'she-fault') parents, plus: cycle breaking is in our hands
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, February 16 2024:
[1:00] Are you a victim of seafood fraud? Probability says yes
[6:30] What warm oceans mean for hurricane season here in the US
[11:00] Why are Louisiana's coastal wetlands predicted to collapse, and what does this mean for storm protection?
Weekends *should be* for resting, exploring, and participating in beloved hobbies. Yet for so many of us, our weekends are bogged down with housework. Errands too.
On today's show Tyler Moore explains his system for centering his weekends — and his life — around what's most important.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Be efficient about it: The order in which you perform household tasks matters!
[9:00] Mondays are for bathrooms! 3 benefits to maintaining a weekday cleaning routine
[18:00] Is it really as simple as lowering expectations, or is this terrible advice?
[25:00] Surthrival = getting through a stressful time while simultaneously noticing moments of thriving
[28:00] Home rhythms and routines can indeed secure space for more of what actually matters, and here's how
Resources mentioned:
It can often feel in our culture as though women aren’t allowed to age. If we do? The patriarchy will (gasp!) deem us irrelevant.
Enter countless off-the-shelf products, monthly treatments, and medical procedures that claim to turn back the clock, albeit temporarily. And while hair dyeing, teeth whitening, and more are wildly popular amongst women (and men!) forty-plus, such habits often come with excessive exposure to cancer-causing agents and hormone disruptors.
On today's show Sophia Ruan Gushee encourages us to diversify our risks as we consider which anti-aging products to try.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] "I never worried about toxins and I turned out fine." This logic is flawed, and here's why
[11:00] Don't go straight to the permanent hair dye! And other hair dyeing considerations
[17:00] Teeth no longer pearly white? Beware of the heavy metals
[24:00] Take an inside-out approach (not a 10 step regimen) to glowing, radiant skin
Related episodes:
* Have you left this show an Apple Podcasts review yet? I'd so appreciate it, and thank you!
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, February 9 2024:
[1:00] Your plant-based meat could soon have animal fat
[5:00] A hamburger that saves the planet? Hmm ...
[10:00] Introducing Michael Mann, the hockey stick chart, and 2 climate change deniers
[15:30] Let's talk about Taylor's private jet ...
By the time you open, say, a container of yogurt, the food has taken a looong journey to reach your spoon. And at each step, there's the chance that a little something extra has snuck in.
Consumer Reports tested supermarket staples and found high levels of bisphenols and phthalates — also known as plasticizers — within. The bad news? Scientists believe there's no safe level of plasticizers on human health.
On todays show Dr. James Rogers breaks down everything you need to know about the plastic chemicals hiding in your food.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] So many plastic problems, so little time! Breaking down the differences between PFAS, plasticizers, microplastics, and more
[6:00] The documented human health effects of plasticizers, plus: What their cumulative effects mean for chronic conditions
[12:00] 9 phthalates are banned in toys but they're allowed in food? Make it make sense!
[15:00] 5 ways plasticizers become stowaways in our food
[20:00] Lifestyle changes that reduce your exposure to phthalates and bisphenols
Resources mentioned:
If you're like most humans, 70-percent of your thoughts each day skew negative.
The good news? You aren't your thoughts; you're the observer. On today's show therapist Risa Williams shows us how to break free of the negativity bias that afflicts our species once and for all.
Here's a preview:
[1:00] No-Spend Reset wrap-up! Here are the biggest takeaways from you, our listeners
[8:30] The real-life and real-time benefits of being the observer
[11:30] How to catch your bias towards negativity *before* you spiral
[17:00] Whatever you decide to instantly re-play in your brain impacts your mood. Is it time to change the channel?
[38:00] Changes to the podcast are a-comin'! Now's your time for public comment
Resource mentioned:
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Enough with excessive educational toys, extracurriculars, and enrichment activities. It’s time to take a step back, put our wallets away, and realize what our children *actually* need.
On today's show: re-centering our parenting efforts around 3 of the most important childhood needs.
Here's a preview:
[10:00] Kids need your undivided attention! Make sure you're giving twice as much positive attention as negative attention
[13:00] What recent research says about the benefits of delighting in our children
[16:30] 3 benefits to signing up for one less extracurricular
[28:00] Not all foods are created equal! Kids really do need these 8 micronutrients
Resources mentioned:
Reducing food waste doesn't always jive with societal norms.
That's because keeping perfectly edible food out of landfills might mean being the weirdo who boxes their wedding entree. Or asking (gasp!) to take home extra pizza from a child's birthday party.
On today's show: A conversation with journalist Rachael Jackson about how to value food more than we value fitting in.
Here's a preview:
[7:45] Is composting the solution to food waste? (Answer: No.)
[10:00] 5 ways to shamelessly break social norms around food and waste
[23:00] Brown avocados, wet spinach, and more: Can we eat or should we toss?
Resources mentioned:
First facts, then the inevitable spin! The enviro-news we are spinning for Friday, January 26 2024:
[1:00] 3 cheers for a White House pause in the natural gas export terminal CP2
[5:00] No one likes air pollution. Enter new rules for fine particulates
[10:00] Understanding the global average temperature, with predictions for 2024
[12:30] Where to put Lahaina's toxic debris? Next to an important coral reef, of course
When faced with information that challenges our long-held beliefs, we humans do one of two things. Either we think hard about our values and adapt our lifestyles to reflect this new data, or we cling to willful blindness so that we may continue to think and act in the ways we've always thought and acted.
In honor of Veganuary I bring you a conversation with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau about changing our beliefs — and perhaps our diets — in the face of new information.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] Unpacking willful blindness: How and why we tell ourselves untruths to maintain long-held beliefs
[11:00] Cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable. Why, then, do some people learn and change while others cling to defunct beliefs?
[19:00] It's not giving up, it's letting go! Uncovering the story that's underneath your eating habits that you're unwilling to let go of
[23:00] Debunking 3 commonly-held plant-based myths to reflect updated science
[37:00] Attitude is everything, so flip the script!
Resources mentioned:
Previous Veganuary episodes:
changing our beliefs — and perhaps our diets — in the face of new information.
Wisdom is the cumulation of valuable lessons we pick up along our journeys through this messy thing called life, and pearls of wisdom are guideposts to help us navigate the complexities of living in an uncertain world in an uncertain time.
On today's show: A conversation with author Dr. Elizabeth Kagan Arleo about trusting the wisdom of the experts — both modern and ancient — so as to better overcome life's challenges and improve overall well-being.
Here's a preview of the wisdom we discuss today:
[1:30] First, eat your frog!
[4:00] Schedule your time in 168-hour chunks
[11:30] Set criteria, meet criteria, and be satisfied (no perfection required)
[18:00] Stop over-apologizing (seriously, stop it!)
[22:00] If you don't ask, the answer is always no
[27:00] Imposter Syndrome: Name it to tame it
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, January 19 2024:
[00:30] Updates from the Greenland ice sheet
[5:00] Staggering losses to North American bird populations, plus: outlining their (human-made) threats
[10:00] Gross! Our favorite foods have an awful lot of microplastics within
[14:00] "Plastic-free" laundry sheets aren't actually plastic-free
Over 200 million Americans subscribe to Prime, and estimates suggest that Amazon delivers 3.4 million packages per day in the US alone.
Quitters, unite! I'm quitting Amazon Prime, and perhaps it's time for you to consider quitting too.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] How on earth is Amazon able to selling items at such low prices? It ain't pretty ...
[12:00] Amazon is only the cheapest option if you're willing to buy almost everything on Amazon, and I'm going to prove it
[20:00] What does Amazon's Climate Friendly Pledge *really* mean?
[23:00] A laundry list of things we lose when we choose convenience
Did you know? Ikea beds, Wayfair desks, and other fast furniture items are designed to last about five years.
Fast furniture is mass-produced and relatively inexpensive; it's easy, then, to obtain and abandon. And fast decor? Low price points essentially render disposable those trendy but cheap pillows, artwork, and trinkets.
There's a better way, and it always starts with slowing down. Slow Style is Zandra Zuraw's framework for creating homes that nurture without breaking the bank, and today she shows us how to create havens that inspire and welcome without anything fast or cheap.
Here’s a preview:
[4:30] Why bother surrounding ourselves with beauty (and other big-picture musings)
[7:00] Mass production, economies of sale, and the environmental implications of fast decor
[17:00] Developing your eye for design means paying attention!
[25:00] How to find the fine line between keeping stuff you hate versus hopping on the hamster wheel of buying
[30:00] Ethical furnishings companies DO exist! Here's where to find them once and for all
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, January 12 2024:
[00:45] Want to eat and drink less plastic? Don't drink bottled water ...
[5:00] Vroom vroom! Clean yellow school buses are a-comin' nationwide
[10:00] Say it ain't so: Right now the US is producing more oil than any other country ... ever
[14:00] Help halt the fossil fuel industry's Liquified Natural Gas export expansion! Here's how
Resources mentioned:
You've likely been there. That moment when you look at your credit card statement and your heart sinks. Sometimes logic gives way to desire, and nothing's worse than realizing you overshopped on impulses. A lot.
It’s time to take a look at what happens in the moments *before* we impulse buy. On today's show: honing in our 5 shopping triggers so we can insert that crucial pause before buying.
Here's a preview:
[3:45] Advertisers shape our desires, and the credit industry makes these desires seem affordable. Yikes!
[9:30] Buyer, beware: when your mind becomes your own worst enemy.
[15:00] The shopping trigger that's the most common and the most difficult to overcome
[23:00] Got parental guilt? Why you should stop buying stuff for your kids to compensate
[29:00] Hankering to buy food when your kitchen is full? How to determine whether a physical trigger is colliding with an emotional one
Resources mentioned:
In some ways, our preponderance toward tech disposability is systemic. We consumers in the US are denied the right to repair: fixing a broken smartphone, then, is costly. It's simply more convenient to replace our broken item for the newest model.
When your device is broken you should have more options than a high-priced service or the landfill, and New York agrees. The Digital Fair Repair Act should make it easier to repair our smartphones and laptops at shops of *our* choosing. It's good news, because the law may ultimately bring down repair prices for all of us. And if repair is affordable? Fingers crossed, tech stays out of landfills.
On today's show: Nicholas De Leon from Consumer Reports breaks down this landmark grassroots consumer win.
Here's a preview:
[3:45] Need-to-know details about New Yorks' Digital Fair Repair Act
[9:00] Why aren't dishwashers, washing machines, and other "white goods" covered?
[19:30] What if any benefits from NY's new law will non-New Yorkers receive?
[25:00] The bigger picture: Why repair what's designed to break?
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, January 5 2024:
[00:45] Is drinking toilet water in our future? (Answer: Yes.)
[3:45] Some flowers are evolving to pollinate themselves, and this is not good news
[7:15] Got climate trauma? Good luck finding professional support
[15:00] A lack of EPA oversight in Cancer Alley
Over the holidays my family and I staycationed for 9 glorious days. During this time of introspection I re-learned these 4 universally applicable lessons which we are discussing today:
[2:45] Appearance is EVERYthing (when shopping, at least).
[10:00] Explanations are unnecessary.
[18:00] No ones need to eat like royalty *every* night.
[27:00] Habit forming? Remember dosage. Repetition too!
Resources mentioned:
Whether you boast a small windowsill herb garden, a thriving hydroponic system or something in between, growing your own food is great for your well-being. And when you grow what you eat? You also reduce the environmental harm that's incurred by industrial agricultural methods; you eliminate food miles, too.
Kevin Espiritu built a modern homestead on a very modest urban lot; he also happens to help millions of home growers take their gardening efforts to the next level. On today's show Kevin outlines the ways in which each of us — even those who can't keep anything alive! — can grow big(ger) in 2024.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Why grow stuff? Food miles, nutrition, and industrialized food
[15:00] The more you grow, the better you grow: Remembering the gardener's lesson
[19:00] Are those fancy-shmancy hydroponic garden towers worth it? Could you build one yourself?
[22:00] Can't keep anything alive? Start with sprouts!
[27:00] The Number One question expert home growers ask themselves, and often
Resources mentioned:
The holidays are all about overabundance. We buy too much, consume too much and despite our best efforts spend far too much money. But there is a solution, and it’s happening on January 1: A No Spend Reset.
A practical first step toward adopting a lifestyle rooted in sustainable minimalism is to hop off the consumerist bandwagon, at least for a little while, and January is the perfect right time to tackle that project you've been meaning to get to in your home, explore the wonder of recreational activities that don’t cost a cent, and recenter yourself with gratitude for what you already have.
On today's re-air: Julie Winpisinger divulges the Why and How of a no spend/low spend month so you can confidently embark on intentionally NOT SPENDING for 31 days.
Resources mentioned:
A New Year's resolution is a tool that helps us become the best possible versions of ourselves. And yet research finds most people abandon their resolutions by February.
Many New Year's resolutions fail because they're too broad, too lofty, and not at all time-sensitive. On today's show we set ourselves up for resolution success by applying the 5 components of SMART goals to our 2024 aspirations.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] What do the statistics say? Here's just how many resolutions fail, and when
[4:30] How to use the SMART acronym to improve your own 2024 resolution
[7:30] Taking 4 of the most common new years resolutions and making them better
[12:00] Got a sustainability goal on your mind? Stephanie's best thoughts
[19:00] 6 research-backed tips for making your resolution stick
The (only positive!) enviro-news you need to know for Friday, December 22 2023:
[3:30] Can microorganisms help in our plastics fight?
[6:00] Exactly how plants communicate with other plants (and why it's important in climate change conversations)
[9:00] 'Sustainable' Aviation Fuels: Is climate-friendly flying an oxymoron?
We are taught from an early age that contentment is found in possessions. But lasting peace comes from within, and meditation is a powerful (and free!) way to find what so many of us seek.
Yet thanks to All. The. Distractions, modern life has engineered out opportunities to go inward. And at the same time? Meditation has never been more needed or necessary.
On today's show, a conversation with Brett Koon about the #1 way to boost happiness, reduce stress, hop off the consumerist bandwagon for good and - most importantly - find out who you really are.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] Happiness isn't in stuff, and life isn't a scavenger hunt to amass 'things'
[10:30] Feelings are just thoughts with lag time (and they aren't the real YOU!)
[14:00] The separation of awareness and mind takes time. Enter modern distractions
[26:00] Is the solution to climate anxiety as simple as surrendering?
[33:00] Common meditation myths debunked, plus: quick wins for getting started
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, December 15 2023:
[00:30] COP28: The good, the bad, and the ugly
[9:15] Who gets the (limited) water in California?
[13:30] Extreme weather and the cost of sugar
The human endocrine system is delicate and complex. While scientists first discovered endocrine disrupting chemicals in 1991, obesogens - a subset of endocrine disruptors in personal care products that cause weight gain - were discovered only within the last two decades.
Our cosmetics can cause us to develop more and bigger fat cells; they may also make it harder to stay at a healthy weight. On today's show: A conversation with Andrea Dahr about the endocrine disruptors, with special attention to the obesogens.
Here's a preview:
[4:45] Back to biology class: Breaking down the need-to-know info about your endocrine system
[7:45] Losing weight isn't as simple as burning more calories than you consume, and here's why
[12:00] Fascinating research about the impact of obesogen exposure on prenatal development and possible generational effects on our great-grandchildren
[15:00] What does "dermatologist approved" actually mean?
[18:00] Next level steps for intermediate product label readers, plus: Why simply shopping at "healthy" stores isn't enough
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, December 8 2023:
[00:30] An update on how companies are doing on their environmental "pledges"
[4:30] Lego-like bricks? A carbon capture breakthrough
[7:30] Would you pay a monthly fee to not see ads on Facebook and Instagram?
[9:30] Quick check-ins from COP28 and Wednesday's Republican presidential debate
Research finds that by and large happiness is a learned and cultivated behavior. Even better? Decades of psychological research lay the foundation for a handy-dandy formula that helps us *increase* the amount of happiness we experience in our daily lives.
On today's show: abandoning cultural expectations in favor of a happiness formula that's both practical and empirically-based.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] If happiness isn't a state of being, what is it, really? Should we even seek it out?
[7:45] H = S + C + V! An easy-to-understand formula for a happier life
[16:00] Adults today are less happy than adults in previous generations, and here's why
[21:00] 7 research-backed ways to increase your level of enduring happiness
Resources mentioned:
Sustainability has the reputation of being, well, expensive. When money's tight, how do modern families decide what to prioritize with their dollars?
Today I chat with Whitney Leigh Morris about the space where eco-consciousness and finances collide.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] Think you can't afford to be eco-friendly? Think again
[6:00] $8 leggings from Target or a $35 pair from an ethical brand? It's complicated ...
[13:00] Electric vehicle? Heat pump? How to get in the habit of asking whether you *actually* need that big ticket eco-item
[16:00] Thoughts on replacing items that are in working condition for more energy efficient options
[19:30] Are carbon offsets really worth the money?
[26:30] What 'voting with your dollars' really means
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, December 1 2023:
[00:30] Frustration and skepticism surrounding the latest climate summit happening now
[5:30] A plane just flew across the Atlantic without fossil fuels, but let's reign in our excitement
[10:00] Lead pipes, be gone
[14:00] The plight of the wolverine
Like wine? Me too! On today's show: Everything you need to know about selecting wine that's aligned with your values.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Why, oh why aren't there ingredients labels on alcohol?
[8:00] Your favorite wine may have up to 6 dozen additives within. Let's chat about a few of them
[13:00] Do sulfites deserve their bad rap? (hey there, red wine headaches!)
[20:00] Grapes are listed as #8 on the EWG's Dirty Dozen. Should we be buying organic wine?
[24:00] Biodynamic wine is organic, but organic wine isn't necessarily biodynamic. Here's why
[33:00] How to buy wine like an informed and conscious consumer
Many of us have a complicated relationship with our stuff. And while no one wants their possessions to possess their lives, our stuff often has fascinating stories to tell.
On today's show: A conversation with psychotherapist and professional organizer Helen Sanderson about what the state of our homes reveal about our psychology.
Here's a preview:
[3:45] Pack rat, minimalist, or somewhere in between? Here's what our homes show us about ourselves
[6:15] How to best guide your child toward tidiness, no nagging necessary
[12:00] When a neat freak and a slob get married: How to best navigate differences in home maintenance styles
[17:00] Home management is like tending a garden (and other applicable metaphors)
[20:00] Thoughts on finding the drive to get to "maintenance"
Resources mentioned:
It’s crazy but it’s true: Only in America do we trample each other for sales exactly ONE day after being thankful for what we already have.
Corporations want us to believe that happiness lies in stuff, but research consistently suggests otherwise. On today's re-air: A conversation with blogger Barbara Alfeo about making the most of the day after Thanksgiving in ways that have nothing to do with shopping.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] A Black Friday primer: Its humble origins and its spectacular modern-day popularity
[8:15] Why do we over-shop? It's likely to fill the hole that our communities used to fill
[12:00] Get out of the stores and get off the internet; have an anti-Black Friday instead. Here's how
[20:00] Are you *just* a consumer or are you a helper, a volunteer, a friend? Here's why Black Friday is the perfect day to give back
[26:00] How to set clear cut gifting limits so you don't overspend on Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season
Is that Christmas in the air, or is it capitalism?
There's no doubt about it: overconsumption degrades the planet. Enter Secondhand Sunday, a new-ish shopping holiday that's nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It's dedicated to all-things thrifted and redirects shoppers away from mass consumption and toward pre-loved items instead.
On today's show Poshmark's Kelly Mason inspires us to think differently about shopping during the holidays.
(P.S. Are you putting up your Christmas tree this weekend? Listen to Episode #323: O Christmas Tree first!)
Here's a preview:
[2:45] The case for normalizing secondhand items as gifts
[6:00] We live in a different world than we did as children! Here's why it's high-time our giving rituals adapt to our current enviro-reality
[13:00] Would your loved ones be open to receiving a secondhand gift? This is what market research says
[15:00] Skeptics, unite! How to best dip your toe into the secondhand lifestyle
[21:00] Why it's individual voices (a.k.a. yours and mine) that contribute to the collective gifting mindset shift
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, November 17 2023:
[2:45] Climate disasters are expensive, yo
[7:30] Earth just experienced its hottest year in 125,000 years
[12:00] The planet is "woefully off track" on 41 out of 42 global climate goals
The holidays are meant to be about peace, joy, and togetherness … but they often end up steeped in chaos, rush, and overspending.
Not this year! There’s really no better time than right this minute to practice slowing down and getting intentional *before* we say yes to another obligation or hit 'add to cart'.
On today's show podcast host Desirae Endres reminds us that the holidays aren't just for kids; they are for us to enjoy too.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] First things first: We can't manufacture perfection, and kids make their own magic
[11:00] Are you the behind-the-scenes magic maker? The importance of remembering what YOU love about the season
[23:00] Protect your peace by zeroing in on what's within your control
[29:00] Focus on contentment, not on comparison! Shining light on the chasm between our idealized (ahem...commercialized) celebrations versus real life
Resources mentioned:
Are you doing gratitude wrong?
So many of us are always waiting for more. But when you greet each moment gratefully? You're always receiving.
On today's show author Kristi Nelson offers a mini-formula for grateful living (put this conversation on as you're preparing for Thanksgiving!).
Here's a preview:
[10:00] It's not happiness that makes us grateful; it's gratefulness that makes us happy (and other research-backed benefits to grateful living)
[20:00] Is what once was plenty now no longer enough? Practical ways to fight back against "gratitude tolerance"
[26:00] The super-simple solution to mind grind
[30:00] Thoughts on practicing gratitude during moments of grief, illness, and struggle
Resource mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, November 10 2023:
[00:30] Microplastics are now in clouds; here's what this means
[3:00] The leaf blower problem
[10:30] The world's first solar SUV has entered the chat
[11:00] An electric plane just flew from Vermont to Florida (!)
Resources mentioned:
Episode #260: The White Gold Rush
Choosing the right hand soap and body wash isn't *just* about cleanliness. You deserve non-toxic products and our waterways deserve non-polluting ones, so it's really about committing to a higher standard of care.
We're likely using soap every day for the rest of our lives; it's prudent, then, to get intentional about this must-have product. On today's show: conscious consumerism in the soap aisle.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Are antibacterial/antimicrobial soaps really necessary?
[6:30] A hand sanitizer tangent: pro tips for buying and using sanitizer the *right* way
[9:00] Research finds that putting products with toxins on our skin is more deleterious to our health than eating them, and here's why
[11:00] Everything you absolutely must know about Triclosan
[19:00] How to excel at the hand soap class of life via Stephanie's handy-dandy grading rubric
Resources mentioned:
Perhaps you're a veteran investor, or maybe you're just now starting to financial plan. Either way, where you put your money can substantially increase (or decrease!) your annual carbon footprint.
Don't put your money where your mouth is; put it where your values are. On today's show financial consultant Shila Wattamwar leads an advanced level discussion about sustainable investing for the eco-conscious.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] The sneaky ways you may be funding fossil fuels with your $$
[8:00] How well do ESG rating scales actually work? (And why aren't these measures standardized?)
[21:00] Proxy ballots are an opportunity. Don't throw them in the trash!
[25:00] What a time to be alive: A financial advisor's thoughts on next gen "alternative investments"
New to sustainable investing? Listen to these episodes first!
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, November 3 2023:
[00:30] French cheese, meet climate change
[4:00] This is why olive oil is so expensive right now
[6:30] Why many scientists are now saying climate change is an all-out 'emergency'
[11:00] Cities are notoriously hot. Here are some cutting edge cooling solutions
Some environmentalists call Christmas the world’s greatest annual environmental disaster, and for good reason: All that cheap, ultra-trendy decor adds up. On today's show: getting intentional about our holiday decorations once and for all.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Let's talk numbers: How much do Americans spend each year on holiday decor?
[10:00] 3 ways in which 'Christmas Creep' encourages us to spend more than we intended on decorations
[13:00] The origins of those inflatable lawn thingys: Where did they come from and when will they disappear?
[22:00] Don't go out and buy another decoration until you've displayed the decorations you already own, and here are 4 reasons why
[32:00] Want to make your child smile? Don't buy a cheap piece of holiday decor; do this instead
Resources mentioned:
Many of us shy away from the word 'activist' because the term brings to mind a very specific type of person. But if you're regularly taking action to make the world a better place? Guess what my friend, you're already an activist (yes, really!).
What matters is not the size of the action, nor how vigorous the action is. It's all about consistency. On today's show author Omkari Williams helps us find the kind of social justice engagement that feels both empowering *and* sustainable.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Activism isn't just marching and picketing: Here's what micro activism looks like in the day to day
[10:30] Are you a headliner, an organizer, a producer, or an indispensable? How to determine your unique activist archetype
[22:00] The status quo isn't working for the vast majority of us. So where's the passion for change?
[30:00] How to know whether your efforts constitute shallow work or deep work
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, October 27 2023:
[00:30] The West Antarctic ice sheet appears to be headed for an eventual “collapse”
[3:00] The oil giants are feeling pretty darn good about their futures, apparently
[6:30] Why on earth is the US government funding enhanced oil recovery?
[13:00] This potential climate warrior may be gearing up for a White House run
Resources mentioned:
It's sad but true: Americans are some of the most chronically stressed people on the planet. On today's show: how to incorporate Japanese lifestyle philosophies into our lives for reduced stress, greater well-being, and a longer life.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] The physiology of stress: What *actually* goes on in our bodies when we encounter a stressor?
[11:00] 5 reasons why Americans are among the most stressed in the world
[20:00] The secret to a great life isn't the accumulation of $$, it's this
[27:00] How being in a hurry is inversely proportional to your quality of life
Resources mentioned:
Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or ordering takeout, eating out leaves a footprint.
On today's show: asking the right questions, minimizing food waste, and reading through All. The. Greenwashing the next time you head to a restaurant.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] The food waste issue at fine dine, quick serve, and fast casual
[12:00] Farm-to-table? How to find restaurants that actually care about environmental sustainability
[22:30] The best way to *gently* suggest a change in a restaurant's policy
[27:00] Our lives may be go go go, but our food doesn't have to be!
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, October 20 2023:
[00:30] These are the places that could become ‘unlivable’ as the Earth warms
[3:00] Engineer the ocean to curb climate change? Hmm ...
[6:30] Ozone-destroying gasses are largely banned. So why are they still being emitted into the atmosphere?
[13:00] Climate rules are coming for corporate America
[15:00] The enviro-implications of that Taylor Swift tweet
Resources mentioned:
We are often told that if we accomplish as much as possible in a day’s time we’ll feel fulfilled come day’s end. Enter to-do lists, which provide focus, direction, and purpose. But action doesn't always equal progress; it's no surprise, then, that so many of us feel drained and dissatisfied once the sun goes down.
On today's show: how to find freedom in your to-do list and (finally!) make room for peace, connection, and fulfillment.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Your daily to-do list should have 7 items or less, and here's why
[8:30] Exactly how to focus less on efficiency and more on intentionality
[15:00] Time Boxing, Post-Its, and more: 4 research-backed ways to make your to-do list work for you
[29:00] The Number One way to ensure you're spending your precious finite resource (ahem ... your TIME) on the right things
Resources mentioned:
We have nearly engineered out all discomfort from our modern lives. Great, right? Not so fast: doing so comes at our own expense.
On today's show: comfort creep's harms, with practical thoughts on course correction.
Here's a preview:
[1:30] Humans have evolved to prioritize comfort. What's so wrong with being ultra-comfy?
[6:30] Research finds that when we adopt a new comfort in our lives we adapt to it quite quickly. Enter comfort creep
[11:30] ... But is it sustainable? Our reverence for comfort has come at the expense of our planet's health
[19:30] We have countless modern comforts yet we're still unhappy; here's why
[25:00] Parents, stop managing all of your child's discomforts!
Resources Mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, October 13 2023:
[00:30] The "apocalyptic" mass death of over 100 freshwater dolphins in the Amazon
[3:00] The fall migration season and mass bird deaths in Chicago
[5:30] Electric bikes may (finally) be getting cheaper
[10:00] 3 cheers for Norway's latest re-wilding efforts
[13:00] Are McMansions a thing of the past?
Resources mentioned:
There are tens of thousands of chemicals currently used in the US and (shocker!) most aren't adequately tested for health and safety. The fewer we come into contact with, the better.
Still, no one wants to stink. Enter deodorant and antiperspirant, two pesky places in which we conscious consumers can certainly buy better. On today's show: everything you never knew you *needed* to know about deodorant, plus: how to buy this medicine cabinet staple like a boss.
Here's a preview:
[2:15] First things first: Breaking down exactly what's happening under your arms
[7:00] Antiperspirants block sweat glands and constrict pores. Is this a good thing?
[9:30] What does recent empirical research say about aluminum and breast cancer? About Alzheimer's?
[21:00] Exactly how to read the back of any personal care product
[25:00] 5 steps to buying non-toxic and zero-waste deodorant
Resources mentioned:
For more conscious consumer listening:
Your enviro-news for Friday, October 6 2023:
[00:30] Everything you need to know about monster fracking
[5:00] Better late than never? Vaccines, horseshoe crab blood, and (finally) a synthetic alternative
[9:00] Will our grandchildren know frogs?
[12:00] Introducing the Climate Corps, a green jobs training program
Resources mentioned:
Cheat codes for living are handy tricks that help us navigate this crazy game called life in a more easeful (and perhaps more joyful!) manner. On today's show we break down 16 of the most important.
Here's a preview:
[2:15] The hands down best way to rewire your brain to forget about rejection
[10:00] Head or heart? Answering this age-old question once and for all (with the help of science)
[18:00] There's only one right way to respond to compliments and this is it
[21:00] Adopt this simple trick as your brain "prunes its synapses"
[28:00] Don't praise your child for being smart! Say this instead
Resources mentioned:
There may indeed be a singular solution that addresses environmental racism, the climate crisis, pollution, and withering US ecosystems simultaneously. That solution? Green Amendments.
Constitutions are the people's documents. Although getting environmental rights included may indeed be ... well, difficult, advocates argue it's possible. In fact, it's already being done.
Today attorney and environmental activist Maya van Rossum empowers us to mobilize for constitutional change that will protect our right to a healthful climate once and for all.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] Held v. Montana's landmark win: Breaking down its implications in laymen's terms
[9:30] If environmental rights are indeed human rights, why didn't our founding fathers include them in the US Constitution?
[12:30] How legislative remedies (ahem ... The Clean Air Act, The Safe Drinking Water Act) legalize pollution and harm
[25:00] The power lies in grassroots organization. Join us!
Resources Mentioned/Further Reading:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, September 29 2023:
[00:30] Antarctic winter sea ice hits 'extreme' record low
[3:00] Net-zero "pledges" and "ambitions" in the food and restaurant industries
[9:00] Don't call it a (snow leopard) comeback
[11:00] The simple and cost-effective way Japanese businesspeople are combatting emissions
We humans have lived within a surprisingly narrow range of temperatures for most of our history. But this range? It's slowly and steadily moving north.
As the planet warms and weather events become more severe, it's natural to wonder about safety. How do we know it's time to leave our beloved homes and move for good? Where are the so-called climate havens, and do they have infrastructure in place to support a sudden population influx?
On today's show we round out Difficult Decisions Week with two women who are among the first to consider climate change when buying property and laying down roots.
Here's a preview:
[11:00] 3 characteristics to look for in a prospective climate haven
[22:00] The red flags one guest believes will inform her it's time to go for good
[27:00] Even in 2023, Americans continue to move toward both heat and coastlines. At what point is doing so no longer a solid financial investment?
[30:00] Advice for listeners considering a proactive climate move
Further reading/Resources mentioned:
Difficult truth time: A child born today will live on a planet that’s hotter than it has ever been since human civilization developed. And us humans? We’re the ones who created this problem.
According to one study, each child born in the United States adds thousands of tons of carbon to their parents’ lifetime carbon legacy. While some would-be parents rightly question whether it’s ethical to have children and thus contribute to our global warming woes, others wonder whether it’s fair *to the child* to bring them into a world with such an uncertain - and perhaps unstable - future.
The decision to have a family is a profoundly emotional and personal one that’s made more complex with looming climate threats. It's Difficult Decisions Week on the podcast and on today's show my guests and I tackle the most difficult one of all: family planning in the era of climate change.
Here's a preview:
[9:00] Breaking down the carbon emissions numbers and adding in legacy
[12:00] Is it ethical to bring a child into a world that’s rapidly warming?
[14:00] Thoughts on intentionally having children and raising them to be stewards of the planet
[20:00] The paradox of privilege: if we’re privileged enough to not feel the effects of climate change, can/should we go on living as usual?
[24:00] It all comes down to hope. How hopeful are you?
Further Reading:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, September 22 2023:
[00:30] Updates from the Climate Ambition Summit
[2:00] Climate protesters march in Manhattan
[4:00] California sues fossil fuels giants
[11:00] Dogs are joining the conservation movement
Resources mentioned:
Sourdough bread is alchemy personified, as just 3 ingredients — flour, salt, and water — transform themselves into a delicious food item that also happens to be insanely healthy. Yet despite centuries of sourdough wisdom, 21st century bread is made with dozens of unnecessary (and perhaps unsafe) additives. And those microbiome benefits that sourdough boasts? Sadly, modern bread has none.
Today in honor of #SourdoughSeptember: A conversation with professional bakers Ed and Natasha Tatton about the reasons why we should all be eating sourdough on the regular (and how, too, to get started on your own sourdough baking journey if the mood strikes).
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Sourdough isn't a skill, it's an understanding
[9:00] Sour-faux? Loaves at the supermarket may say "sourdough" but are a-lyin'
[15:00] Not everyone should bake sourdough, but everyone should be eating it: Breaking down the (numerous) health benefits of fermented foods
[22:00] Sourdough starters were once passed down as wedding gifts. Here's everything you need to know about your "low-maintenance pet"
[29:00] Pro tips for sourdough success from professional bakers
Resources mentioned:
About 60 percent of the foods Americans eat these days are processed, and diet-related illnesses are the leading cause of mortality in the USA. If you’re like most people you may be spending your hard-earned dollars on food you’ve been told is healthy and safe but simply isn't.
Amidst both all the conflicting diet information and all the greenwashing it has never been more important to pay attention to what's in our food. On today's show we discuss the processed food problem by zeroing in on 3 specific additives we should be on the lookout for the next time we venture into the grocery store.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Is processing the problem, or is it the additives?
[7:30] Why 'Generally Recognized As Safe' is ridiculously unsafe
[15:00] Red 3, Yellow 4, and everything you need to know about artificial food dyes
[18:00] The connection between the benzoates and hyperactivity
[24:00] What on earth is potassium bromate? Here's the simplest way to avoid this bread additive
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, September 15 2023:
[00:30] Biden blocks oil drilling in Arctic Alaska (yay!). But don't forget about Willow ...
[3:30] Extreme heat and indoor recess
[9:00] A (gorgeous) once-extinct bird is reintroduced to New Zealand
[13:00] Millennials are racking up 'romantic debt' in the pursuit of love
Resources mentioned:
Our experiences - the big trips, the small moments of joy, and everything in between - are the real wealth of our lives. So why is it that we consistently fail to do the things we're yearning to do? And how can we live lives that are experientially rich despite the daily grind?
Today's show is a conversation with authors Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff about how to treat time as our most valuable currency while it's still on our side.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] How to accurately measure the importance of experiences in a capitalist society
[12:00] Experiences yield wealth, yet so few of us fully live. Here are the top reasons why, according to a study of over 20K individuals
[15:30] Fear holding you back? Do this!
[19:00] Shake yourself awake to what really matters (and don't fall back asleep!) with these 2 resources
[31:00] 3 ways to avoid regrets by keeping yourself accountable
Resources mentioned:
For many, weekends are for chores. They're also for carting kids to sports games and getting caught up on errands. But amidst all that driving and laundering, where are the opportunities to rest, rejuvenate, and fully live our lives?
Feeling rested is so much more than a good night's sleep and on today's show we discuss research-backed ways to reclaim your time and wellness by making weekends work for you.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Connections between work, busyness, and feeding the capitalist engine
[5:00] The 7 types of rest our bodies and minds need
[20:00] What research says about the benefits of active recreation as opposed to passive recreation
[24:00] Thoughts on playing catch up on the weekends: Can we minimize our weekend chores?
[29:00] Whatever happened to blue laws? Making a case for jumping off the work-spend hamster wheel, at least on the weekend
[33:00] Parents, we simply must: Together let's take a critical look at our children's weekend activities
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know about for Friday, September 8 2023:
[00:30] 3 cheers for the rise of tiny forests
[5:00] What sea ice loss means for emperor penguins
[10:00] We're running out of groundwater ...
[14:00] Revisiting climate havens
Resources mentioned:
We live in a world that's always trying to sell us more stuff, and much of it is junk. Enter environmental degradation, wasted money, unnecessary headaches, and clutter. Lots of clutter.
Today we continue this week's Buy Just Once theme with BuyMeOnce.com founder Tara Button, who's here to lay bare the tenets of what she terms 'mindful curation'.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] Exactly how our ultra-commercialized world leaves us broke and lonely
[12:00] Examining the discrepancy between the "poor premium" and consumer rights
[23:00] 4 fixability elements to look for when researching appliances and electronics
[28:00] Thoughts on trust and brand loyalty at a time when consumer confidence is at an all-time low
Resources mentioned:
These days, durable and long-lasting products often seem like elusive unicorns. But they do exist, and finding them is a 2-step process.
First, it's imperative that we check our collective predisposition for disposability at the curb. Second, we must learn insider tricks for discerning the buy-for-life products from the cheap junk that lines store shelves. Enter Buy Just Once Week!
On today's show sustainability educator Sophie Jungbauer suggests practical ways for adopting our grandmothers' mindsets when it comes to sourcing and caring for must-have household items.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] What exactly does 'quality' look like IRL?
[10:30] Musings on consumerism and its consequences
[14:00] Does "American Made" mean anything in terms of durability?
[25:00] Getting in the habit of asking yourself, "Did my grandma have this?"
[28:00] Quality over quantity! The #1 minimalist mindset shift that must first happen before conscious consumption can take place
[35:00] Pyrex, stainless steel, and more: 5 Buy Just Once items for your kitchen
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know about for Friday, September 1 2023:
[00:30] What you need to know about the new deal between Shein and Forever 21
[4:30] China says Japan's seafood is unsafe. What does science say?
[11:00] 3 cheers for windsails made especially for cargo ships
[13:30] Renewable propane is here (!!)
Resources mentioned:
Yes, clutter is always going to accumulate. But there are ways to prevent at least some of it from entering our homes, and we're chatting about 3 of those ways today.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Our decluttering challenge wrap-up
[10:00] Browse, don't buy!
[16:30] Rocks, pebbles, and your personal Chuck It List
[25:30] Contentment is being satisfied with what you have. Enter the Don't Want List
Resources mentioned:
People are naturally curious about the homes of professional organizers. On today's show author Shira Gill divulges 5 high-impact organizing tips straight from the mouths of fellow professional organizers.
Here's a preview of the insider tricks we're discussing today:
[10:30] Don't shop for a mansion if you live in a cottage!
[16:00] Display what's beautiful; conceal what isn't
[20:00] Ditch the product packaging for reduced visual clutter
[23:00] When in doubt, decant
[35:00] Elevate your neglected spaces
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know about for Friday, August 25 2023:
[00:30] What’s happening to South Florida’s coral reefs (and why you should care)
[4:00] Don't call it a comeback: The golden lion tamarin's rebound
[6:00] The richest Americans account for 40% of US emissions, but not for the reasons you may expect
[11:00] The connection between air pollution and the silent pandemic, a.k.a. antibiotic resistance
Since the dawn of the chemical era more than 300,000 chemicals have been invented, and many are made from oil and natural gas. While some manufactured chemicals have indeed provided benefit (Disinfectants! Antibiotics!), they have also caused great harm. Manufactured chemicals pollute every corner of the planet. They kill bees, fish, and mammals. They nearly destroyed the ozone and, yes, they give us cancer.
Many types of cancer are on the rise in the US, and one explanation for this increase lies in our world of chemicals. On today's show environmental investigative reporter Kristina Marusic identifies the harmful environmental exposures linked to cancer; she also provides a step-by-step roadmap for reducing your cancer risk.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Breaking down exactly what's happening with cancer rates around the world and why
[12:00] The 3 Ps: 3 categories of pollutants that have clear links to childhood cancer
[20:00] Pay special attention to these preventable environmental exposures if you have children
[24:00] Revisiting the personal care product conundrum
[28:00] The harmful environmental exposures you should zero in on at your child's daycare or school
[36:00] In defense of being a loudmouth: You've been given a voice; here's how to best use it
Resources mentioned:
Spend more money than necessary on non-essential upgrades? You're not alone.
Lifestyle creep is often related to status, and its prevalence may indeed be bolstered by a perceived sense of lack. On today's show financial educator Kara Perez offers her best tips for combatting unintentional lifestyle creep in the day-to-day.
Here’s a preview:
[3:00] When Latte Factors and Treat Yo’self! intersect: At what point do treats become lifestyle inflation?
[9:00] The Number One question to ask if you suspect you’re defining your self-worth by others’ standards
[16:00] Applying “You can’t be what you can’t see” to money decisions
[20:00] 2 ways to bring your confidence back to awesome when you feel ‘less than’ (without buying something new)
[26:00] Don’t call it a budget, call it a spending plan: The super smart way to track spending without that complicated spreadsheet
Resources mentioned:
The era of climate litigation is here, my friends. Today's episode breaks down 3 enviro-lawsuits happening right now:
[02:00] Held v. State of Montana and a big win for environmentalists this week
[7:30] Attorney Missy Sims is a-comin' for Big Oil
[12:30] $1.5B in damages: An Oregon county's lawsuit against fossil fuel big wigs
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The US pharmaceutical industry is unique in that it markets directly to consumers (hey there, Zoloft commercial!). Through such direct-to-consumer marketing we have been spoon-fed the notion that every hint of a symptom requires a drug.
The result? Americans take more prescription medications today than at any other time in recent history.
On today's show we uncover the pharmaceutical industry's influence over the FDA and over consumers.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] Do Americans take more prescription drugs than citizens in other countries?
[5:00] Prescription medication and the implications of its direct-to-consumer marketing
[9:30] Big pharma, the FDA, and a great big conflict of interest
[12:00] The connection between a patient's desire for a quick fix and a physician's prescribing habits
[19:00] 3 action steps re: conscious consumerism and prescription drugs
Resources mentioned:
We're surrounded by plastics everywhere, all the time. And single-use plastics? They're not only creating a pollution crisis; they are contributing to the climate crisis as well.
Microplastics in particular are a cocktail of toxicity, containing at least 10,000 different chemicals, many of which are linked to diseases including diabetes and cancer. And yet more plastic waste is being produced than ever before.
On today's show journalist Matt Simon offers real, actionable solutions to combat the growing plastic crisis.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] What emerging research says into the effects of microplastics on human health
[13:00] Thoughts on BPA, PFAS, and other "regrettable substitutions"
[17:00] An update on the state of plastics regulation in the US
[21:30] New moms, listen up! The #1 way to reduce your baby's exposure to micro- and nanoplastics
[24:00] Research-backed ways to combat the microplastics problem in your home
Resources Mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday August 11, 2023:
[00:45] Roads made of plastic waste?
[3:30] The Barbie hoax (and Mattel's response)
[9:30] The fire whirl: Breaking down this weather phenomenon
[12:00] Tracking rising ocean temperatures around the world
Resources mentioned:
'Tis the season for back-to-school door busters, price slashes, and closeouts. On today's show we're discussing how to reduce clutter, save money, and help the planet by shopping for back-to-school with greater intention.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] Let's pull back the curtain on back-to-school marketing, shall we?
[7:00] Here's what it actually means (and what it actually looks like!) to shop your own home
[12:30] Revisiting the kids' capsule conversation
[21:00] Thoughts on teacher wishlists (from a former teacher)
Resources mentioned:
Welcome to Back-To-School Week!
In 2023, the average American family will spend $597 per child in anticipation of the upcoming school year. And while new school supplies and fresh outfits can definitely get our children into the school spirit, it's rest, nutrition, and routines that *actually* predict success.
On today's show Dr. Rebecca Jackson offers research-backed ways to ensure our children head to school with the best possible foundation.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] A challenge amplifier: The pandemic's lasting impacts on our children
[8:30] How parents can use the concept of neuroplasticity to help kids get back on track
[11:30] Practical ways to prioritize rest in your home
[21:00] Packing a healthy lunchbox... ugh! Here's why you should bother
[29:00] Fresh start or nerve-stressed? Thoughts on easing your child's back-to-school unknowns
Resources mentioned:
You love your pet; you also love the planet. Good news: How you feed, care for, and clean up after your dogs and cats have sizable impacts on our environment and ecosystems. On today's show: answering listener questions about all-things eco-conscious pets.
Here's a preview of the pet-related questions we're answering today:
[2:45] Should we transition our cats and dogs to plant-based diets?
[7:00] Is PFAS in pet food bags?
[10:30] What are the advantages and disadvantages of making our own pet food?
[18:30] What's the most eco-friendly cat litter?
[24:00] Should we be flushing or composting our cat litter?
[27:00] Should domestic cats live indoors or outdoors?
Resources mentioned:
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Brands are continuously making environmental and socially conscious claims. And while many consumers want to purchase from ethical brands, it's hard to know which brands are legit (versus which ones are faking).
Enter the B Corp certification, which is the only 3rd-party logo that certifies a company's social and environmental ethics. Yes, the logo is certainly helpful for those of us who buy stuff, but it's bigger than that. Indeed, the B Corp's mere existence forces capitalism to shift toward sustainability.
On today's show CEO Mike Brown breaks down everything we savvy consumers need to know about that B-in-a-circle logo.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] A vision centered around social impact? What does that mean?
[12:00] The Nespresso controversy
[19:00] Becoming a triple bottom line company has its advantages; plus: how we consumers can push business toward sustainability
[25:00] Practical action steps for conscious consumers who want to shop with greater intention
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday July 28, 2023:
[00:30] Native giraffes are reintroduced to the wild
[2:45] A lithium mine in Nevada gets the green ahead (to the chagrin of environmentalists)
[4:30] How to use empty office buildings for vertical farming (genius!)
[10:00] Shein invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip and people are mad AF
Resource mentioned:
A new month is nearly here, and this means it's the perfect time to usher in the change of seasons with some legitimate decluttering.
If you're ready to get serious about the clutter you accumulated this summer - and if you're motivated by a bit of healthy competition! - today's episode outlines the objective, the setup, and the rules of play for the 30-day minimalism challenge I'll be participating in starting August 1. I also offer up some tips to ensure success, and I so hope you join me for both the episode and the challenge!
And if you're listening welllllll past this episode's release date, know that this game can be played anytime, anywhere!
Here's a preview:
[9:30] Three tips for avoiding the dreaded Doom Pile
[12:30] Two birds, one stone: Exactly how to pair the 30-day minimalist challenge with your no-spend month
[19:00] Using the Pomodoro Technique in decluttering and in life
Resources mentioned:
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It used to be pink for girls and blue for boys, but no longer.
These days it's frills and plunging cuts for girls, angry dinosaurs and athletic fabrics for boys. And while gendered clothing often leads to more purchases for each child and thus generates excessive waste, there are other reasons to give fashion's gender bias the side-eye. Most concerning, of course, is its impacts on our children's development, self-expression, and self-esteem.
On today's show Anastasia Vasilieva offers reasons why you may want to confront the implications of shopping by gender; she also suggests practical advice for buying kids clothing the eco-conscious way.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Prints, fabrics, cuts, and more: Distinguishing gendered clothing from what's genderless
[6:30] The 'why' behind early sexualization in girl's fashion
[10:00] Two research-backed ways clothing perpetuates traditional gender roles
[20:30] The negative correlation between gendered clothes and self-esteem
[23:00] Three things to look for when buying clothes for the children in our lives
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday July 21, 2023:
[00:30] The Amazon's deforestation rate is (finally) declining!
[2:45] The unintended consequences of droughts
[4:30] Say it ain't so: Worms are invading the Arctic
[10:00] The consequences of HGTV on everyday renovations
Prime Week has come and gone ... for now. And while there are countless questionable items you can indeed purchase on Amazon (a mini hand squirrel, anyone?), there are 6 very specific intangibles that simply cannot be bought. Not now, not ever.
On today's show we apply the 6-Factor Model For Psychological Wellbeing to our lives for greater clarity around what actually sparks joy.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Connections between the fashion and beauty industries and bandaids when it comes to self-acceptance
[8:30] You can't buy friends! 2 ways possessions keep us isolated
[12:00] What's the opposite of keeping up with the Joneses? It's this (and it's also a major factor in wellness)
[16:00] 3 ways in which your possessions directly work against your own level of environmental mastery
[20:00] Here's why you can't underestimate the importance of personal growth
Resources Mentioned:
Have a summer trip planned? You're not alone. For many, traveling has become more lifestyle than luxury: in the time it takes you to read this blurb over 2,000 people will have arrived in a foreign country and a quarter of a million dollars will have been spent by Americans abroad.
Staycations are emerging in popularity as a hassle-free and environmentally friendly way to holiday. And if you need more convincing, today's conversation with podcaster Chris Christou outlines why being a better tourist starts at home.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Connections between the tourism industry and late stage capitalism
[10:45] Eco-tourism is an oxymoron! (And other greenwashing examples)
[24:00] Airbnb’s cultural consequences
[31:00] 3 research-backed tips for making the most of your next staycation
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday July 14, 2023:
[00:30] Flash floods 101
[3:30] An alternative to single-use plastic packaging is (almost) here!
[9:00] 12 years later, Fukushima has an awful lot of wastewater. What should be done with it?
[13:00] Introducing the Devil's Hole Pupfish
Spending time in nature is recreation; it's also restorative and preventative medicine. Enter forest bathing which, like yoga, has been around for centuries and is now gaining newfound popularity amongst those of us who are overexposed, overworked, and overscheduled.
On today's show author Ben Page invites us to connect with nature - and ourselves - in a new way.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Japan and shirin-yoku: The origins of modern forest bathing
[9:00] Why bother? Here's a laundry list of forest bathing's health and wellness benefits
[17:00] How to forest bathe, step by step (with newbie questions in rapid fire format)
[33:00] Biophilic interior design for wellness
Resources mentioned:
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
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When it comes to reducing cell phone use, we've all heard the advice. Turn off notifications. Unfollow and unfriend. But this advice? It's stale. Shallow, even, because it does little to *actually* reduce time spent on screens.
We often discuss gatekeeping our homes and the responsibility that comes with deciding what gets granted admittance. On today's show we identify what it means to be the gatekeeper of our peace by once and for all getting intentional with our tech.
Here's a preview:
[10:30] Enter white space: How to incrementally extend the length of time between your cell phone checks
[12:30] Has the work-from-home movement ballooned our use of tech?
[18:30] Here's the stuff you really, really should be deleting from your phone
[22:00] The one phone-related step you can take to improve your focus, well-being, and relationships
[26:00] Are you a phubber?
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday July 7, 2023:
[00:45] The rise of livestream e-commerce in China
[5:00] Is passive cooling the way of the future?
[10:00] Are insects wildlife? Well, it depends on where you live
[12:00] Wealth matters. So does population density
Resources mentioned:
Spoiler alert: Disposable diapers are terrible for the planet. They account for about 2% of all landfill waste in the US; worse – because they're made of plastics – they decompose very, very slowly. Before their arrival on the commercial scene in the 1960s babies were fully potty trained by 18 months. But thanks to this "convenient" option, these days the average potty training age is 3 years.
Andrea Olson is the voice behind the über popular method of bathroom training called elimination communication. On today's show Andrea explains the ways in which diaper companies play on our fears of being bad parents to push their single-use products; she also breaks down the steps she took to get her children out of diapers in half the time.
Here's a preview:
[4:45] Thoughts on intentionality in potty training as being better for both our children and the planet they will inherit
[9:00] A history of potty training: What did humans do before disposable diapers?
[16:00] Addressing common criticisms: Does elimination communication have adverse effects on a child's development?
[24:00] So how does it work, exactly?
Resources mentioned:
The (positive!) enviro-news you need to know for Friday June 30, 2023:
[00:30] The latest re: nature's healing effects on human health & wellness
[2:45] The planet gets a big win in Switzerland
[4:00] 400 Panamanian golden frogs, 6 black-footed ferries, and a western lowland gorilla
[9:00] What's living at the bottom of the ocean? (We don't know!)
[12:00] The climate denying tide, it is a-changin'
The world has a big fat carbon problem. There’s already too much of it in the atmosphere and – thanks to both our lifestyles and corporations' polluting, business-as-usual practices – we're emitting even more carbon into the atmosphere each and every second.
Enter carbon capturing.
Today in honor of Climate Optimism Week we are outlining the latest and greatest in the carbon capture game.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] A carbon capture primer: What it is, why we need it, and why trees are simply no longer enough
[5:00] 2 examples of small-scale carbon solutions
[11:00] The main differences between post combustion capture and direct air capture
[18:00] What on earth should we do with the carbon we end up capturing?
[21:00] Let's not put all our eggs in the carbon capture basket! Here's why
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When the climate narrative is all doom and gloom, many of us find it difficult to rally. It's the Snooze Button Effect in real-time: the barrage of "climate apocalypse" headlines lose their urgency, their potency.
If you're desensitized to environmental news, know that you're not alone.
Today I speak with angry-activist-turned-climate optimist Anne Therese Gennari about becoming more resilient and motivated when confronting the climate crisis – and why optimism is key when it comes to rethinking how we live in this world.
Welcome to Climate Optimism Week! Today’s show is the first in a two-part series outlining reasons to be hopeful in the climate fight.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] How can we be climate optimists when the planet’s future looks so dire?
[11:30] 2 benefits to toning down the urgency
[20:00] Can capitalism be our ally in the climate fight?
[25:00] What it really means to maximize your positive footprint
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday June 13, 2023:
[00:45] It's here my friends. We're living in the Fire Age
[05:00] Cutting edge fire detection measures happening now
[9:00] 5 steps to improving your indoor air quality
[11:00] Air conditioners of the future
Resources mentioned:
There comes a time when we're simultaneously sick of all the greenwashing and angry at the snail's pace in which change tends to occur. Because while doing our best within our homes is indeed impactful, it does little to create large-scale change.
If you're dedicated to leaving the world a better place than you found it, you're ready to become an advocate.
Today's show is the second in a two part series about creating a marketplace that puts consumers — not mega corporations! — first, and I'm speaking with podcaster Jessica Brennan about her transition from quiet-but-crunchy parent to loud-and-proud advocate. Jessica was pivotal in the passing of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) which is the first substantial update to cosmetic laws since 1938.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] How to know when you're ready to take your frustration and do something with it outside of your home
[12:00] The surprising benefits associated with advocacy work
[18:00] Want to be an advocate but don't want to picket? Here's how
[24:00] Thoughts on using your voice for change even when it's scary
Resources mentioned:
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We all need to feel like we can make smart purchasing decisions, but it’s hard to know where to put our trust. Researchers have found dangerous levels of mercury in anti-aging creams; they’ve linked chemicals in hair dye to cancer; they’ve traced fragrances in soaps and shampoos to fertility issues.
And while it has become more confusing than ever to know whether our buying choices are putting our health at risk, America's laws often help manufacturers avoid accountability.
Today's show is the first in a two part series about creating a marketplace that puts consumers — not mega corporations! — first.
Here's a preview:
[1:30] Mascara and blindness
[6:00] Antibiotics, antifreeze and over 100 deaths
[11:00] The link between Johnson & Johnson's baby powder and ovarian cancer; plus: the mega-corp's attempts to protect itself at the expense of 34,000+ victims
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday June 16, 2023:
[00:30] German homeowners and financial sacrifice (heat pumps are expensive!)
[04:00] Should we sacrifice the Great American landscape in the name of clean energy?
[11:00] Here's how South Koreans are making eco-sacrifices in real time
Resources mentioned:
Our brains are really darn busy. They're continually processing lots of information; they're also working overtime to keep us out of harm's way. And because they're overworked and underpaid, our brains seek out shortcuts. Sometimes these shortcuts are helpful but often they cause more harm than good.
Enter cognitive distortions, which make us anxious, create excessive suffering, and blow our self-esteem to smithereens.
On today's show we flip and reverse these 6 unhelpful thought patterns for greater well-being:
[8:00] Overgeneralizations ("Everyone else is doing so much better than me!")
[10:00] Negative predictions ("I'm trapped!")
[15:00] Jumping to conclusions ("No one loves me as much as I love them!")
[19:00] All-or-nothing thinking ("If only I had ...")
[25:00] Misplaced self-doubt ("I'm an imposter!")
[28:00] Polarized thinking ("My life is a mess!")
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
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Our kids have big feelings about their stuff. In many homes, the mere suggestion of a toy and treasure decluttering sesh initiates a gargantuan cleanup battle.
Are your kiddos running out of space to store their special things? If so, it may be time to teach them the important skill of discerning their favorites from the minutia.
Drama-free decluttering with kids is possible! Today I speak with shopaholic-turned-minimalist Mary Simpson about the ways in which she empowers her children to make difficult decisions about their stuff.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] First things first: We respect our children by respecting their stuff
[9:30] Drowning in artwork and school papers? Here's what to do
[15:00] How many childhood mementos should you keep?
[26:00] Containers are your friend!
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday June 9, 2023:
[01:00] Promising developments re: PFAS legislation
[4:00] Eco-conscious breweries?
[8:00] Bad news for arctic sea ice
[10:00] Sinking US cities and rising sea levels = trouble
Resources mentioned:
When the clutter in your immediate physical environment becomes just another major stressor that bombards your autonomic nervous system, you may be stuck in the mess-stress cycle.
My children are almost on summer break and this means extra messes and excess stresses. On today's show: 5 steps to bare-bones home maintenance that will get your home back to functioning in 20 minutes or less.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] Are you stressed, or are you in a stress cycle? Here's how to know
[5:30] The warning signs and symptoms of the mess-stress cycle
[13:00] 5 steps to getting your home back to functioning in under 20 minutes
Resources mentioned:
Join our (free!) community here.
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It's 2023 and upgrade culture is fierce. For many of us, wanting something is as good a reason as any to go out and buy it. And wanting a newer model of an item you already have? Just another excuse to splurge.
Today's show is less of an interview and more of a conversation with the anti-upgrade king (a.k.a. my husband) about how we attempt to keep upgrade culture at bay in our own home.
Here's a preview:
[5:30] Don't forget utility!
[7:30] Thoughts on the connection between upgrade culture and performative wealth
[9:00] Why we don't buy stuff for our daughters "just because"
[15:00] Tech-free homes as a sneaky anti-upgrade power move
[18:00] The quiet power embedded within simply saying nothing
[23:00] Why and how to steer clear of the parenting path of least resistance, plus: How to teach your kids to care for their stuff
Resources Mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday June 2, 2023:
[00:30] Angry environmentalists and the US debt deal
[4:00] Recycling centers create lots of microplastics (and lots of problems)
[8:00] What you need to know about a gigantic log pile in Canada
[11:00] "Rapidly growing catastrophic exposure" and home insurance changes
Countless online articles jammed with affiliate links entice readers to modernize. To swap what's working with something better. To stay relevant with the sleekest and newest. Some such guides even amplify the health and safety benefits associated with upgrading certain home items. But is replacement our only option? How can consumers truly know?
On today's show we take 8 common household items and ask the singular question: Do we *really* need to swap out these items with newer models?
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Should we actually replace our toilet bowl brushes on the regular (or is a simple cleaning enough)?
[7:00] What's the truth when it comes to replacing personal care products?
[16:00] Hold up: do surge protecters need replacing?
[22:00] Let's talk cutting boards
[26:00] All-things mattresses ... again
[29;00] Everything you need to know about the efficacy of your smoke alarms
Resources mentioned:
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Sustainability chatter often centers around the importance of being selfless: Do better for waterways and ecosystems. Do better for endangered animals and, of course, do better for future generations, won't you?
But humans tend to be self-centered as a species, and expert marketing has trained us to prioritize our personal whims over the collective. The result? Many tend to help others only if their needs and wants first feel fully fulfilled.
Self-centeredness has a universal benefit: planetary wellness *always* starts with personal wellness. On today's show Brienne Derosier introduces her concept of the Wellness Onion as a means of explaining how caring for ourselves is a smart and sneaky means of learning to care for all things everywhere.
Here's a preview:
[5:30] Layer One: What are you consuming?
[10:00] It's less about how you look and more about how you feel. Here's why
[12:00] Layer Two: What are you putting on your body?
[22:00] Layer Three: What are you putting in your home?
[32:00] Layer Four: What is your long-term legacy?
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday May 25, 2023:
[00:30] The future of plastic
[3:00] The relationship between heat and a poor night's sleep
[5:00] Yay or nay: Should we relocate species endangered by climate change?
[10:00] The Colorado River's woes
It's almost always advisable to refrain from rash actions when emotionally charged, and rage decluttering is no exception. While filling that trash bag may feel great in the moment, enter guilt and shame shortly after.
Often feel the impulse to rage clean and declutter? Today I speak with coach Leslie Alder about what to do instead.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Rage decluttering isn't about stuff; it's about control
[9:00] Getting to the root of the trigger, plus: shame and guilt's consequences
[21:00] Exactly how to process our big adult feelings without grabbing the trash bag
[27:00] Getting out of the house to refresh your perspective (Srsly, just leave!)
[32:00] The antidote to periodic rage declutters? The quarantine box
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday May 18, 2023:
[00:30] Indonesia's sinking problem
[4:00] Trees can't walk but they're still moving north
[7:00] Prepare yo'self! Extreme heat's a-coming in the next 5 years
[13:00] Updates from beloved Yellowstone
Resources mentioned:
Maintaining a balanced life isn’t effortless. It takes constant adjustment and re-adjustment to remain steady.
The good news? When our health, wellness, or happiness feels a little off, the solution is often as simple as a few tweaks to our mostly-working routines.
It pays to take time to re-focus on the basics, and that's what we're doing today.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] Are you a Toyota, or are you a Lamborghini? (hint: you're a Lamborghini.)
[10:30] The 30-second daily practice that promises to transform your life
[16:00] Meaningful connections with other humans are worth the effort. Here's why
[21:00] Why it's important to be bored
Resources mentioned:
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Big tech trains kids to become consumers from ... well, birth.
Child-targeted marketing is cringe-worthy at best and unethical at worst. It also undermines our children's healthy development because it robs them of opportunities to play, imagine, and learn freely without manipulation.
Today I speak with Dr. Susan Linn about the ways in which technology exploits children (and what we can do about it at home).
Here's a preview:
[3:30] Brand loyalty? How media corporations exploit our children for profit
[6:30] Societal implications associated with perpetually up-selling to kids
[11:30] The ways in which big tech manipulates children into bonding with their devices
[17:00] A good, hard look: Addressing our collective preoccupation with technology
[28:00] Thoughts on breaking an older child’s screen addiction
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday May 12, 2023:
[00:30] An Alberta wildfires update
[2:00] Unplugged and offshore: The risks associated with 14,000 unplugged oil and gas wells in the Gulf
[6:30] Renewable energy and 266,410 square miles
[13:00] A sneak peek into our electric vehicle future
Are you consuming the news, or is the news consuming you?
While it's certainly important to be informed, there's a line in the sand between being adequately informed and over-informed. For many of us, regularly crossing that line leads to negative health and wellness effects.
On today's show: how to protect your headspace while also staying informed.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] 5 reasons why it's so darn easy to get caught up in the news cycle
[15:00] Headline stress disorder's effect of excessive new consumption on our physical and mental health
[18:00] The dopamine loop: 2 reasons why overconsumption of stuff is similar to overconsumption of news
[27:00] 3 tips and a final word
Resources mentioned:
From an early age we’re taught that personal fulfillment is dependent on both our accomplishments and our possessions. Yet despite advancing in our careers and overflowing our homes, many of us remain unsatisfied.
What's missing? According to today's guest, we are far too concerned with living from the outside-in when we should be doing the opposite.
There is indeed a reality in which yearning for the bigger house and the better job takes a backseat to the whispers of our inner selves. On today's show: Shirin Etessam on true fulfillment as a byproduct of silencing our mental and emotional clutter.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] What do our souls have to do with sustainable minimalism?
[9:00] The work is hard, but is the struggle worth it?
[17:00] The real reason we must address the mental clutter (and how to do it)
[30:00] Exactly how to heal your heart
[33:00] The importance of play, creativity, and curiosity in the lives of adults
Resources mentioned:
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday May 5, 2023:
[00:30] Dear gas stoves, Buh-bye! Love, New York
[2:00] Move over, Arabica: Why Liberica excelsa coffee may soon be in your mug
[5:00] Harnessing the knowledge of indigenous communities to curb global warming
[11:00] The world's leaders are looking to solar geo-engineering for quick, easy warming wins. Here's why
Resources mentioned:
Nonprofit organizations work tirelessly for the better good and they depend on donations from you and me to fund their programs. But giving is not equally distributed: in 2021, just 3% of all donation dollars went to environmental and animal welfare organizations (source).
While we do indeed have the power to use every dollar we earn for change, giving can be confusing. There’s a massive difference between a worthy cause and a solid nonprofit and so on today's show I'm giving you the tools you need to find a quality charity that speaks to your heart. I'm also suggesting 7 environmental charities worthy of our hard-earned donations.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Stay away from these shell non-profits, PACs, and misinformation funnels
[7:45] It's a minefield out there! How to vet a nonprofit like a boss
[19:00] Environmental catch-all orgs do an awful lot. Here are two of the best
[21:00] Care about animals? I've got you!
[24:00] Want to remove carbon from the atmosphere? 2 nonprofit recs
Resources mentioned:
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
In the name of convenience, manufacturers sold us the promise that their products make life easier. And while such gadgets, appliances, and electronics have indeed taken over much of the physical labor associated with living, they have also eliminated many of the core competencies that once grounded us, connected us, and made us whole.
It's no surprise that many of us feel like something's missing.
It's a time of unprecedented technology and ease, sure, but still: many of us find ourselves craving a simpler way. If you've ever wondered whether you're working far too hard at all the wrong endeavors, today's conversation with podcaster Jill Winger is here to help.
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Uncovering our collective 'modern malaise'
[12:00] The good, bag, and ugly: 3 ways in which industrialization has impacted our quality of life
[18:00] Want to be very slightly more self-sufficient? Here are some suggestions for where to start
[25:00] 2 steps to adopting an old-fashioned mindset right where you are
Resources mentioned:
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday April 28, 2023:
[00:30] Allergies, pollen, and climate change
[3:00] Fellow wine lovers, unite! Benefits to lighter bottles
[5:00] Enviro-implications re: SpaceX's Starship launch
[11:00] Everything you didn't know you wanted to know about nuclear energy
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Low waste living sounds great in theory, but in practice? Thanks to life's obstacles, it's much harder to commit for the long-haul. Add children into the equation and intentionally creating less trash can feel like a daily, uphill slog.
On today's show I speak with blogger and life coach Rebekah Lara about recommitting to your low waste goals despite waning motivation.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] An excuse, or a legitimate barrier?
[10:30] Imperfection vs. perfection in the low-waste community
[17:30] Intermediate low-wasters unite! Why you should take a second (and third) look at the contents of your trashcan
[25:00] It's not about the mason jar filled with trash: How to re-center your efforts around the big picture
Resources mentioned:
Want more episodes like this one? Check out the following:
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We all have habits we’d like to banish, and often we believe our success or failure comes down to discipline and willpower. But discipline and willpower don't tell the whole story, and that's because the brain doesn’t make changes easily.
Breaking a bad habit CAN be done, and today's show is here to help.
Today's content is specifically framed around a listener's question re: buying on impulse, but please know the suggestions offered are rooted in neuroscience and can be applied to any (and every!) habit you’d like to break.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] How to use the Feedback Loop to ask yourself the right whys
[15:00] The importance of removing and/or inserting visual cues when breaking a bad habit
[27:00] Reign in your expectations! Here's why it takes lots of time to rewire your brain
[33:00] Everything you need to know about compulsive shopping disorder
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
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* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Welcome to Living On Purpose week!
Living on purpose isn't about changing who you are; it's about rising up and becoming the best version of you. But amidst the chaotic rush of our days it's easy to get caught up in the “doing”. And when we hyper-focus on doing, we often neglect the important and intentional act of reflection.
Today best-selling author Tanya Dalton brings us both cutting-edge research and practical inspiration to help you find the unhurried purpose that's hidden in your days.
Stay tuned for Thursday's related episode in which we discuss how to break a bad habit, for good.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Why we absolutely must look backwards for clues before planning ahead
[18:00] We tend to choose instant gratification over pursuing our long-term goals. Here's why, according to neuroscience
[20:00] How to use Cathedral Thinking to visualize your purpose
[32:00] It's not 'unstuck'! The real opposite of being stuck, plus tangible ways to get out of a rut
[37:00] Exactly why discipline and willpower are overrated
[41:00] Habit stacking beats multitasking Every. Darn. Time. (with practical ways to try your hand at stacking good habits)
Resources mentioned:
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The enviro-news you need to know for Friday April 14, 2023:
[00:30] From 7% to 67%: The EPA's proposed new EV standards
[3:30] The dirty electricity turning point is here
[5:30] Buh-bye, lithium? The rise of sodium batteries
[12:00] 22K gallons for your swimming pool
Resources mentioned:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
We Americans are notorious for making our unwanted stuff someone else's problem. Part of the reason has to do with our desire to be altruistic: We tell ourselves we're helping the less fortunate when we pass on our perfectly decent items.
But the reality is much bleaker: Both our recently-decluttered donations and our down-and-dirty trash create problems for the people and places that get stuck with our stuff.
Here's a preview of what we're discussing today:
[3:00] The literal mountain of clothes in West Africa
[7:00] Swirling, soupy, and more than one: Here's what you likely didn't know about the Pacific trash vortex
[14:00] Alabama's recent landfill fire
[18:00] What's the reality re: America's plastic recyclables?
[22:00] You - yes you! - can help. Here's how
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Our culture's messaging angles household labor as unimportant and uninspiring. And while work within the home is largely undervalued, the sad reality is that the chores, cooking, laundry, and everything else simply must get done.
Here's something that's not often discussed: there's a quiet joy to be found in tending to the home. Today I speak with podcaster and homemaker extraordinaire Lisa Bass about the underappreciated value an excellent homemaker brings to their family.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Societal messaging around homemaking versus the importance of learning by doing
[15:00] How to find the time and motivation to cook in a culture that glorifies convenience
[25:00] Conducting a ruthless self-assessment of your cooking skills (and how to improve!)
[30:00] The essential mindset shift re: all-things homemaking
[35:00] Using "the sauce of hunger" as a tool for managing picky eaters
Resources mentioned:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday April 7, 2023:
[00:30] Changing tornados and tornado seasons
[4:00] Amazon.com and the problem with climate "pledges"
[5:30] Paris's electric scooters problem
[10:00] Big Oil in the Niger Delta
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Chances are we've all been influenced to buy something at least once before. But the rise of influencer marketing is a different beast that has fundamentally altered the way brands sell to consumers.
On today's show I suggest 5 ways to be influenced less.
Here's a preview of the tips we're discussing today:
[13:00] Think of influencers not as friends but as salespeople
[15:00] Look for these FTC disclosures
[18:00] Know thyself by decluttering
[21:00] Raise the buying bar
[25:00] It's not a deal if you don't need it
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
After losing a loved one, deciding what to do with their possessions is a complicated process. We humans tend to attach sentiment to physical things; it's no surprise, then, that many of us find ourselves suffering over not just the loss of life but also over the perceived loss of memories embedded within their belongings.
Today's conversation offers insight into decluttering through grief. Krista St. Germain is a Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert; she's also a widow who believes that pain is inevitable but whether or not we suffer is entirely within our control.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] How to know when the time is right to sort through your deceased loved one's belongings (and where to start)
[9:45] Here's how facing sentimental clutter head-on fits within the grieving process
[22:00] Where to start and how to keep going: Krista's best tips
[27:00] Practical ways to steer clear of indecision drama
[30:00] How to best memorialize a loved one without keeping every single thing
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday March 31, 2023:
[00:30] iPhone's new eco-feature
[4:00] Bee brains
[7:30] Kids v. Montana
[12:00] Why is Duluth, Minnesota suddenly popular?
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
"I wish you would do an episode on TerraCycle. They have been in the news about not truly recycling the items they collect [and] their boxes are expensive. Am I wasting my money?"
Here's a preview:
[3:30] The Number One difference between TerraCycle's sponsored waste program and zero waste boxes
[7:00] Have you seen the that cool infinity logo on products? Here's what it means
[13:30] What happened to Loop?
[19:00] Two 'gotcha' moments and a lawsuit
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Furniture and decor trends can be tempting. But trends peak then inevitably decline; after just a few years, our choices re: side lamps, accent chairs and everything in between often become (gasp!) outdated.
It's true: hopping on and off the trend bandwagon can leave us broke and wasteful. On today's show interior designer Betsy Helmuth first offers this spring's biggest decor trends, then together we make them eco-conscious.
Here's a preview of the spring decor trends we're tweaking today:
[4:30] Moody maximalist wall colors
[9:00] Large-scale natural stone
[14:00] Embellished window treatments
[22:00] Doorknobs, pulls, and other metal finishes
[30:00] Statement lamps
Resources mentioned:
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 24, 2023:
[00:30] Potential PFAS regulation?
[3:30] The planet's enduring fever
[8:30] 'Slow burn' television
[12:00] We want what we want when we want it: Our love of off-season produce
Resource mentioned:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Goody bags, Easter baskets, and other junk culture opportunities: Revisiting the cheap plastic toys conundrum.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Everybody hates goody bags, so why are we still giving them?
[8:00] The history of gifting: 4 reasons why humans are wired to give gifts
[20:00] Words of encouragement for listeners reluctant to go against the grain
[27:00] 5 things to consider re: hosting a no-present birthday
Resources mentioned:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube
Life is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.
Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today's show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention
[9:30] The paradox of choice, plus: Why many of us rarely go after our first choice
[16:00] Words of encouragement for listeners who examine their life and don't like what they see
[21:00] Using your unique "core competencies" as organizing principles when editing your life
[27:00] Editing for generosity: How to edit your narrative to benefit the collective
[33:00] Elisabeth and Stephanie's thoughts on enjoying life despite the world's messiness
Resources mentioned:
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 17, 2023:
[00:30] Lab-to-table dairy
[4:00] Norfolk Southern's dioxin problem
[7:45] A failed levee and aging infrastructure
[12:00] Bumpy flights and climate change
[14:30] Cooking oil jet fuel?
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Should you pay a bit more for carbon-neutral shipping? (Answer: It's complicated.) How do you best offset your next flight? (Answer: Pay much more than you think.) On today's show we break down all-things carbon offsets.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Are carbon offsets a greenwashing gimmick?
[6:00] How to calculate the equity weighted social cost of carbon of your next flight
[15:30] Guilt-free shopping? Here's what carbon neutral shipping really means
[19:30] Breaking down the Climate Neutral Certified logo
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
The answer to a happier, more connected life may be as simple as connecting with nature. Enter houseplants, a.k.a. an easy and accessible way to bring the outside in. Although caring for plants has been shown to reduce stress, increase joy, and cultivate connections with ourselves, others and the earth, many of us are epic plant killers. What then?
On today's show author and podcaster Maria Failla teaches a crash course on houseplant care for novice and intermediate listeners so that we (fingers crossed!) never kill a houseplant again.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Why do plants make us feel so good? Here's what science says
[10:45] How to create your plant collection for under $20
[19:00] How to successfully grow houseplants in cold, dark, and drafty homes
[23:00] Exactly when and how to "pot up"
[28:00] Brown leaves, yellow leaves, plants with "legs", pests, orchids that won't re-bloom, and other common plant woes
Resources mentioned:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
The enviro-news you need to know for Friday, March 10, 2023:
[2:00] #StopWillow
[4:30] 'Zombie' forests
[7:30] The UN's (historic) High Seas Treaty
[11:30] Poland Spring's unquenchable thirst
Further learning:
Join our (free!) community here.
Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Corporations make money when consumers perseverate over what they don't have. And personal development? If you want to grow into the best person you can be, Step One is to abandon a mindset that's focused on scarcity.
On this episode: how to radically transform your cognitive patterns from ruminating on what you lack to appreciating what you have in under 5 minutes a day.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] Do you suffer from a scarcity mindset? Find out in this quick, 6-question quiz
[8:00] Exactly how a scarcity mindset impacts your brain and behavior, according to psychology
[20:00] The multitudinous benefits associated with an abundance mindset, plus 3 steps to get you there
Resources mentioned:
When it comes to sustainable action, we tend to label behaviors as either/or: Either we're acting in a way that's "eco-friendly" or ..., well, not. But some lifestyle tweaks are greener than others: When time, energy, and funds are finite, where's the best place to focus our efforts?
On today's show: A conversation with Sam Schreiner about the 4 categories of sustainable action - with a hefty dose of data-driven analysis to boot.
Here's a preview:
[7:00] 0.1 versus 1.0 makes a big difference! 5 examples of high impact efforts
[20:00] The privilege problem: Why are high impact behaviors also often high cost?
[27:00] Let's chat about low impact efforts. Do they matter?
[31:00] Gateway drugs and ripple effects: Here's why its impossible to quantify a lifetime's-worth of intention
Resources mentioned:
6 high-traffic, high-impact spaces to declutter that you can complete in 20 minutes or less.
Here's a preview of the spaces we're decluttering today:
[4:00] Your car console
[9:45] Your purse/backpack/baby bag
[16:00] Your linen closet
[25:00] Your medicine cabinet
[28:00] The surface of your desk
[33:00] Your spice cabinet
Resources mentioned:
When it comes to skincare, loads of products line store shelves. Almost all of them make bold, anti-aging claims (fountain of youth, anyone?).
But buying All. The. Products. comes with hefty financial and environmental price tags: If we want to age gracefully, what's the average woman to do and buy?
On today's show, board certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina makes the case that using too many skincare products is unnecessary at best and potentially harmful at worst.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] What we're doing wrong when it comes to skincare from a dermatologist's perspective
[7:00] Transitioning from reactive quick skin fixes to long-term, preventative care
[11:30] Holistic skincare means skin cancer prevention: Here are the latest sunscreen guidelines
[17:00] Products we *actually* need (versus products we can confidently leave on the shelf)
[30:00] When, where, and who re: toner, exfoliant, and other ancillary products
[32:00] A medical professional's thoughts on Botox and fillers
Resources mentioned:
And we’re at it again! On today's show I’m answering 4 listener questions in rapid-fire format.
Here's a preview of the questions I'm answering:
[1:30] What should conscious consumers consider when buying eco-conscious undergarments?
[13:30] What are some practical first steps for college students who want to practice sustainability?
[18:00] Oh what to do with baby bottles, car seats, breast pumps, and other one-and-done baby gear?
[23:00] Eco-home renovations 101: What should we keep in mind when embarking on a reno (with a limited budget to boot)?
Resources mentioned:
Inflation got you down? Chin up, friends! On today's episode: 12 tangible grocery store hacks that save money and reduce food waste.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] What it looks like in real life to sacrifice convenience for better prices
[7:30] Even more reasons why you should consider buying dried beans instead of canned
[13:00] Can you freeze cheese? (Answer: Yes! Here's how)
[18:00] Where to get the best deals on milk, plus: the financial benefits associated with dairy-free alternatives
[24:00] What to do with produce you've bought on sale
Resources mentioned:
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Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
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88% of US and UK consumers want brands to help them be more sustainable in their daily lives and many are willing to pay a premium for plastic-free products. But despite consumer demand, plastic is everywhere and downright impossible to avoid. On today's show: 9 places those pesky polymers lurk, plus hacks for avoiding them.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Here's what you never knew about tires
[8:00] How to shop for tea like a conscious consumer
[15:00] Your dish sponge's dirty little secret
[17:30] Are e-cigarettes any better than regular cigs from an environmental standpoint?
[25:00] The latest research into cloth versus disposable diapers
[28:00] Microplastics vs. liquid plastics in makeup
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
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The typical American funeral boasts exotic flowers, a coffin made of fancy wood, and formaldehyde-based embalming. But green burials require fewer resources and skip a number of unnecessary steps; they also tend to be less expensive.
Today I speak with green mortician Elizabeth Fournier about alternatives to conventional burials and cremations that are easier on the planet.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Exactly what's wrong from an environmental standpoint with standard burials and cremations
[12:30] A brief history of embalming: Is it actually necessary?
[19:00] Liner-free plots, conscious caskets, and more: The tenets of a green burial
[28:30] How exactly does a green burial compare in terms of cost?
[33:00] Everything you need to know about aqua cremation, burials at sea, and natural organic reduction
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
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Cyberpsychology is an emerging field that examines the ways in which technology influences human behavior. On today's show we discuss what happens to our purchasing habits when psychology, sociology, and 21st century tech collide.
Here's a preview:
[1:30] Who you think you are is influenced by others (hello, looking glass self!)
[8:30] It's human nature to compare and compete: Here's how and why we internalize social media messaging
[16:00] 3 reasons why shoppers feel better when they purchase items that contribute to self-repair
[20:00] 2 ways dopamine and online algorithms work together and entice us to buy
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
Quitting is aerobics for your brain; it's also the counterintuitive secret to success. Today I bring you a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Julia Keller about how to view quitting not as a pejorative but instead as a tool for swapping one destiny for another.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] How the self-help movement created our anti-quit bias
[9:00] The similarities between honeybees and Simone Biles, with a nod toward strategic quitting
[17:00] How do you quit a high-stakes situation? (Answer: quasi-quitting!)
[23:00] Words of encouragement for listeners concerned they'll regret it later
[27:00] How parents listening can best support their children when they want to quit
Resources mentioned:
Organizing mega-influencer Marie Kondo made headlines earlier this week when she admitted to "kind of giv(ing) up" on tidying after having her third child. If, like Marie, you're feeling overwhelmed and disillusioned with minimalism, today's episode is here to help.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Let's first reign in our expectations: minimalism won't solve EVERYthing (but it'll certainly help)
[9:00] Simple organization strategies over complex ones, with real-life examples
[12:30] The Number One benefit to eating the biggest frog first
[17:00] If you find yourself with precious pockets of free time, utilize them this way
[21:00] Why decluttering, organizing, and tidying are acts of self-love
Resources mentioned:
When we return an unwanted gift to the manufacturer, it goes back on the shelf to be resold, right? Wrong. Most returned gifts (5.8 billion tons, to be exact) end up in landfills each and every year.
The solution lies in responsible gifting, which alleviates the consequences associated with massive finite resource waste; it also saves shoppers time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Today author Tracey Lynch explains how to tweak your gifting philosophy to save our planet while also ensuring every gift you give is actually wanted and used.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Sad statistics alert: Exactly how the gift giving exchange impacts the planet
[9:00] Reverse logistics is similar to driving backwards, and here's why
[18:00] How to give gifts that provide 100% satisfaction to the recipient
[32:00] Stephanie's 5 Rules for responsible gifting
[35:00] The why and how behind aiming not for surprise, but for delight
Resources mentioned:
Thanks to its rich supply of antioxidants, dark chocolate has long been revered for its health benefits. But there's a dark side to dark chocolate: Recent research has found heavy metals in many of our favorite brands. The worst part? These heavy metals - cadmium and lead - are linked to serious health problems including cancer in both children and adults.
Today we round out Chocolate Week with a bang: Dr. Jim Rogers from Consumer Reports discusses what heavy metals in the cacao supply means for regular consumers; he also offers his best tips for shopping smarter and safer the next time we're in the chocolate aisle.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Everything you need to know about cadmium and lead
[6:00] Exactly how heavy metals find their ways into the chocolate supply
[11:30] Traceability, trust, and responsibility: Addressing the industry's lack of corporate accountability
[18:00] Chocolate's best offenders, worst offenders, and every brand in between
[20:00] Does 'organic' matter with regard to heavy metals?
[22:00] Action steps for concerned chocolate consumers
Resources mentioned:
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Ah, chocolate. While those decadent brown rectangles enjoy near-universal consumer love, the reality is far less sweet: Chocolate is one of the most unethical and unsustainable foods we eat.
We can continue to enjoy chocolate by purchasing smarter. Today's show is Part 1 in a 2-part series about chocolate, and today - just in time for Valentine's Day! - we unearth the ethical and environmental implications associated with harvesting cacao on the global scale (I've also included 7 tips for being a conscious chocolate consumer, too).
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Machetes, pesticides, and kids: Child labor and slavery in the cacao industry
[11:00] The environmental problems associated with monocultures
[16:00] Some good news: 5 promising updates from the cacao industry
[17:30] How to enjoy chocolate by purchasing with intention: 7 ideas
Resources mentioned:
70% of American parents worry their children spend too much time on screens. Are you one of them?
Here's a preview:
[3:00] The implications of multiple screen shifts on attention span and executive functioning
[5:00] Exactly how much screen time children *should* get versus what they *actually* get
[7:00] School performance, inactivity, and more: 4 consequences associated with too much screen time and too many screens
[18:00] 5 Practical television reduction tips for newbies
[22:00] Creative ways to set screen limits in your home
[27:00] What's slow tv, exactly?
Resources mentioned/Additional resources:
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Algae is having moments in many spotlights. First, innovators are using microalgae - not petrochemicals - to create disposable packaging. Elsewhere, macroalgae is fed to cows to reduce their methane emittance. And pesky algae blooms? There's actually a company that first captures then transforms algae blooms into our favorite sneaker's cushiony foam.
Still, algae's biggest potential comes within the field of human nutrition. Is microalgae an alternative to fish for omega 3s and, if so, can this oft-overlooked photosynthetic organism solve our oceans' overfishing woes?
Here to unpack algae's emergence on the environmental scene is proud omega 3 evangelist Corinna Bellizzi, who believes algae is worth paying attention to for its array of both planetary and human health benefits.
(Psst ... If you're new to Defend The Eco-Trend episodes, this series dives deep into a product or innovation in the sustainability sphere with big promises. Is the hype legitimate (or is it greenwashing?).
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Half the oxygen we breathe comes from algae, plus other fun algae-related facts
[6:00] Recent innovations in the algae space
[16:00] Hey there, omega 3s! Microalgae's emerging place as part of the human nutrition solution
[19:00] 3 must-dos for optimal health
[21:00] Fewer fish, more algae: The Top 5 environmental and human health benefits associated with algae for omega 3s
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
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A Top 10 list of minimalism's best and biggest life lessons. Here's a preview of a few we're covering:
[4:00] Memories don't reside in trinkets.
[10:00] Save so you can spend ... on what matters.
[21:30] Extras keep us cluttered.
[23:30] You can’t recoup “worth”.
[29:00] Space is more valuable than stuff (and peace of mind is most valuable of all).
[31:00] It’s not a deal if you don’t need it.
Resources mentioned:
From meat-free 'chicken' nuggets to non-dairy ice creams, plant-based foods that actually taste good are becoming increasingly available in grocery stores. In many ways it's never been easier to find kid-friendly and carnivore-friendly cuisine.
So then why aren't more of us (myself included) transitioning our families to plant-based eating?
In honor of Veganuary I bring you a conversation with PETA's Faith Robinson about why we should all take yet another look at our diets; she also offers her best tips for incrementally transitioning our families to plant-based eating.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Are processed meat-free foods healthy?
[9:00] Thoughts on the protein problem
[10:00] Eating plant-based is one of the most environmentally friendly actions we can do and here's why
[11:00] Capitalizing on our children's innate sense of compassion to ease the transition to plant-based
[20:00] Don't reinvent the wheel! Incremental first steps for incorporating more plant-based meals
Resources mentioned:
Stuff breaks. In 2023, stuff breaks often. Few amongst us possess the knowledge to fix the evermore complex gadgets we use every day; worse, professional repairs (if they're even available) often cost more than replacing the item outright. What's a sustainable minimalist to do?
On today's episode we discuss all-things conscious consumption as it relates to home appliances, planned obsolescence, and the Right To Repair movement (it'll be fun, I promise!).
Here's a preview:
[3:00] An electricity primer: where it comes from and why it's important to choose energy-efficient appliances
[9:00] Exactly how long our favorite household appliances *should* last (we see you, planned obsolescence)
[22:00] Energy Star versus Energy Guide: What's the difference?
[29:00] Everything you need to know about the Right To Repair movement
[36:00] Practical ways to maintain your appliances for longevity
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email Stephanie and say hello! [email protected].
We may indeed live in a world in which we can get whatever we want whenever we want it, but there's a problem with such instant (and incessant!) gratification: Resources are finite.
On today's show, a conversation with blogger and author Liz Frugalwoods about how to teach our children that money doesn't grow on trees and buying new isn't consequence-free.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Getting our kids on board: How to reframe eco-frugality as a game
[11:00] Proaction as a handy Waste Not, Want Not tool
[20:00] The why and how behind early financial education for our children
[24:00] Real-time financial literacy: How to kick off a chore routine for kids
[32:00] Liz's thoughts on normalizing secondhand as a means of preserving finite resources
Resources mentioned:
A conversation with energy policy advisor Hal Harvey and award-winning NY Times journalist Justin Gillis about exactly what we need to do more of in 2023 to ensure the planet remains habitable for our children.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Is it already too late?
[4:00] The transition to seeing ourselves not as mere green consumers but instead as green citizens
[12:00] Creating a "tangible local expression" of your environmental values: the why and how
[25:00] How to decide which eco-policy to put your weight behind (and what it really means to "hit it hard")
Resources mentioned:
What your clutter is costing you, plus 5 guiding principles for mindful rehoming.
Resources mentioned:
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When it comes to health-first resolutions (eat healthier! feel better in jeans!), it's unfortunate but true: such resolutions often fail shortly after January 1.
On today's show Leeann Rybakov outlines what it *really* takes to make your health-centered New Year's Resolution stick.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Exactly why our get healthy/lose weight/eat right/move more resolutions fail, according to a Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach
[11:00] The Number One aspect of nutrition we tend to get wrong
[20:00] How important is sleep when it comes to health, actually?
[26:00] Extreme workouts don't lead to extreme health. Here's why
[36:00] Stress effects on our individual health goals
Resources mentioned:
It's the most wonderful time of the year, or is it? December can be stressful, expensive, and emotionally taxing; it's no wonder, then, that 3 in 5 Americans believe the holiday season negatively impacts their mental health.
Enter interpersonal boundaries which, when done right, protect your time, well-being, and budget. Even better? Drawing explicit lines in the proverbial sand increases the chances you'll actually enjoy the holiday season.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] The personal and interpersonal benefits associated with setting boundaries
[6:00] Getting our minds right: 2 soul-deep understandings that are necessary before attempting to set any interpersonal boundary
[14:00] When to set a boundary (and exactly how to do it, according to psychologists)
[19:30] It's role play time! 7 potential interpersonal trouble areas, with 7 real-life boundary setting examples
Resources mentioned:
podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
How do we kindly ask our parents and in-laws to stop buying into plastic junk culture for our children? Why would we even want to embark on such an uphill battle?
Overwhelming amounts of gifts may be commonplace around the holidays but the reality is this: The Number One most important gift we can give our kids is an inhabitable planet on which they can survive and thrive. With both the planet and families in crisis (hello, debilitating clutter!), it's high-time we find ways to avoid unnecessary presents in advance of the holidays.
Today I chat with Whitney Leigh Morris about how she established (and maintains!) gift boundaries with her loved ones in December and always.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Both you and your children benefit when you establish gift boundaries; here's why
[7:00] When to play the "climate crisis card" versus when to pivot
[20:30] 3 reasons to donate to reputable non-profits instead of returning or re-gifting
[24:00] Hindsight Mom Guilt wisdom for parents concerned their kids will be left wanting
[31:00] Thoughts on handling people who are affronted by your boundaries
Resources mentioned:
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* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
When it comes to giving presents, sustainable minimalists understand that less is more and thoughtful is better. Indeed, minimalist holiday gift ideas don’t manifest themselves when walking the mall; you can’t find them by panic buying in the days leading up to Christmas, either.
Need some inspiration? Today I’m thrilled to turn the mic over to you the listeners as you offer up nearly 2 dozen non-consumer gifts for the holiday season.
*A note from Stephanie: This episode originally aired in November 2021 and it's too good to not re-release!
Here’s a preview:
[2:20] Making (and preserving!) memories through experiences and photos
[5:20] 7 personalized DIY gift ideas (that will also be appreciated)
[9:15] 2 book-related minimalist gift ideas
[13:00] Creating new traditions as a means of buying less junk
[16:00] When in doubt, donate
[19:00] Thoughts on the “gift in a box” hack
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Are you getting all you can from your library?
Libraries are quiet pillars of our communities that often get overlooked. That's unfortunate because libraries are one of the few places where you can truly get something for nothing.
On today's show I'm outlining 7 goods and services you likely never knew you could get for free from your library.
Here's a preview:
[9:00] Exactly how much you're paying for multiple video streaming services (plus, how much the library can help you save)
[16:30] Stephanie's favorite hack for cooking magazine lovers
[20:00] How to get the most out of your Library Of Things
[22:00] Museum tickets and your child's holiday Experience gift, BAM
Resources mentioned:
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* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
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Success is often accomplished with grit, resilience, and action. Still, many of us women are bogged down by countless pressures each and every day. Who has time to work toward goals when the obstacles in the way somehow feel both mundane yet unconquerable?
You can face steep odds and still find happiness, and that's because every woman has wells of resilience within to help get us through.
Today I speak with career and leadership coach Jennifer Pestikas about making the choice to take up space; she also offers the nuts and bolts behind boldly expanding.
Here's a preview:
[3:45] What should be in your resiliency toolbox (and how to build yours)
[7:30] Thoughts on managing the pressures associated with being the first, the only, or different
[15:00] Breaking down reasons why women sometimes make themselves small/diminish their accomplishments
[24:00] What to do when you find yourself at the intersection of defeat and reinvention
Resources mentioned:
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* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
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Ah, the holidays. The 5-ish weeks between Black Friday and New Year's Day tend to be an extended party of sorts in which many of us overspend, overeat/drink, overdecorate, and excessively waste. The excesses associated with the holidays come with a hefty environmental cost: on average, US households produce 25% more trash than normal between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day; worse, wonton wastefulness can (and does) add more than half a metric ton onto our annual carbon footprints.
I believe it's entirely possible to have a joyous December without the waste and so, on today's show, we discuss practical ways to spread holiday cheer with the planet in mind.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Artificial, local, root ball intact, and more: Breaking down the Christmas tree conundrum via Steph's handy dandy grading rubric
[17:00] 4 of the most impactful (and practical!) ways to spread good tidings without being wasteful, according to mathematics
Resources mentioned:
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Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO) is about actively turning from the external stimuli that neither serves nor ignites. And whereas Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is rooted in external validation, obtaining JOMO is a giant leap toward serving your internal self.
During the holidays and always, it pays to get intentional about All. The. Things: Our priorities, our precious free moments and, of course, our long-term goals. On today's show we first discuss our collective affinity as human beings for simplistic comparisons; we also break down 4 action steps toward a more intentional (and self-soothing!) way of being.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] The historical origins of social comparison
[10:30] Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself: Here's how
[12:00] The Number One question people pleasers should ask themselves before committing
[21:00] 7 effects of cortisol on the body, plus practical thoughts on *actually* slowing down
Resources mentioned:
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Parenting the eco-minimalist way is, well, difficult. It's also an 18-ish year commitment that goes directly against societal norms.
I'm no expert, but I do believe that impactful parenting starts by capitalizing on teachable moments. On today's show I speak with Elizabeth Ireland about *exactly how* she passes 3 central eco-minimalist lessons onto her children.
Here's a preview of the 3 life lessons we discuss today:
[9:30] Teaching children how to give
[20:00] Preparing our progeny for life: The 'why' and 'how' behind decluttering
[27:00] Imparting the elusive skill of not needing to get everything we want
Resources mentioned:
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The attitude-behavior gap is a fancy schmancy research term that describes the discrepancy between what we say and what we do. When it comes to eco-minimalist living, many of us quietly experience an oversized gap between our values (save the planet! live minimally!) and our actions (buy single use plastic! purchase on impulse!).
On today's show we are diving into the recesses of this, well, gap. Why does it exist for the vast majority of us, and how can we close it?
Here's a preview:
[2:00] A breakdown of the 5 distinct consumer personas: Which one are you?
[11:00] 5 reasons why the attitude-behavior gap exists
[18:00] 5 steps to closing your own attitude-behavior gap
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
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* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Many minimalists boast that living simply has improved their well-being in a myriad of ways. The problem, however, is that such statements are anecdotal. Does research back up these personal stories? What - if anything - does science say about minimalism's benefits?
On today's show Shannon and Gerry Arner and I marry research findings re: simple living with day-to-day experience.
Here's a preview:
[5:45] The link between materialism and loneliness
[10:00] How living simply on purpose impacts well-being
[14:30] Cortisol be gone: The negative correlation between clutter and mental health
[20:00] How to use minimalism as a re-centering tool
[22:00] Practical ways to infuse slightly more minimalism into your daily life
Resources mentioned:
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* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
There's lots to consider when searching for an eco-friendly and non-toxic laundry detergent. Are those strips and pods actually environmentally conscious if they're wrapped in PVA? Why don't detergents offer a full list of ingredients on their packaging?
As it turns out, laundry detergents have lots of misleading claims (ahem ... marketing gimmicks) designed to confuse consumers. On today's episode we're breaking down everything you need to know about detergent so you can make informed purchasing decisions moving forward.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Pricing discrepancies: Do eco-friendly laundry detergents always cost more?
[6:15] Breaking down the 5 biggest environmental concerns associated with laundry detergent
[9:15] Everything you need to know about Polyvinyl Alcohol (I'm looking at you, pods and sheets)
[18:00] How to find a laundry detergent that's actually non-toxic
[22:00] Stephanie's detergent-buying grading rubric for informed purchasing decisions
Resources mentioned:
Let's face it: Impulse buys are fun in the moment. But what feels good in the short-term doesn't always jive with our long-term goals and quick decisions may not align with our core values.
If you regularly buy on impulse, you're not alone. According to Shopify, over 87% of US shoppers make impulse buys and more than 50% of all grocery items are sold because of impulsiveness. Enter Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast. Jen and Jill argue that frugality at its roots means preserving all kinds of resources and they're on the show to help you uncover the emotion beneath impulse buys.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] The 'cheap' stigma: Reframing frugality from an undesirable trait to a positive one
[11:00] What has to happen before you tackle your impulsive spending habit
[18:00] When impulse spending is triggered by emotion
[24:00] Buying and belonging: How to reign in comparison-related purchases
[31:00] The 'both, and' approach: Holding the tension
Resources mentioned:
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* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
There's such a thing as too much of a good thing. The key to a balanced life lies in moderation, as any of us who's ever overdone it knows that excess quickly becomes miserable.
On today's show we first discuss the Swedish concept of lagom, a.k.a. 'good enough' living. Next, we apply age-old, temperate wisdom to spending habits, interpersonal communication, tidying, and emotions.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] The middle is where we want to be. (Don't believe me? I'll prove it)
[6:30] 5 ways extreme thinking gets rewarded every darn day
[9:30] The Swedish philosophy of lagom, a.k.a. living with just the right amount
[17:00] How to apply the concepts of moderation and balance to our spending habits
[22:00] The Traffic Light Rule of interpersonal communication
[26:00] 3 real problems associated with emotion suppression
[29:00] When it comes to your home's tidiness, what's good enough?
Resources mentioned:
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* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
The World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report is a checkup on the health of Earth, and this year’s report is the most comprehensive yet. Spoiler alert: its findings aren't good.
But all's not doom and gloom: Enter the Rescue Effect, a perspective that believes there’s a lot to be optimistic about.
On this episode I’m excited to bring you two contrasting viewpoints to the biodiversity problem. First I speak with Brent Loken, Global Food Lead Scientist for the World Wildlife Fund; in the second part of today's show I speak with conservation expert Michael Mehta Webster about his new book, The Rescue Effect.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] An overview of the major findings from WWF's 2022 Living Planet Index
[6:00] What's going on in the tropics?
[19:00] The rescue effect in practice
[21:00] If nature has an inherent ability to persist, why do species go extinct?
[27:00] Can the rescue effect ensure the survival of human beings amidst the next great mass extinction event?
[33:00] How we can help give species a leg up, according to conservation experts
Resources mentioned:
'Rise and Grind' reveres working for work's sake, and it's immensely popular.
But grind culture is capitalism's fuel; worse, it diminishes you and me to cogs in the capitalist wheel.
Today we're discussing hustle culture: What it is, who benefits from the collective all-in, and how we can slowly unsubscribe from a life of overwork.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Why do the (Western) masses follow grind culture's principles despite its best interest?
[8:30] Who - or what - benefits from overwork? (Hint: It's not you and me.)
[14:30] Rise and Shine over Rise and Grind: Here's how
[22:30] How to practice letting of obligations go IRL, plus: what to do with your newfound free time
Resources mentioned:
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* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Your favorite smartphone apps, your preferred weather forecaster, your go-to photo sharing app, and other seemingly benign technologies likely reveal details about your life to companies looking to collect consumer data. They're eager to gather thousands of data points on each and every one of us every single day because more data means better accuracy for algorithms seeking to predict human behavior.
Data gathering can affect our lives in ways we can’t currently anticipate. But what about conscious consumerism? If companies can accurately predict our purchasing behavior - and if they're putting *perfectly* curated advertisements in front of us over and over again - do we minimalists stand a fighting chance?
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month (who knew?!). While keeping your personal information safe online can seem overwhelming there are simple ways to both protect your data and trick the algorithms. Amira Dhalla is on the show today to offer a blueprint about how you can be cyber smart-er.
Here's a preview:
[2:00] Beware of these 'deceptive patterns' that trick us into giving away extra personal information
[10:00] The principles of threat monitoring applied to online privacy: Are quick-win benefits worth potential long-term risks?
[12:30] Why you shouldn't automatically "Accept All Cookies" (online cookies aren't all that tasty!)
[17:00] 5 privacy quick fixes you can enact in 5 minutes or less
[28:00] Thoughts on practicing an ounce of prevention
Resources mentioned:
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"I just listened to your podcast about waste and was surprised to hear that our energy consumption is so high in America! The problem is, I don't know where the energy is going, nor do I understand which things I might be doing to use so much. What are some tips for saving energy? Why do Americans require so much more than other countries?"
Waste comes in many forms. Sadly, energy waste is all too common here in the United States.
On today's show we're breaking down two important topics: 1. how much energy humans actually need to consume to live happy, healthy lives, and 2. practical ways to reduce the chances that the energy we're consuming isn’t wasted.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] A breakdown of exactly how much energy Americans use compared to citizens of other countries
[5:30] What research has to say about energy consumption and quality of life
[10:00] Let's chat about your home's holes for a hot minute
[17:45] Reigning in excessive and unnecessary electricity use
[22:00] Is community solar the renewable energy that's right for you?
[25:30] Thoughts on finding comfort in being a tiny bit uncomfortable
[30:00] Everything you need to know about the (two thumbs up!) heat pump
Resources mentioned:
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Fashion rules abound and, historically, it's the patriarchy that has embedded them into our collective psyche. That's right: women's clothing is heavily influenced by the opinions of men, and just a few of the most common man-inspired fashion "rules" include:
Fashion rules tend to influence our shopping habits whether we realize it or not. Today I'm speaking with personal stylist Dacy Gillespie about *exactly how* to reject societal messaging around what you "should" wear so you can live your best intentional life.
Here's a preview:
[4:15] The concept of “flattering” is a part of diet culture. Here's why it shouldn't be a priority in your wardrobe
[8:30] Exactly how the trend cycle preys on women's insecurities to sell clothes
[13:00] Thoughts on the guilt many of us experience when we reject commonly held fashion rules
[15:15] Influencer culture and why we shouldn't buy what our favorite influencers recommend
[19:00] The patriarchy and the male gaze: How women have historically been conditioned to prioritize their external appearance over their own comfort
[22:00] Practical ways to reject commonly held fashion rules next time you shop for clothes
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Thank you to our sponsors!
We're at it again! Today I'm answering 5 listener questions in a rapid-fire format.
Here's a preview of the questions I'm answering today:
[1:30] Are laundry detergent strips *actually* eco-friendly? What about TruEarth strips specifically?
[7:00] Is eco-friendly pet parenting possible and, if so, how?
[17:45] Is the Yuka app worth the hype?
[22:30] Tofu containers, oat milk cartons, and more: How can I reduce packaging waste from plant-based foods?
[28:00] How do minimalists gift their children during the holidays?
Resources mentioned:
Thank you to our sponsor! Visit skillshare.com/sustainable for your first month free.
We often think the solution to our household woes lies in better organization, but marketing pros have commercialized tidiness. "Getting organized" often entails purchasing plastic totes and baskets: Before we know it, we've spent boatloads of money to put order to the stuff we're storing.
Desk organizers, drawer dividers, specialized hangers, oh my: When we talk about living our best lives with less, we're also talking about living with fewer commercialized organization "systems".
If you're looking for motivation to flex your repurposing and organizational muscles this episode is for you. Today I speak with hospitality and organizing expert Leslie Lehr about stylish organization that goes beyond plastic bins and containers. She's on the show to offer her best repurposing tips (that also happen to be quite simple!) for common household items.
Here's a preview:
[8:45] Exactly where plastic bins and baskets fall short for both organizing and decor
[14:30] Evaluating alternate uses for glassware and vases
[16:00] How to take a ho-hum shoebox and make it aesthetically pleasing
[19:30] Practical reuses for spice jars, plus: the many uses of Mason jars
[24:00] Sentimental bowls, trays, and other houseware items: How to incorporate heirlooms into your seasonal decor
Resources mentioned:
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"How can I make eco-minimalist choices when I truly don’t have the time? I’m divorced, have two children, and work full time. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to care for the kids, earn an income, and run the household, let alone add in sustainable living. Help!"
Together, let's re-prioritize our priorities. On today's show I'm answering a listener's question about sustainability fatigue: What's the best course of action when we're exhausted, unmotivated, and overworked?
Here's a preview:
[3:30] The 'how' and 'why' behind making sure your heart-first values get onto your To-Do list
[9:15] A deliberate and tragic trade-off: Why items on your To-Do list are not all created equal
[16:00] How to change your verbiage to change your mindset
Resources mentioned:
Thank you to our sponsor! Visit skillshare.com/sustainable for your first month free.
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Triggered much?
It usually goes something like this. Someone in your life does SOMEthing: Maybe your boss criticizes your work. Perhaps your partner says something that hits you the wrong way. You child stalls as you're trying to get out the door.
There’s an antecedent, and then there’s your go-to reaction. There’s no space between the antecedent and your reaction; there's no intention behind your reaction, either. You simply respond on autopilot.
On today's show I'm speaking with fellow podcaster Jen Lumanlan about how to align your responses with who you'd like to be as a means of living a more intentional life.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] Are you triggered or are you flooded? Here's the difference, according to science
[5:00] Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn: An overview of The Big Four triggering/flooding responses
[11:30] The ways in which culture (and specifically capitalism!) provides us with Little T traumas, every single day
[17:00] What are your needs and how can you meet them? Practical first steps for taming your own triggers
[18:30] Everything you need to know about The Pause
[21:00] The importance of nonjudgemental observation when interacting with our children
Resources mentioned:
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"One of the hardest things we haven’t been able to tackle is our kids' snacks: we still end up using a good amount of single use plastic wraps. Do you have any ideas?"
Citing convenience, ultraprocessed foods are often sold in single-serve packs. But such snack and lunch items are overpriced (you're literally paying for that extra plastic!); they're also often unhealthy for both people and the planet.
I get it: We're overtired and overstressed, and packing wholesome foods can feel like yet another daunting chore. That's why on today's show I answer a listener's question about how to pack low-waste lunchboxes without the extra stress (dozens of food ideas included!).
Here's a preview:
[1:30] What recent research says about the health effects of ultraprocessed foods on human health
[7:00] The premiums we pay for foods packaged in single-serve plastics
[11:30] 5 quick tips for managing picky eaters
[17:30] The Bento Box route versus the traditional lunchbox: pros, cons, and gear recommendations
[24:00] 30+ low-waste lunchbox ideas
Resources mentioned:
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Is the future refillable?
When we look at the history of plastics, it's disheartening to realize that only 9% of all plastics ever created have been recycled. Another 12% has been incinerated; a whopping 79%, then, has accumulated in landfills and nature.
That's right: your Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker tube circa 1995 is quite likely still somewhere on this planet.
Refillable products (like ice cream in stainless steel jars and shampoo bottles refilled in-store) aren't new. But while most people say they want eco-friendly product options, their purchasing behaviors sing a different tune. Consumers tend to prioritize convenience over eco-friendliness, time and time again.
Today I speak with Izzy Zero Waste Beauty founder Shannon Goldberg about closed loop consumption. Is packaging the problem, or does the problem lie within our consumption?
Here's a preview:
[6:00] 2 major barriers to mainstream refillables
[11:00] Do refillable products *actually* make a dent in our trash production? What about our oversized environmental woes?
[15:00] Refillable products and next-level greenwashing: Why we must expand our collective definition of waste to account for excess carbon emissions from sending back our products
[20:00] Are refillable options sanitary in a post-COVID world?
Resources mentioned:
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A hotter planet is here, my friends. Don't believe me? Just turn on the news.
On today's show we first break down major current climate events; we then ask ourselves a set of ethical quandaries. Should the global north pay reparations to the global south for its centuries-long polluting behaviors, or are the inequitable and unjust natures of climate change simply bad luck?
Here's a preview:
[4:00] How'd summer go? (Hint: not great, especially in Pakistan)
[12:30] The climate reparations argument: What it is and why it has legs
[20:00] 3 ethical questions for you to answer re: charity versus reparations
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
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When it comes to growing up, we tend to believe it's only for children. Adults, then, are assumed to be fully grown.
But even us "grownups" are constantly changing, maturing, and evolving (and often at a rapid pace). Such inner changes also run concurrent with external ones that pop up as we move through our respective life seasons, day after day.
If embracing change as life's only true constant is downright difficult, getting stuck underneath heaps of possessions that served our out-of-date versions makes such an embrace even harder. And what about jobs that are no longer fulfilling, relationships that are no longer harmonious, and life views that are no longer synchronous with the person we are evolving into? It's likely enough to make your head spin.
Today I speak with life coach Jenny Cheifetz about loosening our grips on the past, embracing changes in both our lives and in ourselves, and letting go of our need to hold onto what was. In the first part of our conversation we speak on possessions; in the second, we discuss first steps to decluttering the big intangibles we know on the soul level we've outgrown.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] The internal pause: how and why to conduct a needs assessment
[6:30] Why attaching emotion to possessions ultimately does us a disservice
[11:30] 'Store it at the store' is about to become your new mantra and here's why
[15:00] How to conduct a needs assessment with with your big but intangible baggage
[19:00] Thoughts on 'flow' as a state of being, plus why we as humans are prone to white-knuckle grips
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"Much of the time I tell my kids that material possessions aren't that important, but I also want them to take care of the possessions they have. How should I best juggle these messages and still get my points across?"
As sustainable minimalists, we want our children to devalue stuff, as we certainly don't want them to associate their sense of self-worth with what they own. But at the same time we also want them to care for their existing possessions even though such care requires a certain amount of 'stuff' reverence.
It's a real paradox: On one hand we preach that stuff doesn't matter, but on the other we shout from the rooftops that stuff matters an awful lot and we best take care of it.
Amidst such conflicting messages, what's a child to believe?
On today's show I'm answering a listener's question about the sweet spot between the two extremes of materialism and reckless ownership.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] 2 parenting practices that result in materialistic children, according to research
[12:00] Best behaviors when bringing children into brick-and-mortar stores
[17:45] The how and why behind letting your child experience the natural consequences of their actions
[24:30] Parents, beware of these two research-backed materialist beliefs
[27:00] How to behave (and what to emphasize) when you buy new items for your children
[33:00] The sweet spot lies in these 3 quiet, simple, and non-grandiose habits that parents model every day
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
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Many people try to 'Marie Kondo' themselves out of clutter but find themselves unsuccessful. The reason? Decluttering only sticks when you first examine the deep roots into why clutter accumulated in the first place.
Today I speak with with celebrity decluttering expert Tracy McCubbin about the excuses we tell ourselves, the clutter blocks that hold us back, and the real reasons why we can't let go of our stuff.
Here's a preview of the clutter blocks we discuss today:
[3:30] I avoid my stuff
[6:45] I'm not worth my good stuff
[13:00] My stuff keeps me stuck in the past
[16:00] My stuff tells me who I am
[18:00] I'm trapped with other people's stuff
Resources mentioned:
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A triangle is complete only when its three corners are intact. Our wellbeing similarly demands that three pillars work together in quiet harmony.
The Australian Wellbeing Index is a 15-year-and-counting study with data from over 60,000 participants. Its results remain consistent year after year: optimal wellbeing hinges upon 3 essential intangibles.
The good news? These three intangibles are entirely within our control.
On today's show we discuss the golden triangle of wellbeing for optimal life satisfaction.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] How to nurture interpersonal relationships when relationships get hard
[6:30] The difference between financial control versus mindless monetary accumulation, according to research
[13:00] The why and how behind living, breathing, and being your purpose
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
Many people — and many societies, for that matter — rely on short-sighted quick wins as their go-to when managing oversized problems. But what works in the short-term likely isn't best in the long run; worse, such near-sightedness rarely considers its impacts on generations to come.
Enter longpath thinking, a mindset that prioritizes future-conscious thinking and behavior.
On today's episode I speak with author and futurist Ari Wallach. Ari argues that when we step away from knee-jerk reactions we both reclaim life meaning and help preserve the planet for future generations. And if making daily decisions by considering their reverberations 500 years from now sounds revolutionary to you, you're absolutely right. Ari's on the show to ease our transition to future-consciousness in 3 simple steps.
Here’s a preview:
[2:00] “Future” isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. Here’s why
[4:30] Debunking lifespan biases so as to create a better world for future generations
[6:00] 3 problems associated with short-termism
[11:30] How an understanding of transgenerational empathy encourages us to act on behalf of future generations
[17:00] What doubling down on sandbag strategies means for fulfilling our collective moral obligations
[20:00] 3 ways to start practicing longpath thinking and acting right now
Resources mentioned:
Good cooks cook on gas, or so we've been told. Any realtor will likely tell you that a gas stove ranks high on homebuyers' lists of new home must-haves, but are they good for us? Are they good for the planet?
Fellow Americans, it's time to end our love affair with gas stoves. On today's show, we discuss All. The. Things. the natural gas industry doesn't want you to know about gas stoves, natural gas, and everything in between.
Here's a preview:
[1:30] Gas = luxury? A peek inside the gas industry's marketing campaigns
[4:00] Human health concerns re: burning a fossil fuel in your kitchen
[10:30] Let's chat about fracking for a hot minute
[12:15] CO2's evil stepsister, methane: Here's how this potent global warmer fits into the natural gas conversation
[14:45] Aren't natural gas power plants cleaner than coal power plants? (Yes, but ...)
[17:00] The why and how behind the "electrify everything" movement
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
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Have you ever bought an irresistibly on-trend outfit for a child in your life? If so, I'm willing to bet it was worn just a handful of times (or perhaps not at all).
Gendered children's fashion is a twentieth century invention and — surprise!— it was invented by marketing pros hoping to sell more clothes. The sad truths are that while kids' fast fashion creates unnecessary clutter for parents, the sheer quantity of it all contributes to our oversized environmental problems.
Today I speak with clothing designer Laurel Thompson about how we can avoid purchasing adorable future trash for the children in our lives.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] The history of children's clothing: How the post-industrial revolution impacted wardrobe longevity
[8:00] Exactly how the design of kids clothes has devolved to the detriment of mothers everywhere
[17:00] From fabrication to construction: 10 things to look for when shopping for children's outfits
[22:00] How to talk to the grandparents in your life about responsibly acquiring kids' clothes
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In 1986, California passed Proposition 65. The legislation forced companies that sell products with chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects to label them as such. While the legislation was originally a gigantic win for environmentalists, these days it's a running joke. Cancer warnings adorn everything from organic soaps to steering wheel covers, bikinis, parking garages, Disney Land, and much more.
Proposition 65 is a case study in the ways in which good intention advocacy can go woefully wrong. Do consumers have a right to know and, if so, do we truly *want* to know? What lessons can we learn from California, and how can environmentalists both push for policy change and avoid the pitfalls associated with Prop 65?
Here's a preview:
[5:45] California as a leader in environmental action, plus a brief history leading up to the passage of Proposition 65
[14:00] What went wrong: 3 controversies associated with Proposition 65
[21:00] Has the law yielded any positive change at all? (Yes, here's how.)
Resources mentioned/Further reading:
In eco-leaning circles, bamboo is hot, hot, hot. The grass (yep, it's a grass!) is touted as *the* solution to deforestation and these days bamboo is the main fiber in some paper products, textiles, bathroom necessities, furniture, flooring, and more.
But as with any crop, there are plenty of problems associated with worldwide reliance on a monoculture. Are marketing claims that tout bamboo's benefits nothing more than next-level greenwashing?
Today I put my guest in the hot seat and ask him the not so pie-in-the-sky questions about bamboo. Ryan Fritsch, co-founder of Cloud Paper, is on the show to make the case that bamboo is the best alternative to standing trees and is here to stay.
Here's a preview:
[4:45] 3 things you may not know about bamboo plantations, plus: the importance of relying on 3rd party certifications when assessing whether your bamboo product is actually eco-friendly
[12:30] Understanding the different FSC tiers: Which certification should you be looking for?
[14:00] Bamboo's sourcing concerns: If bamboo is so easy to grow, why are (almost) all of the world's bamboo plantations in Asia?
[17:00] Are bamboo paper products better than ones made from recycled paper? What's the difference between pre- and post-consumer waste, anyway?
Resources mentioned:
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When it comes to trash bags, there's plenty of confusing verbiage. Compostable? Biodegradable? Bags with post-consumer recycled content?
While one could certainly make the argument that biodegradable and compostable trash bags aren't worth the money since they're headed to the landfill anyway (those pits aren't gardens, after all); the more cynical amongst us could say there's no such thing as an eco-friendly trash bag if it holds bad-for-the-planet waste.
Purchasing eco-friendly-ish trash bags doesn't give us carte blanche to throw away as much as we want, but buying the right bags is a simple and accessible lifestyle switch. On today's show I'm divulging what to know (and which trash bags to buy) moving forward.
Here's a preview:
[3:15] Are biodegradable trash bags eco-friendly? (What does 'biodegradable' even mean?)
[6:00] Everything you need to know about compostable trash bags: pros, cons, and everything in between
[16:00] Breaking down (see what I did there?) all-things plastic bags with post-consumer recycled content
[22:00] Stephanie's handy-dandy rubric to assess your trash bag purchases moving forward
Resources mentioned:
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Your pantry can be your friend or your foe. When it's well-stocked and organized it will support your health goals, but disorganized spaces will likely derail your long-term wellness objectives.
The worst part? Pantry staples that are marketed as healthy (ahem ... bars, protein powders, and crackers) are oftentimes the main culprits contributing to brain fog, weight gain, and belly bloat.
Today I speak with Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach Leeann Rybakov about how to declutter and organize your pantry for optimal wellness. Leann walks us through what to look for when stocking our pantries with nut butters, protein powders, dressings, sauces, bars, and grains so we can eat with intention (and on autopilot!).
Here's a preview:
[8:00] Pantry items known to cause inflammation and brain fog (declutter them, and STAT!)
[11:30] The problems with "quick-grab" pantry staples (and what to grab-and-go instead)
[15:00] All-things salad dressings and sauces: ingredients to seek out versus ingredients to avoid
[19:00] How to organize the pantry, plus: healthy foods to keep stocked
[28:00] Specific foods to avoid to reduce belly bloat and brain fog
Resources mentioned:
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The first iPhone hit the market in 2007 and most of us jumped on the smartphone bandwagon without looking back. 15 years later, countless studies document the pitfalls associated with reliance on powerful tech at our (literal) fingertips: impaired cognitive functioning, loss of self-esteem, and increased depression and anxiety are just a few.
The minimalist cell phone movement seeks to take back what smartphones have taken from us, and it advocates for the return of simple phones without distractions, apps, or advertisements.
On today's show I answer a listener's question about the Wisephone. Do minimalist cell phones actually give us our lives back, or do they simply seek to target a very particular subset of buyers?
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Why you should be concerned about your cellular data and privacy (plus: how a minimalist cell phone can protect you)
[9:00] What research says about the human tendency to become psychologically dependent on technology
[14:30] 3 benefits to the "pure and simple" Wisephone
[19:30] 3 real-time problems with the minimalist cell phone movement
[25:00] How and why smartphones are necessary for participation in today's economy (and how to fight back)
[27:30] Weighing long-term, intangible benefits with short-term, tangible ones when deciding whether a minimalist cell phone is right for you
Resources mentioned:
Gas prices are through the roof and we're feeling the pinch at the gas station. Is now the right time to invest in an electric vehicle?
There's no sugarcoating it: Automobiles leave a big footprint. Extracting petroleum products from the earth and shipping them around the planet is both energy-intensive and damaging (let's not forget about oil spills!). There's also the tailpipe emissions problem: vehicles in the US are responsible for a whopping one-third of all air pollution in the country.
The rollout of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and traditional hybrids is good news if you’re looking for an alternative to the combustion engine, and that's because these models provide energy-efficient transportation while lowering/eliminating tailpipe emissions, diminishing noise, and reducing operating costs.
On today's show my guest and I outline 5 things to consider before purchasing or leasing your next vehicle. Jon Linkov is the Deputy Autos Editor at Consumer Reports and he brings a wealth of real-world knowledge as both a tester of cars and an owner of an electric vehicle to our conversation.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] The major differences as well as the minor intricacies that distinguish hybrids and plug-in hybrids from electric vehicles
[9:00] The price problem: Weighing sticker prices with federal and state rebates and gasoline costs
[13:00] Everything you need to know about the $7500 US Federal Tax Incentive on (some) electric vehicles
[17:30] Should we be concerned about running out of charge? All-things charging, charging stations, at-home charger installation, and the average driving ranges of top EV models
[22:00] Do EVs and hybrids need more frequent — and more expensive — maintenance? (Hint: the answer is no.)
[24:00] Jon's thoughts on whether alternate technologies are actually fun to drive
Resources mentioned and further reading:
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Underneath all of life's burdens, many of us experience the triple losses of time, freedom, and mental space. Self-care is generally touted as burnout's antidote, and advocates argue that regular self-care routines lower stress, anxiety, and frustration while simultaneously improving energy, concentration, and overall life satisfaction.
Sounds wonderful, right? But there's a problem with #selfcare culture: In a capitalist society, anything and everything becomes a sellable product or service, self-care included. Indeed, these days the term 'self-care' is often used synonymously with spa days, last-minute getaways, and other actions that require a financial transaction.
On today’s show we attempt to answer this very 2022 question: Is self-care a commodity that is best purchased, or is the idea that taking care of ourselves must be outsourced the epitome of late stage capitalism?
Here's a preview:
[1:15] Differentiating between an expanded view of self-care versus a narrow, contorted one
[4:33] Understanding the ways in which capitalism misconstrues our collective notion of self-care
[8:15] Defining late stage capitalism (with real life examples!)
[12:20] The 4 categories of self-care
[18:30] Communal care is self-care: 3 benefits to thinking of others - not the self! - first
Resources mentioned:
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All too often (and perhaps without even realizing it!) many of us live our lives by taking the path of least resistance. What's the easiest choice? What's most convenient? But there's cognitive dissonance to be felt when we sacrifice our values in the name of convenience, and experiencing such dissonance can be uncomfortable.
Today I speak with author and social impact expert Sharon Schneider about how seemingly small daily choices can enhance a life of alignment with your heart-first goals. Sharon believes that intentional living often means sacrificing short-term convenience for larger-than-you goals, and she's on the podcast to show us how.
Here's a preview:
[8:30] We shouldn't be give back; we should simply give. Here's why
[10:30] Thoughts on rugged individualism, self-centered living, and curating social circles around different shared values
[12:00] The fundamentals of the Convenience Tax, plus how and why to tax yourself
[17:00] Are we just lazy? The origins of the 'convenience' problem (with ways to resist its allure in the future)
[21:00] 2 ways to make your charitable giving go further
Resources mentioned:
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Comedian Phyllis Diller famously once said, "Housework can't kill you, but why take the risk?"
Our homes are for living, and living is a messy business. But warding off messes before they become unmanageable is indeed possible, and seasoned minimalists often rely on tried-and-true prevention techniques to reduce both housework and overwhelm.
On today's show I offer 5 and a half tips to help you vacuum, fold, and dust less so you can enjoy life more.
Resources mentioned:
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Calorie counting, diet cycling, and heaps of food guilt. Sound familiar?
We have diet culture to thank for our body image woes, and that's because corporations first sell us unhealthy food that detracts from our health, and then we're sold the promise of yet another restrictive diet as the ultimate - and only - solution.
Today my guest and I answer a listener's question about the fundamentals of intuitive eating. Claire Chewning is a Registered Dietician who believes we can recover from the negative mental, emotional, and physical effects of diet culture by first rejecting the food and weight messages our culture bombards us with every single day.
Here's a preview:
[5:30] An introduction to the 10 principles of intuitive eating
[6:45] The problems associated with diet culture (plus: how diet culture keeps us unhealthy)
[9:30] Distinguishing between calorie deficits and health promoting behaviors
[11:00] The un-learning process as it relates to internalized lies regarding size and self-worth
[23:00] Can intuitive eating help emotional eaters?
[26:00] Intuitive eating first steps
Resources mentioned:
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Materialistic, overly consumptive, and incredibly wasteful: The stereotype of the average American isn't flattering. And while being wasteful isn't a personality trait most of us aspire to have, for many US citizens, wasting enormous amounts of resources and money is simply our way of life.
Fellow Americans, we can do better. On today's show I rank order 10 specific ways Americans waste money without even realizing it; I also offer practical action steps toward resourcefulness for today and onward.
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Ah, game night. Something special happens when we put our phones away, sit around the table, and have fun with our loved ones. But if you have children, game night can be fraught with whines, groans, and tantrums. And after a long workweek? Game night can feel like another To-Do item.
On today's show we discuss what research says about the benefits of game night. In Part 1 I offer 6 strategies for curating a successful family game night; in Part 2 I sit down with Ali Aydar, CEO of SPORCLE.com. Ali is on the show to make the point that you can make lasting, happy memories with your loved ones *and* keep your kids learning this summer without spending money on new board games.
(A note from Stephanie: This episode is the fourth in the "Best Things Are Free" series in which the podcast dives deep into life's little pleasures that also happen to not cost money. To listen to other episodes in the series, check out #259: Rich Conversations, #246: Sleep, and #255: Storytime.)
Here's a preview:
[ 2:25] 10 research-backed benefits to family game night
[4:30] Stephanie's 6 best tips for hosting a successful game event
[9:00] Thoughts on being a minimalist who also loves games: also, what to consider when investing in new games
[19:00] How to intentionally incorporate 21st Century technology into modern game nights
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Perhaps you’ve seen buzzwords like upcycled, renewed, or repurposed on fashion websites and are confused. Perhaps, too, you've invested in natural fibers when purchasing clothes but doing so simply doesn't seem like you're doing enough.
While the planet operates in a circular system in which everything is reused and repurposed, the fashion industry operates within a vastly different, linear system. Big Fashion gets away with an awful lot of unethical practices: you're right, then, to wonder whether you're missing a piece of the puzzle.
Today I speak with blogger and podcaster Elizabeth Joy about what it takes to push brands toward planet over profit. Elizabeth drives home the point that a circular fashion system includes all of us — brands, designers, consumers, and politicians — working toward the singular goal of circularity.
This episode is for intermediate sustainable minimalists who have already completed first steps toward overhauling the way they think about clothes and are ready to go deeper into being part of the (circular) solution.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] 2 things Big Fashion is doing wrong in 2022
[10:30] Can synthetic fibers be part of a circular fashion economy?
[17:30] 5 sneaky examples of greenwashing in the fashion industry
[24:30] Everything you need to know about the Higgs Index
[26:30] 3 action steps for conscious fashion consumers that go beyond what we put in our closets
Resources mentioned:
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You've likely noticed that we're in a period of inflation, and that's because rising prices are difficult to ignore (hey there, gasoline!). But what about nonexistent customer service, smaller food packages, and the nagging, overall sense that we as consumers are getting the bad end the deal every time we make a purchase?
That, my friends, is skimpflation.
When you start looking for skimpflation in real life you'll see it everywhere. On today's show I'm uncovering the sneaky tactics brands use to maintain their bottom line at the expense of consumers; I'm also suggesting 3 action steps for us, the little guys and gals, during periods of inflation.
Here's a preview:
[1:45] An inflation review: What it is and how it affects you and me
[4:20] Greedflation: Why some mega corps jack up prices (and reap increased profits)
[10:00] Sneaky and stealthy skimpflation examples
[13:00] Is this really "family size"? Shrinkflation 101
[15:30] 3 action steps for conscious consumers in times of inflation
Resources mentioned:
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Can a sun-toasting, memory-making, blue sky summer also be eco-friendly?
I believe that the greenest habits are the ones that don't cost much money; they'd never upend our already busy lives, either. Today I speak with Paul Hope, Home & Garden Editor for Consumer Reports, and together we offer 8 summer-specific tweaks to your days that are so easy-peasy you won't even realize you're *also* helping the planet.
Here's a preview:
[2:45] Summer is for barbecues: 3 tips for grilling smarter during your next cookout
[7:15] The rise of battery-powered outdoor tools (as confirmed by testing, the new ones actually work!)
[9:50] Adios, old-school sprinkler systems: 2 lawn mowing and lawn watering best practices
[18:00] Common-sense ways to help out your air conditioner on hot days
[21:00] Thoughts on making your freezer work for you this summer
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
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A vacation. A dinner party. The arrival of a package you've been waiting for. There’s happiness to be found in looking forward to something, and that's because anticipation simultaneously increases levels of optimism and decreases feelings of irritability.
But in a consumerist culture, it's often assumed that anticipation's benefits come with spending money. Don't bigger purchases and grander trips equate to greater happiness? And what about expectation? Isn't expecting something in the future one of life's greatest joy suckers?
On today's show I'm offering four research-backed ways to harness the power of anticipation in your daily life without spending a lot of money.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] The difference between mini-thrills and major thrills (hint: they aren't that different)
[5:50] Experiences over things: What research says about money spent on doing
[10:15] Pinning down your future self as a means of harnessing anticipation NOW
[14:45] Thoughts on anticipation versus expectation, living in the moment, and letting anticipation be enough
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
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* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are found in loads of personal care, beauty, and cleaning products. But there are both environmental and human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES: why, then, do eco-conscious brands continue to include such surfactants in their product offerings?
On today's show I'm answering a listener's question about the well-known "green" brand, Seventh Generation. Why does their laundry detergent list Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as its first ingredient? Is Seventh Generation *actually* eco-conscious, and how does Unilever play into the equation?
Here's a preview:
[1:30] Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is in nearly everything. Here's why
[3:30] The connection between SLS and palm oil
[4:20] Seventh Generation and Unilever: The problems with mega-corporations
[8:30] Human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES
[12:00] 3 considerations when purchasing health, beauty, and cleaning products
Resources mentioned:
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Whenever you add money to your bank account, it doesn't just sit there. Your bank lends your money to industries and projects with the intent of making a profit. Many banks (and all the big name banks in particular) regularly invest OUR money into the fossil fuels industry, thereby funding the continued mining and burning of oil, coal, and gas.
To give you a scope of the problem: In 2021 alone, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America spent a combined $137 BILLION on fossil fuel projects.
There's a solution, and it's divesting. Intentionally putting your money in places that don't fund the fossil fuels industry is a small lifestyle tweak that will do loads of good for the planet.
Today I speak with Certified Financial Planner Gary Grewal about finding the right bank or credit union that's aligned with your values.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] What banks actually do with your hard-earned money
[6:10] The big bank worst offenders
[14:30] How to find a better bank
[17:30] 3 reasons why you may want to consider your local credit union for your banking needs
[24:00] Gary's personal and professional thoughts on Aspiration
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
There's lots to consider when buying eggs. What does "humanely raised" mean, exactly, and are free-range eggs actually worth the extra cost?
As it turns out, there are many misleading claims on egg cartons. On today's short and sweet episode I'm answering listener Lauren's question about intentional egg purchasing. My goal is to arm you with facts - not marketing gimmicks! - so that you can confidently spend in ways aligned with your values the next time you're at your farmer's market or grocery store.
Here's a preview:
[1:45] Cage-free vs. free range vs. pasture raised: Do these distinctions matter?
[6:00] Want to buy the healthiest eggs? Here's what to look for
[8:30] 4 marketing gimmicks designed to confuse consumers
[11:15] 3 3rd party certifications to look for on your next carton
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
Life provides countless opportunities each day to practice self-awareness and reflection. For some of us, such introspection happens when we exercise or meditate. For others, it naturally occurs when we're in touch with nature.
Today I speak with author Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the uber-popular Garden Marcus on social media. Marcus argues that nurturing plants also helps us grow as people, and so he's on the show to divulge 5 life lessons he's learned that are rooted in his time in his garden.
Here's a preview of the life lessons discussed today:
[4:30] You can't make anyone flourish, but you can nurture an environment conducive to flourishing. Here's how
[6:30] The importance of patience, awareness, and self-observation in the garden and in life
[11:30] Repotting: Giving yourself room to grow as a means of maximizing potential
[17:15] Sharing the fruits of your success with others for the benefit of both your community and yourself
[20:00] How to foster an environment conducive to your personal growth
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected].
It feels as though nearly every day Americans must process another mass shooting. Such traumatic events are a part of life in the US today and, if our recent history is to inform the future, these events will continue.
Today I speak with psychotherapist Lena Derhally about the human trauma response: which feelings are "normal", and which ones aren't? In the second part of today's conversation we discuss best practices for talking with our children about the tragedy at Robb Elementary School.
(Please note that while today's conversation is centered around the recent events in Uvalde, Texas, Lena's advice is applicable to all instances of gun violence.)
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Ongoing trauma and protective mechanisms: Numbness is normal!
[9:15] Thoughts on media sensationalism and the importance of turning off the news, at least sometimes
[11:30] The research-backed importance of taking action as a means of healing
[15:30] What to say (and what not to say!) to your children about gun violence in schools
[20:30] The importance of maintaining routines, rhythms, and schedules for your children
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
The fashion industry is in a state of transition, and that's because fossil fuels-based synthetics simply aren't sustainable. Enter clothing made from plants: they are neither new or revolutionary (hey there, cotton, linen, and hemp!); still, clothing made from renewable fibers continues to expand in breadth and scope during this unique moment in time.
On today's show I speak with author Alyssa Couture about the innumerable ways in which plant fabrics support both humans and the planet. Alyssa has a wealth of knowledge regarding the the evolution of plant-based textiles (algae! cacti!); she also offers smart tips for listeners who seek to prioritize plants over synthetics when buying new.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] Bioplastics are the future: A quick primer
[16:00] Is it actually possible to clothe 7 billion people in plants? (Hint: soon)
[18:00] Harnessing the powers of desert and ocean plants to create luxurious (and biodegradable) fabrics
[21:00] How to use your wardrobe as a means of pushing change
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
Countertop composters have hit the market, and they've hit the market in a big way. Many promise to transform ho-hum food waste into nutrient-rich soil in under 24 hours without odors or hassle. For some of us, these new machines sound like the answers to all our composting prayers.
But listener Katie wants to know if countertop composters - and specifically the Lomi by Pela - are worth the hefty price tags. Are their environmental claims overblown, or will such devices actually reduce household waste by up to 50 percent? And what about the energy requirements? Is any product truly eco-friendly if it requires (fossil-fuels sourced) electricity?
On today's episode I'm offering my unbiased thoughts on the Lomi countertop composter. (**Please note all opinions are 100% all my own.)
Here's a preview:
[3:30] Why compost? A quick composting primer
[4:30] 5 benefits to the Lomi countertop composter
[10:00] 5 (significant) drawbacks to countertop composters for conscious consumers (hey there, alliteration!)
[12:00] Let's talk about those energy concerns ...
[18:00] Electricity in the United States: how to read your electric bill with a critical eye
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
There are certain things in life that don't have to get done, and then there are priorities that absolutely must get done well. On today's show we discuss what it takes to thrive on purpose, and specifically we're discussing the importance of flexibility.
Today I speak with author and social impact leader Wendy Teleki. Wendy argues we shouldn't be afraid to recalibrate and make the big changes when we need to. In our conversation today Wendy distills her hard-earned lessons on balancing - and rebalancing - amid an onslaught of ever-changing demands and priorities.
Here's a preview:
[6:20] Thoughts on "having it all" versus letting some things go
[10:45] Why the edge of the wheel is where you want to be (and how to get there)
[20:30] What to do when you find yourself in a role you're not necessarily comfortable with
[25:00] The benefits of creating your Don't-Do list first
[26:00] Thoughts on using the speeding of time as a means of becoming our best selves now
[29:45] Wendy's Number One piece of advice for parents
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
We want new stuff and we want it now. The possessions we buy often make us happy, at least for a little while (hello, dopamine!). But before we know it, today's 'it' item becomes tomorrow's clutter.
On today's show we are examining the psychology behind quick fix thinking. Why do humans tend to prioritize instant gratification over long-term goals such as having a decluttered, minimalist home and obtaining financial security? The good news is we aren't slaves to our DNA, and in the second part of today's episode I'm offering my best thoughts for stepping away from quick fixes - which, by the way, are also almost always to our detriment - and toward intentional but distant priorities.
Here's a preview:
[5:45] The psychology behind instant gratification: how quick fix thinking changes our brains
[9:50] Why it's so hard to make new, positive habits stick (and why it's so easy to pick up bad habits)
[13:00] 4 reasons why humans tend to prioritize quick fixes over long-term goals
[19:00] 5 action steps for stepping away from quick fixes and towards what's best for us in the future
Further reading/Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
Cooking at home is generally cheaper, healthier, and better for the planet than relying on takeout and meal subscriptions. Still, our busy lives crave convenience: cooking, then, is a self-sufficient skill our culture is in danger of losing.
Today I speak with blogger Rachael McKennon about cooking at home and cooking from scratch. Rachael understands that feeding a family is hard work, so she's here to offer her best tips, tricks, and hacks to take the overwhelm out of the task.
Here's a preview:
[6:30] Convenience versus whole foods: The benefits of home cooked meals
[11:00] How to fully stock your pantry before cooking a single thing
[15:00] Kitchen appliances that are actually worth the money (and ones that aren't)
[21:00] 4 desperation dinners for those nights when you're hangry and unprepared
* Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube.
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Please send me your episode ideas! [email protected]
If you are fortunate to embark on vacation with your family this summer, your children will undoubtedly benefit from the experience. There's the need for them to practice flexibility and problem-solving in real-time; there's also the fact that seeing more of the planet will encourage your children to care for its future.
Yet there's an elephant in the room, and it's this: vacations often come with a hefty carbon cost.
On today's show - and just in time for summer! - we discuss tangible ways to make your summer holiday more sustainable. Today I speak with travel blogger Samantha Runkel. Samantha has been to a whopping 80 countries and counting and so she's on the show to offer the knowledge she's gained from boots-on-the-ground experience as to how we can be responsible travelers this vacation season and beyond (while also infusing a heavy dose of memory-making!).
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Put your money where your (suitcase) is: Reframing the assumption that long-distance is always eco-unfriendly
[8:00] Carbon offsets: Yay or nay?
[10:15] Where to find green booking options for your next getaway
[11:45] What participating in active regeneration looks like for families with children
[14:30] How and why you should intentionally spread your dollars around on your next holiday
[17:45] Family road trips that aren't completely wasteful
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
Many of us signed up for entertainment (streaming television! date night in a box!) and regular home delivery of essentials (toothbrushes! groceries! toilet paper!) at the start of the pandemic. If you're like me, these days you may find yourself signed up for 10 or more subscription services.
Subscriptions can be time-saving and convenient, and specialty ones make great gifts. But if you aren't receiving the value you expect from the subscription in question, it's simply a colossal waste of money and resources. There are other drawbacks to the recurring payment model as well, and on today's short and sweet episode I'm uncovering them.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] 5 disadvantages to subscription services that you may not have considered
[8:45] What do recurring charges mean for our data and privacy?
[12:30] Subscription services and the concept of sunk cost
[18:00] One incremental action step for listeners to save money
Further reading:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
* Email me and say hello! [email protected]
Home decor is a lot like fashion: the second we invest in a new piece of furniture or a new decor item, the catalogs and showrooms push a new trend. The items we just bought, then? They're suddenly out of style.
Today I speak with interior designer Jessica Velazquez about curating rooms that are timeless. Jessica believes that style must always support lifestyle: when we play it right, we can design spaces that won't expire when stores usher in a new trend.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Does evergreen and minimalist mean boring? Debunking common home decor myths
[12:00] The Number One way to avoid making costly design mistakes
[18:00] The hierarchy of accent pieces: tips for refreshing a space by zeroing in on accessories
[23:00] What color should we paint our walls?
[27:00] An eco-tip and a correction
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
We want new things and we want them now. Our spending habits put brands on perpetual searches for ways to shorten the time between design, manufacturing, and distribution, and China has stepped up with the technology and the supply chains to meet our needs.
Our consumption habits, then, can only be satisfied by purchasing from China.
Today's show analyzes the ethical and environmental implications associated with excessive reliance on the "World's Factory", as China has affectionately been dubbed. What does manufacturing and lax regulations mean for both the people and the planet, and how can we as consumers do better?
Here's a preview:
[2:00] What the Made In China label means (and doesn't mean) about a product's quality
[5:00] A deep dive into Chinese manufacturing: 5 reasons why China has become the "world's factory"
[7:00] What China's lower compliance standards mean for people
[10:30] The story of Oregon mother Julie Keith, Halloween decorations, and Sun Yi
[14:00] Chinese manufacturing and environmental pollution
[19:15] Practical action steps for listeners that go beyond "just buy local"
Further Reading:
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
While minimalism may sometimes seem trendy, the reality is that the lifestyle has been around for centuries. Indeed, ancient philosophies touted the importance of Less Is More living as a means of finding inner peace amidst frenetic daily life. Today I speak with author Jessie Kanzer about first steps toward mental minimalism. Jessie argues that you don’t have to be a Zen master to simplify your cognitions and reduce unnecessary internal chatter; she argues too that enlightenment is about first...
The post Mental Minimalism appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
When carbon and fluorine fuse together they create a virtually unbreakable compound. These days, such per- and polyfluoroalkyl (or PFAS) substances are widely used in thousands of products from food packaging to clothing, carpets, and more. And because these chemicals are designed to be unbreakable, “forever chemicals” are adding up in our bodies and in the environment. On today’s episode I’m answering a listener’s question about the group of chemicals known as PFAS by bringing you an interview with Kevin Loria....
The post Forever Chemicals appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
It's no secret that plastic razors are meant to be used a handful of times and then thrown in the garbage. As with any disposable product, if we continue buying them, companies will continue making them. Enter the alternative: safety razors.
A safety razor is a steel razor with replacement blades: while you replace the blade (and recycle it!) once it's dull, the razor itself is made to last a lifetime. On today's show I speak with Tung Do, co-founder of WLDOHO. Tung is on the show to explain how you, too, can incorporate a safety razor into your daily life without stress or overwhelm.
Here's a preview:
[2:45] A safety razor primer: what it is, what it does, and why advocates love them
[5:30] One (expensive-ish) product versus a lifetime of (cheap) disposables: Does the money add up?
[7:30] What to do with your discarded blades
[8:15] Expert tricks for easing the safety razor transition
[13:50] The benefits to exfoliating before shaving with a safety razor
[14:45] Knees, shinbones, and ankles: Hacks for shaving tricky areas
[18:00] The environmental implications associated with plastic, disposable razors
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #009: Creating A Sustainable Minimalist's Bathroom.
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.
In my corner of the world trees are budding and flowers are blooming. But leaf blowers are also blowing, and it’s nearly time for that first grass cutting. Enter No Mow May. Lawns that aren’t exactly pristine may indeed get your neighbors’ side-eyes, as intentionally not mowing your lawn here in the US is a quietly revolutionary act. But environmental advocates argue that there are many benefits to stepping away from overzealous lawn maintenance, at least for one month. On...
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Our master bedrooms *should* be our sanctuaries. While they’re the singular space we retreat to for rest, relaxation, and recharging, all too often our master bedrooms become like any other room in our homes: havens for clutter. Today I speak with professional organizer Amy Mayorga about all-things minimalist master bedroom design. Amy argues that Step One is honoring the purpose of the room: to honor its purpose, we must first ruthlessly declutter. Amy also offers her best organizing tips for...
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Lithium is so much more than the name of a (very) famous Nirvana song. Lithium is a metal affectionately known as white gold, and it’s having a moment. On today’s show we are examining the environmental implications associated with our growing lithium needs for batteries in electric vehicles, laptops, cell phones, and more. Here’s a preview: [3:00] Everything you need to know about lithium: its benefits, its drawbacks, how it’s extracted [8:45] The white gold race and the political/economic forces...
The post The White Gold Rush appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
What’s better than deep and meaningful connections with those we love? Join me today for this third and final episode in our What’s Best In Life Is Free series as we discuss this importance of rich conversations. Research finds that rich talk is the antidote to the stress we experience in our daily lives, and Dr. Rebecca Rolland offers practical ideas for shifting conversations with your children toward what’s meaningful for the long haul. Here’s a preview: [5:45] The many benefits of...
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“I’m stuck between trying to spend as little money as possible while also buying sustainable, timeless items from eco-conscious companies (which often inherently cost more). Even though I’m buying fewer items and using my money more intentionally, I don’t find that I’m saving much. What tips do you have for conscious spending, i.e. spending less without sacrificing quality or values?” Ethical items, quality garments and organic food, oh my: Because eco-friendly purchases are often more expensive than their conventional counterparts, eco-minimalism...
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The origins of spring cleaning date back to times when homes were heated by fires: spring, then, offered an opportunity to sweep out the soot and grime that accumulated throughout the long winter. These days, the tradition of deep cleaning in spring rejuvenates our spaces, increases productivity, and clears out dust and other allergens. On today’s miniature episode we apply the principles of spring cleaning to all important areas of our lives for greater clarity and well-being as we welcome...
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People who get great sleep get sick less often. They also think more clearly and are better able to maintain a healthy weight. Still, approximately 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today we continue our limited podcast series into how to make the best (free) things in life even better. I have a content-rich conversation with chief mattress maker at My Green Mattress Tim Masters about the fundamental differences between...
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The best things in life are free, or so they say. And for moms and dads everywhere, one of the most enjoyable (and free!) aspects of parenting is story time. With this episode the podcast kicks off a new, limited series that dives deeper into the best free things in life. In honor of World Storytelling Day on March 20, I speak with co-founder of Once Upon A PJ Britt Gage about practical ways we can get the most out of...
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We all do it: We keep items around “just in case” we need them in the future. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with holding onto things you’ll definitely use again, there’s a threshold in which just in case clutter gets to be too much and goes too far. Today I speak with Krista Lockwood, host of the Motherhood Simplified podcast. Krista argues that there’s a difference between being adequately prepared versus impractically prepared, and impractical preparedness often comes at...
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Want to throw a birthday party for your child that’s light on waste but heavy on fun? Does a present-light party intrigue you but you aren’t sure how to pull it off? Today I’m answering listener Gretchen’s question about how eco-minimalists do kids’ birthday parties. I’m first describing how such celebrations look in my house; I also offer practical alternatives for goody bags, single-use decorations, and more. Here’s a preview: [5:00] 5 reasons why you may want to consider...
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Despite all the advances in modern medicine and despite all the good advice (ahem … diet and exercise), chronic disease and obesity rates are rising. While there are indeed many reasons, two of them include the reality that products of convenience have engineered out the need for exercise and higher standards of living prevent us from abiding by tried-and-true simple living principles. Today I speak with Dr. Vimal George about the ways in which overconsumption affects our health and happiness....
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“How do you get family members on board with minimalism? I’ve heard from so many of my friends and family about how they would love to embrace minimalism, but their partners don’t want to. It seems to create a lot of animosity in relationships … What are your thoughts?” Living harmoniously with another human being requires constant dialogue and compromise. It’s no surprise, then, that when one person adopts a minimalist lifestyle the maximalist in the relationship feels uneasy....
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If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you’re likely well-versed in the benefits of slow fashion. But where do you find clothes worthy of keeping for the long haul, and what specifically should you be looking for when shopping? On today’s show we are continuing our fight against the fashion industry’s transition to single-use clothing by discussing the nuts and bolts of intentional clothes shopping. Lindsay Christinee, journalist and founder of The Wellness Feed, joins the conversation with...
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When it comes to our future, climate scientists paint vastly different projections than politicians. (Think: extreme weather events, toxic air, entire nations under water, and major humanitarian conflicts over food and water.) Politicians paint much rosier pictures: electric vehicles, new industries, and better jobs, all made possible by investments into clean energy. President Joe Biden’s signature bill – the Build Back Better Framework – is a monstrosity of legislation with ambitious emissions goals. And while it passed in the House of...
The post What’s In The Build Back Better Bill appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Too often, conversations about reducing home toxins center themselves around replacement: Get rid of your mattress and buy a new one. Toss your plastic Tupperware and replace with glass. And that plastic shower curtain liner? It has got to go. But replacing items that are in otherwise fine working order wastes money; it wastes environmental resources, too.
Today I’m speaking with environmental engineer (and podcast host!) Emma Rohmann. Emma offers her practical and impartial voice to the low-tox conversation by...
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Food waste is clearly an environmental problem: In the United States alone, Americans throw away approximately 63 million tons of food each year. Enter the ugly produce market. For-profit companies selling misshapen fruits and vegetables argue that they are saving perfectly healthy food from becoming waste. Consumers, too, who subscribe to such services believe they are acting both nobly and ethically. But is any of this true?
On today’s short and sweet episode I’m answering a listener’s question as to whether...
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Your boxes of photos, family’s china, and even your kids’ height charts aren’t just stuff. These items are attached to a lifetime of memories, and letting them go can be scary. The reality is that people don’t miss stuff. They miss the people and memories behind their stuff, and keeping certain items in the right quantities can memorialize our loved ones and their unique life stories.
On today’s show I speak with featured cleaner on Hoarders and host of the...
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Decluttering is liberating, and letting go of items that no longer serve us creates space to breathe and grow. If we experience benefits from decluttering physical stuff, it stands to reason, then, that we can experience similar if not greater well-being by letting go of intangibles.
Transformation comes from letting go—not from holding on tighter!— and so today’s short-and-sweet episode is about letting go of whatever you’re holding onto that holds you down and holds you back. Here’s a...
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As consumers, we’ve been conditioned to head to the store and buy whatever we need whenever we need it. But when it comes to personal care products, making exactly what your skin needs reduces waste, empowers you to have 100% control, and fully supports your skin story.
Today I speak with certified aromatherapist Emelia Kohler. Emilia’s on the show to give us the motivation and knowledge to first understand our own skin stories and then confidently create products in our own kitchens...
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Want Grandma’s crystal vase? How about that bedroom set that’s been sitting in your parents’ basement for decades? Generational clutter comprises All. The. Things. that your elder relatives currently possess but want to pass onto you.
On today’s short-ish episode I’m answering a listener’s question on how to deal with generational clutter with grace (while still upholding your boundaries).
Here’s a preview:
[2:30] 3 varying attachment styles; plus: how different generations view “stuff”
[5:45] Defining the role of the...
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Daily life in 2022 leaves many of us busy and distracted. Life and its quiet, nameless moments of joy can pass us by if we aren’t intentional about how we spend our time.
Today I speak with Reilly Flynn, co-founder and CEO of Lome Calendar. Reilly is here to give us tangible tips that capture both the intention and the expectation of the moment as we schedule our family’s free time; he also distinguishes between rhythms, routines, and systems as...
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Many to-be parents spend hours researching cribs and car seats; only rarely do they consider all the *other* ways in which their lives are about to change. And once the baby arrives? Many new mothers report a chasm between their parenting expectations versus day-to-day reality. Today I speak with journalist and parenting expert Ericka Sóuter about the unspoken challenges of motherhood. Ericka has spent hundreds of hours interviewing mothers and she’s on the show to discuss what moms are experiencing (but...
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It's human nature to pursue more: More stuff. More money. More professional power. While it's certainly important to both create and reach goals in life, the mindless pursuit of more leaves many of us feeling depleted.
And when we're always striving to attain the next big thing? We are effectively removing ourselves from the beauty of the present moment.
On today's show I'm speaking with blogger Tyler Moore about whether it's possible to be happy with less and, if so, how.
Here's a preview:
[7:45] The relationship between tidying up your stuff and tidying up your priorities
[10:30] Quieting the voice in your head that yearns for more
[16:00] The unexpected benefits of living with just enough
[25:00] First steps for determining what's just enough for you
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #146: 10 Secrets Of Successful Declutterers.
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
“I want to be able to create a home that we can truly feel at-home in, but [my new husband and I] still haven’t figured out what our “style” is. How can we find our home decor style without buying & trying different items? How can we figure out our tastes and preferences without spending a bunch of money, creating waste, and/or accidentally getting swept up by what’s trendy?” It happens to the best of us: we search high...
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Veganuary — the worldwide new years resolution movement — makes plant-based living accessible while also pushing for corporate change. While proponents of the month-long challenge report that veganism can be fun, today’s guest argues that plant-based living on the large scale (which, in her view, is inevitable!) will have positive consequences for our economy, climate, health, and culture. Veganism is one of the fastest growing social movements in the world and so in honor of Veganuary I’m speaking with anthropologist Roanne Van...
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If you often bump into side tables or trip over misplaced shoes you’ve likely lamented your need for more space. But staying in your existing home even though it’s imperfect has tangible benefits like greater financial savings, more free time, and less stress. On this episode I’m speaking with small living expert Melanie Gnau about how to create more livable space in your home without undergoing a lengthy construction addition or moving to a bigger home. Here’s a preview:...
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Many of us think of the seaside as a relaxing place to vacation. Water sports and seafood, too, often come to mind when we think about the ways in which oceans improve our lives.
But the reality is that vacations, water sports, and seafood pale in comparison to what oceans *actually* give us, which is, of course, our very existence.
Today I speak with world-renowned oceanographer and National Geographic's Explorer-At-Large Dr. Sylvia Earle. Dr. Earle has logged over 7,000 hours underwater and she believes that ending industrial fishing should be humanity's Number One goal. Dr. Earle is on the show to encourage us to think like scientists by asking questions, examining evidence, and making informed decisions as we plan our weekly meals.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Why the ocean is so important (and why all of us should care about preserving what's left and restoring what's been lost)
[11:00] The problems associated with industrial fishing
[17:45] Beyond the marketing: Is seafood really all that healthy for humans?
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #112: The Nitty-Gritty Behind Microplastic Pollution.
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
"I want to minimize my digital carbon footprint because I understand that storing old emails in server farms uses a lot of energy. I have three email accounts with thousands of emails because I'm super lazy about emails. If I delete 1,000 of the really old unnecessary emails, what's my annual CO2 savings? If all of your listeners did the same, how much energy could we save? How many cars off the road?"
It's likely you've already sent a few emails today. Perhaps you've also streamed a video and performed an internet search or two. If your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave around the internet, your digital carbon footprint is the carbon emissions that trail creates.
On this episode I'm answering a listener's question about how to minimize your digital carbon footprint in 4 easy steps (ditch that cloud storage!).
Here's a preview:
[2:40] Why digital carbon footprints matter (and how to start caring about ours)
[6:30] Not nebulous, fuzzy, or benign: The ins/outs of clouds and server farms
[10:30] 4 high-impact habits that reduce your digital carbon footprint
[19:00] If everyone who listens to this show commits to deleting 1,000 old emails, how many car equivalents would we remove from the road for one year?
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #131: 5 Carbon Footprint Facts You Likely Didn't Know
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
It takes a village to raise a child. And in those days and weeks following childbirth? Research finds that mothers benefit from an awful lot of support.
In fact, women with culturally-embedded support in the fourth trimester report extremely low incidences of baby blues and postpartum mood disorders as opposed to cultures without such support.
Today I'm speaking with postpartum doula and newborn care specialist Gigi Vera Vincent. Gigi is on the show to divulge how we can both honor and respect the postpartum period. For those of us not expecting, Gigi also suggests tangible ways to best support the parents in our lives who are.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] The Number One fact new mothers need to know about the fourth trimester
[6:45] How to manage expectations versus reality during the postpartum period
[12:45] 3 types of support that new mothers need, according to research (and how to give it)
[14:30] Socially acceptable best practices for new mothers who don't feel like entertaining
[17:30] Lining up your support services ahead of time: How (and where) to seek out physical and emotional support
[26:00] Postpartum depression versus postpartum anxiety versus baby blues: How to tell the difference
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #221: Conscious Nursery and Kids Room Design.
* It's the *perfect* time to review your favorite podcasts! On the Apple Podcasts app, hit the Library tab, scroll allll the way to the bottom past all prior episodes, then click on the stars to leave a review. (Thank you!)
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Listeners often reach out with questions big and small, and so today I'm answering 5 of them in a rapid style format.
Here's a preview of the questions answered in this episode:
[2:15] Which is the better environmental choice: organic produce but wrapped in plastic, or non-organic and plastic-free?
[7:30] How should we best declutter during a pandemic and where should we put our efforts?
[10:45] Should we even bother recycling since so little actually gets recycled?
[14:45] Are Force Of Nature products worth it?
[18:45] What's the best way to store fresh produce without plastic?
Have a pressing eco-minimalist question? Email Stephanie at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at (508) 960-9046.
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Too many choices breeds uncertainty, and excessive clothing options makes getting dressed harder, not easier. But knowing intuitively what looks good on you? Such knowledge simplifies shopping, reduces your environmental impact, and creates a coordinated wardrobe without unnecessary effort.
Today I speak with Jeannie Stith, founder and CEO of Color Guru. Jeannie is an expert at matching people to their ideal color palette so they can look their best and save money. Today we discuss how you can create closet boundaries by honing in on your ideal colors, body shape, and personal style.
Here's a preview:
[4:15] Why black is not a universal color that everyone can wear well (and what to wear instead)
[9:45] How to determine your undertones as a means of informed clothes shopping
[11:30] 3 universal colors that look great on everyone
[12:30] The paradox of choice: Why having too many choices leads to confusion and unease
[22:00] Have a closet full of clothes in the wrong colors? Here's what to do
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Online shopping has made buying more convenient, sure. But because we can't touch, feel, and try items on when perusing e-commerce sites, return rates have skyrocketed. Each year in the US alone, shoppers return approximately 3.5 billion products, only 20% of which are actually defective. Spoiler alert: these perfectly new and non-defective items that we return? Workers only very rarely restock them for sale.
Today I divulge what *actually* happens to clothing that we buy online and then return; I'm also offering up some practical action steps for everyone (like myself!) who enjoys shopping online.
Here's a preview:
[5:15] How did we get here? A brief history of fast, free, no questions asked returns
[7:00] The major differences between forward logistics and reverse logistics
[12:00] What happens to the clothes we return: landfill, merchandizer, or abroad
[16:15] 5 ways to reduce returns sent back to manufacturers
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #105: Where Do Goodwill Donations Go?
Most of us don’t tend to think about the environmental or ethical consequences associated with coffee; we just like what we like. And because there's something about the ritual of drinking coffee that's so deeply embedded in our daily lives, we often stick with what we've always done—and buy the brand we've always bought—instead of attempting to brew a more ethical cup of joe.
Today I'm discussing all-things coffee with David Sells, co-founder of organic coffee subscription service Better Grounds. Dave is here to divulge how we can reduce our environmental impact simply by tweaking our coffee-related routines.
Here's a preview:
[4:15] 5 dirty little secrets the average coffee drinker doesn't know about their morning cup
[7:00] Why most coffee is priced too cheap (and what you should *actually* be paying)
[10:00] Commodity versus specialty coffee's taste and quality differences
[14:00] The benefits (and drawbacks) associated with Fair Trade
[16:00] 5 things to look for when making an ethical coffee purchase
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #125: How Sustainable Minimalists Do Summer.
We tend to frame intentional, eco-friendly living in terms of reduction: Create less trash. Lower that carbon footprint. Tread lighter on our shared planet. But a reduction-centered mindset assumes that we can only be less bad; there's nothing to be said about forcing tangible good.
What if we reframed the conversation to one that assumes we can leave the planet BETTER than we found it?
Can we give more than we take and, if so, how?
Today I'm speaking with Beth Craig. Beth believes each of us can make a legitimate difference and so she's on the show to outline her 5-step process to leaving a radical footprint; she also offers important reminders about the usefulness of giving as we head into the holiday season.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Step 1: Asking the difficult questions and getting clear on the life you actually want to live
[11:00] Step 2: How to unplug from advertising for consumer empowerment
[14:00] Step 3: Minimizing your carbon footprint as much as possible (without sacrificing your quality of life)
[16:00] Step 4: How to make the world better than you found it by giving
[17:15] Step 5: Why you should diligently track your efforts and adjust for greater benefit
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
When it comes to giving presents, sustainable minimalists understand that less is more and thoughtful is better. Indeed, minimalist holiday gift ideas don't manifest themselves when walking the mall; you can't find them by panic buying in the days leading up to Christmas, either.
Need some inspiration? Today I'm thrilled to turn the mic over to you the listeners as you offer up nearly 2 dozen non-consumer gifts for the holiday season.
Here's a preview:
[2:20] Making (and preserving!) memories through experiences and photos
[5:20] 7 personalized DIY gift ideas (that will also be appreciated)
[9:15] 2 book-related minimalist gift ideas
[13:00] Creating new traditions as a means of buying less junk
[16:00] When in doubt, donate
[19:00] Thoughts on the "gift in a box" hack
Resources mentioned:
Instead of legitimate reform, companies often rebrand their problematic practices as "green," "woke," and "ethical." Not surprisingly, we consumers are both angry and disillusioned by these marketing lies. But when we use our collective purchasing power to fight back, we show our strength. Hence, the power of the purse.
Today I speak with author Tanja Hester. While Tanja doesn't offer easy solutions or simple answers in our conversation, she does lay a roadmap for making better (not perfect!) money moves that positively impact both people and the planet.
Here's a preview:
[4:30] Tanja's views on capitalism, plus: where democracy falls short
[9:30] Thoughts on the power of the purse, elitism, and privilege
[13:15] Is this too cheap? Understanding true cost as a means of stepping away from the desire to score a deal
[18:00] The four questions we should ask ourselves before spending money
[25:30] Individual action for collective change
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
The holidays are here, and the season is about relationships first and foremost. And while we may understand intuitively that gift giving is just one way in which we can show love, our days leading up to Christmas will likely be filled with chasing sales, navigating crowded shopping malls, and wrapping piles of gifts.
I believe that we can show deep, meaningful love in many ways. But if we don't? We as a culture will always revert to consumerism's default of giving physical gifts.
On today’s show we are discussing how to apply the wisdom of the 5 love languages to our closest relationships, especially during the holidays.
Here's a preview:
[3:00] A love language refresher: what on earth are they?
[6:00] What the modern day love language conversation gets wrong
[10:30] 3 ways to use the wisdom of the love languages for stronger interpersonal connections
[14:00] Kid-specific ways to show love without giving gifts
[15:30] Thoughts on managing overindulgent grandparents
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #046: Sweet Simplicity During The Holidays.
Capitalism has coerced us into thinking about contentment in terms of possessions, and many of us accumulate both stuff and money in hopes of living happier. But time and time again research finds that happiness is actually found in places that are notoriously free: in getting good sleep, in nurturing quality relationships, and in giving, to name a few.
Today I bring you an interview with podcaster Julia Szpor. Julia and I discuss the latest science-backed findings into how each of us can live happier in a culture that glorifies consumption.
Here's a preview:
[10:30] Do genetics come into play when discussing happiness?
[11:15] The Number One way to teach yourself to overcome Negativity Bias
[15:15] Letting go of expectations for greater well-being
[19:45] What science says about spending money on others
[22:00] Why thinking critically about the 5 people you spend the most time with is worth the effort
[24:00] Where you should *actually* spend your money for long term happiness
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #074: How To Live Large By Living With Less.
* Watch the extended (and lightly edited) version of this episode on YouTube.
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
"I have a number of clothing items that don’t fit in boxes on the top of my cupboard. My weight fluctuates so frequently (and I have a newborn) that it seems irresponsible to get rid of things that don’t fit, yet I hate having clutter! Should I keep clothes that don't currently fit? When do I just let it go?"
Keeping clothes that don't fit prevents you from accepting your body as it is today. Still, we all do it, as our "skinny" clothes encourage us to hold onto past glories of thinness and youth.
On this short and sweet episode I'm answering a listener's question about best practices for regarding storing clothing items that don't fit our bodies right now.
Here's a preview:
[5:00] Challenging 3 commonly held beliefs about size and worth
[7:00] The real problems with keeping clothes that don't fit in your closet
[11:40] Considering a future reality (not a future fantasy)
[15:00] 3 steps to storing clothes that don't currently fit
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
There's no way around it: more stuff means more sedentarism.
Products of convenience move on our behalf, and our kids are moving their bodies less than any other generation in human history. Our culture–and the items the market produces to support our ways of life—dissuade self-sufficiency, and so creating a movement-rich life for our health and for the planet's may often feel like an uphill battle.
This week I speak with author and biomechanist Katy Bowman. Katy offers tangible ways to reclaim the movement opportunities that have been lost to the conveniences associated with modern living.
Here's a preview:
[7:30] The relationship between carbon footprints, pleasure, and movement lost
[16:00] How to become more tolerant of movement in the house
[19:15] Ways to engage kids who don't consider themselves "outdoorsy"
[22:45] Multitasking versus stacking: What's the difference (and why does it matter?)
[25:20] 2 steps listeners can take right now to reclaim movement opportunities that have been lost to convenience
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Got yourself some leather boots? How about a faux leather handbag? The fashion industry relies heavily on both the durability and aesthetic of leather and, these days, vegan leather is rapidly rising in popularity as an ethical alternative to animal-based hides. But what is vegan leather, exactly, and does it stand up to the hype?
On this episode, I'm answering a listener's question about the environmental and ethical considerations associated with all-things leather and leather alternatives.
Here's a preview:
[3:45] Animal-based leather's dirty little secrets
[10:15] What is vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based, faux leather? Is it as great as it sounds?
[15:00] Everything you need to know before buying an exotic leather
[17:30] 5 tips for making informed leather and vegan leather purchases
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Fairy lights for our little girl? A dinosaur theme for our baby boy? When designing our children's nurseries and, later, their big kid rooms, it's natural for parents to get caught up in the aesthetics. After all, designing is fun; researching ethical and eco-friendly products is decidedly not.
But sustainable interior design is more accessible today than it has ever been before and with a bit of forethought it's entirely possible to curate beautiful spaces for our children that use lower impact materials.
This week's guest is author Rachel Fowler. Rachel combines her knowledge as both a nurse and sustainable interior designer to give us her best ideas for creating nurseries and kids rooms that are safe, minimalist, eco-friendly, and fun.
Here's a preview:
[6:00] Ten items that should never be in your child's room for health and safety
[9:30] What to consider before painting a room's walls and ceiling, with a nod toward wallpaper
[16:00] The problems with carpet and vinyl floors
[20:00] How to make informed furniture decisions
[24:00] What to use instead instead of blackout blinds
Resources mentioned:
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
"I’d love to hear a podcast episode about a bidet for toilet attachment ... Our family recently got one, and we love it but I know a lot of people have questions about them, including myself."
I did it. I bought a bidet attachment, installed it myself and, on this short and sweet episode, I'm answering a listener's question all about whether bidets have a place in a modern family home (and if yes, how).
Here's a preview:
[2:15] Sleek and (kinda) sexy? The features and benefits of today's bidet for toilet attachment
[4:00] Toilet paper's financial and environmental problems
[5:15] 5 oversized benefits to embracing a bidet attachment
[11:00] My thoughts on bidets in homes with kids
[15:00] This week's eco-tip: A creative way for reusing stained kids' clothes
Resources mentioned:
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
Cooking takes time, and few of us have time to spare. Convenient food options—like processed snacks, meal subscriptions, and even takeout—solve problems for busy adults who feel the pull towards what's quick and easy, and those with disabilities view such options as daily necessities. But for those of us who are able and do indeed have a bit of time? Convenient alternatives have disconnected us from our food. Worse, such options have pushed us farther from cooking, an essential self-sufficient skill.
Today I'm speaking with Kate Flynn. Kate is the co-founder and CEO of Sun & Swell, the world's first online, plastic-free health food store. She's on the show to suggest first steps for ways for making fewer convenience-driven food choices in our (hectic) daily lives; she offers tried-and-true hacks from her own kitchen that simplify food routines, too.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Three big reasons why the packaged food industry is broken
[8:00] Practical ways for those of us who can to fight back against the allure of convenience food options
[11:00] What needs to change so that healthy food becomes available to everyone
[14:00] How to make smarter choices at the grocery store (without committing to buying only fruits and veggies)
[24:00] Food routines that prioritize healthy eating when you're hangry
[30:00] My 6 cooking tips for beginner home chefs
Resources mentioned:
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #177: Becoming A Zero-Waste Chef.
* Join our (free!) community here.
* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.
* Watch the unedited version of this interview on Youtube here.
Non-toxic, eco-friendly living is rapidly growing in popularity, and many corporations that sell home cleansers are modifying their marketing (not their products!) to garner more sales. We may not have the time or energy to DIY our own cleaning products, and rampant greenwashing muddles our best attempts at finding the products aligned with our values. What are green cleaners, exactly, and where can they be found? On this episode Megan Mikkelson and I outline tried-and-true ways for finding safe home...
The post What Are Green Cleaners (& Where Do I Find Them)? appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Excessive amounts of shoes. Keys that are somehow always lost. We feel it when our entryways *don’t* flow, sure. But in what ways can we elevate an entryway’s function while also ensuring that it remains aesthetically pleasing? My guest today believes that tidy homes elevate personal style. This week I’m speaking with globally recognized home organizing expert Shira Gill who’s here to offer up her best organized entryway ideas for creating spaces that both function and flow. Here’s a preview:...
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“Do you have any tips for making kids arts and crafts more sustainable? I have a craft shelf that the kids love. I keep it stocked and love to encourage their creativity, but it feels so wasteful!” Pom pons, glitter glue, and googly eyes, oh my. While we all want to provide our children with opportunities to express their creativity, I believe there’s a fine line between offering artistic inspiration and being wasteful. (While we’re at it, there’s also a...
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Your Minimalism-Guided Life And Career 67% of workers say excessive meetings keep them from getting their best work done, and up to half of an employee’s day is wasted on unproductive effort (source). While we are well-versed in the whys and hows of slow living in our personal lives, our professional ones may be hindered by societal expectations and workplace norms. This week, Chris Lovett and I examine the ways in which hard work, materialism, and busyness collide. Chris had...
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Apple pie, Jack-o-lanterns, and gourds galore: Autumn has arrived! Saving money and environmental resources starts by reducing—or even better, eliminating—food waste in your home. With a bit of forethought, we can get creative in the kitchen and commit to making use of *entire* food items this fall. In this short and sweet episode I’m offering my best suggestions for using every part of our favorite fall foods—pumpkins and apples—including the pumpkin’s guts, the apple’s core, and more. Here’s a...
The post Using The Whole Pumpkin (& The Whole Apple) appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Automobiles convey freedom and status. They’re also a symbol of modern convenience: why walk when you can drive? Why take public transit if you can ride in the comfort of what’s decidedly yours? But a car’s convenience comes with a host of environmental problems that extend beyond the obvious guzzling of gas (which indeed comprises approximately 80-percent of a car’s impact). An automobile’s beforelife requires excessive energy expenditure in the creation of the steel, rubber, glass, and other parts that...
The post Going Car-Light appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“I really like fixing and building, and my wife and I like to go around on garbage day and pick up useful odds and ends. This of course also turns into a lot of stuff from a minimalist perspective. How do you deal with useful things that have no specific purpose yet?” I believe that determining an item’s potential starts first by knowing thyself. On today’s show, I’m explaining my concept of the eco-minimalist spectrum; I’m also offering 3 tips...
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Amidst 2021's frenetic pace, curating a life that satisfies your professional, financial, and familial obligations and also leaves space for fun may seem unattainable. What's work-life balance, and is achieving such balance even possible?
Today I speak with author, chef, and farm CEO Shannon Hayes. Despite her many professional endeavors, Shannon makes sure to find time for coffee dates with her husband, afternoon naps, and martini dance parties in the kitchen. Shannon believes that even though we're busy we can *make* space in our schedules to prioritize our own happiness. Indeed, Shannon's on the show to argue that finding—and maintaining!—a work-life balance starts by first dreaming about what you want your life to look like and then putting your finances on autopilot.
Here's a preview:
[3:30] True wealth versus salaries: Why everyone needs a Quality of Life Statement
[11:00] How to incorporate 4 unconventional income streams to achieve a work-life balance
[21:30] Using chef-specific wisdom in your daily life
[26:30] The Yes-No-Yes formula for setting—and maintaining—essential boundaries
“I have to ask about your handmade soap recipe. How do you make soap at home? I’ve been thinking about making my own for a while (maybe also add some oat pulp that remains from making oat milk?). It would be interesting to see if there’s a minimalist and safe way to make homemade soaps.” Ever wondered how to make soap at home? Here’s a secret: soap making is ridiculously easy; it’s also fun! In this short-and-sweet episode I’m...
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Supermarkets rose to prominence in the 1960’s and these days, the grocery store is the Number One place where Americans buy food. But supermarkets have disconnected us from our food; worse, the global food chain is responsible for up to one third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Making smart food decisions starts by first understanding the intricacies of global food supply chain. This week I speak with Airly co-founder Jennifer McKnight. Jennifer believes it’s important for companies to list...
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Electromagnetic fields (or EMFs, for short) are all around us. While anything that uses electricity deploys EMFs, the rise of wireless technology has exponentially increased our exposure to EMFs in recent years. But what’s particularly concerning is that such products that boast convenience—the wireless ones, the “smart” ones—aren’t necessarily safe for ourselves or for our families. In fact, the research is quite conclusive: EMF and 5G exposure impacts almost all systems in our bodies; it’s linked to cancer and lowered...
The post How To Protect Yourself From EMFs At Home appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“My question is about moving. I have four weeks to pack up my house and the amount of plastic we will probably be needing is giving me nightmares already. Any eco-friendly moving tips for me?” Carbon emissions from diesel-burning trucks. Excess trash (a.k.a. all the stuff not moving with us) we’re sending to landfills. Bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, tape, plastic liners, and countless other single-use disposables: moving a household’s-worth of stuff is stress-inducing, sure. But if we’re not careful,...
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“I would love to know what your minimalist eco-friendly skincare essentials looks like, especially in the dry summer months.” While using too few skincare products can leave your skin dehydrated and undernourished, using too many can disrupt its natural pH. Minimalist skincare is a ‘thing’, and dermatologists argue that a comprehensive routine relies on just 5 products. On this bite-sized episode I’m answering a listener’s question about the items I put on my face each and every day. And...
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How To Be Better At Budgeting In America, capitalism entices us to spend now and pay later. But paying for what you don’t need with credit is a precarious practice, as living outside of your means may create a shaky financial future. Today I’m speaking with Certified Financial Counselor Ericka Young. Ericka helps clients learn how to be better at budgeting, as believes that successful money management begins with getting real about—and living within!—your means. Ericka understands that it’s...
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“I have struggled with climate anxiety for awhile now … I try to have a positive look on the climate crisis and say that we can still fix it but … it’s taking its toll. How do you not get stopped by this? Can we still fix the climate?” The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report earlier this month, and its outlook was dire. The report—prepared by 234 scientists from 66 countries—named human influence as...
The post Antidotes To Eco-Despair appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Surprise, surprise: Our culture reveres youth. Getting older, then, becomes a dreaded rite of passage that many of us feel we must outrun. And although dyeing our graying hair is one way in which we can turn back the clock for at least a little while, conventional dyes are full of toxic chemicals including formaldehyde, ammonia, and titanium dioxide, to name a few. This week, guest Megan Mikkelson and I seek answers to questions that are both pragmatic and philosophical: Must we subject...
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“I’m desperate for tips about staying organized in a two bed townhouse. My husband and I have a 13 month old and are thinking of adding another to our family soon. Our son shares the spare room with some storage and furniture while my husband is working from home from a desk in our bedroom. We don’t have heaps of toys, but there are some sentimental items like furniture, essential woodworking and sewing supplies, and so many clothes it seems...
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The global pandemic may have reduced the scope of your social circle. And while pandemics can indeed lead to isolation and loneliness, they may also usher in clarity about what—or in this case, who—is truly important. There are deep friendships and there are not-so-deep ones: are there benefits to intentionally nurturing fewer friendships while simultaneously giving your soul-level connections your best? On today’s show we apply the principles of minimalism to adult friendships with Lifestyle Optimization Coach Meredith Keith-Chirch. Meredith argues there...
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“Hi Stephanie, One topic I’d like covered is the ways in which trying to live a low impact lifestyle can actually contradict each other. Secondhand polyester, or eco-friendly fibers but new? Plant-based but packaged food, or animal-based and package-free? Thanks for any help you can offer. – Heather” We’ve all been there: we want to do better, but eco-contradictions trip us up. Even worse, in most cases achieving definitive right (versus definitive wrong) clarity is impossible. No one wants to...
The post Navigating The Eco-Contradiction Minefield appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Ready to embrace pre-loved clothing but hate that thrift stores and online marketplaces sell last season’s fast fashion discards? If so, secondhand vintage may be for you. Vintage items by definition are made from quality materials with skilled craftsmanship. Incorporating select vintage pieces into your wardrobe, then, is an intentional to prioritize quality over quantity. I believe it’s important to normalize secondhand shopping, and so today I’m speaking with vintage lover Endia Henry. For Endia, thrifting introduced her to sustainability,...
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“Hey Stephanie, I’m wondering what some of your tips are when it comes to preparing for a baby for the first time when you want to maintain a minimalist lifestyle. Thank you.” Want to be a minimalist parent but don’t know where to start? This short-and-sweet bonus episode lays bare my down-and-dirty, not-so-socially-acceptable advice. Here’s a preview: [3;30] The bare minimum: Stephanie’s list of 7 (just 7!) essential items every infant needs [8:30] Why you shouldn’t have a baby...
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When discussing reducing toxin exposure, we often frame the conversation in terms of cleaning up our beauty and home products. But there are plenty of toxins in our food, and that’s why simple, clean eating is so darn important. My guest this week is Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist and author Tonya Harris. Tonya experienced the benefits of a healthier food firsthand when her son—who displayed tell-tale signs of ADHD—significantly reduced his symptoms after cutting the nasties from his diet. These days,...
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“I just moved to a small country town and for some reason they stopped accepting glass for recycling. I had purposely been buying more glass products to avoid plastic as much as possible … I don’t know what to do. Do you have any suggestions?” US recycling is in chaos, and packaging materials that were once recyclable may likely be headed to your local landfill. What’s an eco-conscious consumer to do? On this short and sweet bonus episode, I’m...
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We women have been primed since we were young to be critical of our bodies. Even though we’re adults—and even though we know better!—it’s natural to revert to what society tells us about the connection between body shape and self-worth. A negative body image impacts us all (regardless of size!), and minimalism is here to help. My guest this week is Wavelength founder Sarah Stites. Sarah gained significant weight in high school; her self-esteem plummeted soon after. As she yo-yo...
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Perfectly manicured hands and feet are the norm in 2021, and many of us feel out of place when we choose to abandon what’s socially accepted. But there’s a “toxic trio” of chemicals in nail polish (toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate) and these chemicals leak through our nail beds and into our bloodstreams. What’s the true cost, then, of fitting in? Is fitting in worth it if doing so harms our health? This week, I speak with podcast host Megan...
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Uses for Essential Oils An essential oil is not quite a perfume and not exactly a medicine. Still, advocates promise the uses for essential oils are many, and their benefits include better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved overall well-being, to name a few. Are essential oils worth the hype, or are they just another product that makes oversized promises? On this short and sweet bonus episode, I’m answering a listener’s question all about whether essential oils fit into a sustainable minimalist...
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How to downsize your home (and help older relatives do the same) Downsizing is physically and emotionally exhausting. The job becomes infinitely harder when you’re tasked with helping older relatives—your parents, perhaps—clear out their attics and basements overflowing with items they’ve accumulated throughout the decades. Should you consider downsizing and decluttering now so your kids don’t one day find themselves stuck with the job? When helping older relatives clear out their clutter, how can you empathically and responsibly disperse...
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I once aspired to design my home’s interior the way I saw design done in my favorite home decor catalogs, which is to say I chased an aesthetic that was white, pristine, and contemporary. But doubling down on what’s new and in style left little room for displaying trinkets with stories, passed-down but quality furniture, and antiques that infuse uniqueness. I had created a beautiful space, yes, but it was an impersonal one. Unimaginative, even. This week, I speak with...
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Curating a Healthy House What’s eco-friendly also tends to be non-toxic, and if you’re like most sustainable minimalists, you likely aspire to curate a healthy house that supports your eco-minimalist ideals. Yet non-toxic products can be difficult to find; they tend to be expensive, too. Today I’m speaking with the brains behind Shades of Green, Angela Wade and Ellen Strickland. Shades of Green is a sustainable shopping platform that’s committed to creating healthier living spaces by sourcing only non-toxic, environmentally-friendly...
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How to Host a (No Plastic) Party Like to entertain but hate the overwhelm? Join the club. While it feels so right to open your home to your loved ones for dinner parties, barbecues, and holidays, being chained to the kitchen (and the dirty dishes!) feels oh, so wrong. The alternative is equally cringe-worthy: Heaps of plastic plates, cups, and cutlery in the trash? No thanks. This week, I speak with Repurpose founder Lauren Gropper. Lauren believes hosts and...
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Why is it that, in times of fear, society reverts back to relying on single-use disposables? COVID-19 will have lasting effects on the environmental movement. While some of such effects—like embracing forced slowness, for example—took cars off the road and reduced worldwide carbon emissions in the short-term, our propensity toward fear-based buying over the past year has littered the planet. Indeed, communities that fought long and hard to ban single-use items embraced them during the pandemic; there’s the plastics problem,...
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Palm oil: Ever hear of it? Imports of the stuff to the United States have risen a whopping 263% in the last 15 years and, these days, it’s in our toothpaste, our shampoo, our pet’s food, our makeup, and more. Palm oil is in nearly everything, and its cultivation has dire consequences for our planet. This week, I speak with award-winning journalist and author Jocelyn Zuckerman. Jocelyn traveled to 4 continents to research the ripple effects of palm oil’s rise,...
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Sustainable toys provide countless benefits to both children and the planet yet, still, finding such toys can be difficult. What, exactly, makes a toy sustainable? Are wooden toys (ahem … Melissa & Doug) considered eco-friendly simply because they are made of wood? These days, most toys are made of plastics; stuffed animals and dolls are also made of artificial (read: plastic) fibers. Through a complex chemical process, plastic toys are made from fossil fuels and eventually break into many small pieces,...
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How To Be Happy In A Small Home Choosing to live in a small home is one of the most basic ways we can both reduce our carbon footprints and curb unnecessary spending. Indeed, while living small (not necessarily tiny!) is the epitome of sustainable minimalism, it can be difficult to intentionally embrace less square footage in a culture that suggests bigger is best. It’s a real conundrum: We revere space, but we also revere eco-simplicity. Can we have...
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When humans solve problems, we often overlook an incredibly powerful option: Subtraction. We add baskets and bins to fix organizational issues within the home. We buy new clothes when we find ourselves frustrated with our wardrobes. In correspondence, we get loquacious in efforts of making our points. In design fields, we add elements to improve “flow”. In short, addition rules. But intentional subtraction is a powerful practice that’s rewarding, fun, and backed by science. And once we retrain our brains to...
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The Circular Economy’s Benefits for You and Me ** Like this show? Want to help it grow? Please leave it a quick review on Apple Podcasts, and thank you! ** Our “take-make-waste” economy has cost consumers billions of dollars and has cheated us out of an inhabitable planet. But it doesn’t have to be this way: embracing a circular economy will save taxpayer money, preserve resources, and lead to an estimated $4.5 trillion in economic growth. Even better?...
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Finding your Minimalist Mindset It’s often the case that we are our own worst enemies. It’s easy to fall back into old habits and old ways of thinking—it’s too easy, in fact, to revert to what we’ve always done. Indeed, in my capacity as host of this podcast, I often hear the same struggle from you, my listeners: it’s really darn hard to both find and maintain your minimalist mindset for the long haul in a culture that glorifies...
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Tips for an organized home with kids Staying on top of tidiness can be stress-inducing, time-sucking, and never-ending. If it seems as though your home never looks or feels the way you want it, know that maintaining an organized space with kids is hard work, but it’s possible. This week, I speak with professional organizer Elise Hay. Elise believes there’s only one way to have a tidy home with children, and that’s to have the support of each and...
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Pop Culture and the Environmental Movement Today In recent years, pop culture has raised important questions about the environmental movement today, and people are listening. Because while it can be easy to dissociate from media coverage surrounding global warming, climate change, and environmental racism, it’s much harder to do so when pop culture pushes the narrative. The relationship between popular culture and popular opinion is circular, and so a great way to jumpstart conversations with children and other loved...
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Minimalist beauty for the conscious consumer Toner, exfoliant, emulsion, eye cream, and that’s all before breakfast: The average woman uses 12 beauty products each and every day. But are these products actually necessary? What are the benefits to a minimalist beauty routine, and how do you start simplifying your existing one? On today’s show we are applying the tenets of sustainable minimalism to our skincare routines by minimizing the excess, simplifying the process, and replacing what’s essential with eco-conscious...
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It isn’t hyperbole: Technology is in many ways taking over our daily lives. Research has found that children spend 1200 hours per year on technological devices. And adults? We waste approximately 6200 hours a year—or up to a staggering equivalent of 44 years of our lives—staring at screens. In this era of technological-everything, is digital minimalism even possible?
On today’s show I speak with Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi. As a father of five, Bill offers up his best tips for creating a culture within our homes that prioritize in-person time as opposed to screen time; he suggests action steps for adults looking to achieve digital minimalism, too.
Here’s a preview:
[4:15] Beyond cyberbullying: The wide-ranging effects of technology on kids
[8:30] 3 House Rules that prioritize real-life relationships over virtual ones
[13:30] The importance of technological time-outs for working professionals
[20:15] How to know when your child is ready for a cell phone
Resources mentioned in the episode:
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Becoming a Zero Waste Chef The daily habits zero waste chefs rely on to reduce food and packaging waste can seem daunting to the rest of us, to say the least. But in the era of meal delivery kits and takeout culture, cooking from scratch and ensuring nothing gets wasted may indeed be self-sufficient skills that consumers are in danger of losing. On today’s episode, Anne-Marie Bonneau, better known as The Zero Waste Chef, and I discuss cooking as...
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The benefits of 1000 hours outside Most of us understand intuitively that spending time outdoors – 1000 hours outside, in fact! – is important. But what does science say about the role of nature in our lives? How can we make the outdoors a staple of our children’s childhoods without tears? The 1000 Hours Outside campaign seeks to match nature time with screen time, and that’s because kids spend approximately 1200 hours per year in front of electronic devices....
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Sustainable Consumption for you and me Sustainable Minimalism (the book!) is available as an e-book, audiobook, and paperback now, and it dives *far deeper* into the topics we discuss on this podcast. Thank you for supporting my work! Sustainable consumption is confusing. What does it mean to be an intentional eco-consumer, exactly, and how does the identity differ from being a conscious one? There are problems associated with greenwashing, too. Assuming you want to be more sustainable in your...
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Environmentally Friendly Parenting that’s Good Enough Parents are tired. So tired, in fact, that adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle may seem impossible. But the goal is progress—not perfection!—and so this week’s show is dedicated to parents who want to do better but don’t want to completely upend their lives. Today I am speaking with Stace Dixon and Taylor Shearer of DYPER. Together we outline low-waste parenting strategies that are *good enough* in that they don’t require lots of time or...
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How to simplify picky eating It’s the bane of parents’ existences: Picky eating. And while some children are certainly pickier than most, most moms and dads worry whether their kids regularly consume a variety of nutrients – and in the right quantities! – for optimal growth and development. What kids eat matters, and so this week I’m speaking with a certified nutritionist to help us both understand and simplify all the intricacies around feeding our children. My guest is Kaitlin...
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Minimalist tips to manage time Time: There never seems to be enough of it. And while the internet flows with tips to manage time, minimalists understand that we can gain more time by having less stuff. Today I’m speaking with my friend and fellow podcaster Diane Boden. Diane is the host of the Minimalist Moms Podcast; she also has a new book by the same name. Today Diane and I discuss tangible ways in which we can pare down our...
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What’s Really Important When Learning at Home Many minimalists correctly view their homes as havens. But because critical learning happens within the home during pandemics and always, our living spaces also provide daily opportunities to nurture lasting loves of learning in our children. On today’s show my guests and I explore the ways in which parents can both facilitate and simplify learning at home, 365 days per year. First I bring you an interview with educational consultant Hillary Einboden, who...
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Routines and Rituals For Housework Help Sustainable Minimalism (the book!) is available as an e-book, audiobook, and paperback now, and it dives *far deeper* into the topics we discuss on this podcast. Thank you for supporting my work! Have 4 walls and a roof? If so, you probably have housework. And if you are fortunate to have a family? You’re likely burdened by household chores every single day. Today I’m speaking with author and cleaning guru Becky Rapinchuk,...
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How To Use Cloth Diapers Cloth diapers have a reputation as the time-consuming and stressful way to diaper a baby. Yet parents who proudly embrace reusables report that the opposite is true: after you learn how to successfully use cloth diapers, the practice provides daily opportunities to connect with your child. Cloth diapering ushers in a unique joy, too. On today’s show I speak with Gaëlle Wizenberg, founder and Chief of Commerce of Charlie Banana. First, Gaëlle debunks 3...
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Intentional Living at Home Intentional living is all the rage right now, as it’s about letting your purpose guide your actions as they relate to your family, your work, your finances, your environmental impact, your spirituality, and more. That said, it’s easy to revert to living on autopilot. It’s too easy, in fact, to be blown off track by snags in the plan. On today’s show I speak with Desirae Endres, host of the With Intention podcast. If you’ve ever...
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Impactful Eco Friendly Changes We’ve all been there: The awkward moment when we realize that, when it comes to eco friendly living, we could be doing more. On this week’s bonus episode, I speak with Marie Ève Gaudreau Lamarre. Marie Ève walks us through the moment she realized that she wasn’t eco friendly simply because she recycled; soon after, she knew she could – and therefore must – do more. In our conversation today, Marie Ève makes clear the...
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8 Minimalist Style Principles It happens to the best of us: despite our best intentions, we fall for trends. We assume that if a new style looks great on a model it will also look great on us. But wardrobe simplicity is about employing select minimalist style tricks that save money, reduce clothing waste, and empower you to look your best. On today’s show I speak with style coach Kim Hancher. Kim is a huge advocate for NOT running...
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Difficult Sustainability Conversations If you are passionate about sustainability, you may often find yourself in the middle of thorny interpersonal interactions. Here are just a few statements I’ve heard over the years in which I’ve tried – but miserably failed! – to bridge the gap between my opinions and the persons’ sitting in front of me: “Environmental policies kill jobs.” “God is omnipotent. He’ll take care of climate change.” “Recycling is pointless. Why bother?” Today I’m speaking with fellow...
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** Sustainable Minimalism (the book based on THIS podcast!) is out now! Get your paperback or e-book copy here.** Your Minimalist Play Room: Why Basic is Best & Less is More Got kids? If so, you’ve also got toys. If you’re like me, you may also have a play room that’s bursting at the seams with active, plastic toys. Parents want to provide novel play experiences for their children, as no one wants their kids to be deprived. But...
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** Sustainable Minimalism (the book based on THIS podcast!) is out now! Get your paperback or e-book copy here.** Intentional Living and Personal Development Prioritizing personal development is a staple of an intentional life, yet listeners overwhelmingly report that they have neither the time nor the energy to pursue good habits. The result? We tend to focus on our personal development only when a problem occurs. But by then, it’s too late to proactively make a change. Today I...
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Eco Friendly Living and Gen Z Meet Murielle from Michigan. Murielle is a Generation Z-er who found herself interested in eco friendly living in high school. Fast forward 5 years: Murielle has dedicated her professional life to solving environmental problems as she strives to change her everyday actions so that they best align with her values. In our conversation today, Murielle imparts some practical tips (how to compost with worms!) as well as some abstract ideas, too (how to...
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Healthy Children & The Problems with “Natural” Products Parabens, formaldehyde, fragrance, and more: In 2021, raising healthy children starts by reducing exposures to common toxins. It continues by giving the side eye to products marketed to babies and kids as “natural”, too. Potentially hazardous chemicals reside in plastic toys, food packaging, personal care products, and even food. But because babies and young children do not have fully developed immune systems, they may be even *more* susceptible to their negative...
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Mindful Parenting Tips for Overwhelmed Moms If parenting under normal circumstances is demanding, parenting during a pandemic is downright exhausting. And if you’re like me, you may have found yourself scouring the internet for parenting tips that make pandemic mothering manageable. But because we have such little (if any!) free time—and because we are downright exhausted—Google’s algorithm falls short. Mothers overwhelmingly report that their mental health is struggling amidst increased mental loads, erosion of work-life boundaries, and general daily monotony. And...
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Eco Conscious Christianity with Lisa M. Meet Lisa from Adelaide, Australia. Lisa is a long-time podcast listener who believes that eco conscious living is the ultimate expression of her Christian faith. She excels at reducing carbon emissions from transportation (her family only has one vehicle, and it’s an electric car), but she has trouble cutting down on soft plastics. In our conversation today, Lisa imparts the hopeful truth that one person has the power to change the trajectory of...
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Feng Shui, Meet Modern Minimalism Modern minimalism is all about clean lines, clear countertops, tidy spaces, and houseplants. (Lots of houseplants.) But feng shui, too, has a lot to say about whether or not your living space feels peaceful, and that’s why the modern minimalist movement would do well to take a few cues from this ancient Chinese philosophy. Indeed, combining old design ideals with new ones is a powerful way to amplify minimalist principles in your home. This...
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When Living Green Gets Exhausting I’ll just go ahead and say it: eco-friendly lifestyles can leave us feeling weary, and that’s because living green requires extra time, patience, energy, and—sometimes—financial means. But the heaviness associated with choosing sustainable choices day in and day out stems from experiencing a trifecta of difficult emotions, too, including confusion, hopelessness, and anger. Today I bring you a conversation with Cheryl Leutjen. Cheryl is the author of Love Earth Now, a collection of essays...
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Eco Friendly Laundry Products and Routines While bathrooms boast zero-waste swaps and kitchens can overflow with sustainable alternatives, the laundry room is considered the final frontier for offering eco friendly products. Indeed, Americans continue to discard nearly 1 billion plastic detergent jugs each year, and just one third of them are recycled. Laundry products have remained staunchly un-environmental over the past 6 decades. And thanks to the monopolies CPG companies have on the market, ethical and eco alternatives to...
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New Year’s Resolutions for All It’s mid-December and you know what that means: It’s time to start thinking about your 2021 new year’s resolution. Resolutions tend to be self-serving. Humans as a species are often centered around the self, and so it’s no surprise, then, that when we plan our resolutions for the coming year many choose ones that benefit the individual. But my guest today argues that perhaps the reason why resolutions are notorious for failure is because...
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Sustainable Fashion: Where It’s Been & Where it’s Going Although sustainable fashion has come a long way in the past 3 decades, ethical clothing continues to suffer from some quite-common misconceptions: It’s boring. It’s expensive. It’s beige. Is it possible to find affordable, transparent, and sustainable fashion in today’s world, or are we not *quite* there yet? Today I bring you an interview with internationally recognized lifestyle visionary, Marci Zaroff. Marci has been in the sustainable fashion game for nearly...
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How to organize your way Many times, we organize our homes the way we see organization done on television. But if you’ve ever looked to the gurus for tips on how, exactly, to organize, you may have felt disappointed when your efforts didn’t translate into long-term success. When your home is organized in a way that’s in alignment with your unique personality, you work less and relax more. That’s why organizing isn’t about having an Instagram-worthy space for a...
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How to Live Below Your Means (Without Feeling Deprived) There are only two ways to live below your means: One is to earn more; the other is to spend less. Living below your means boasts obvious benefits including increased financial security and decreased financial stress. Having a savings net is also a critical step toward self-sufficiency because it provides a buffer against setback, too. This week, I offer 10 tricks to help you live below your means without leaving you feeling...
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How Minimalists Combat the Symptoms of Burnout The symptoms of burnout include fatigue, hopelessness, and diminished motivation. And while Western cultures revere busyness, simplifying schedules and paring down To-Do Lists benefit our health, our happiness, and our sanity. Minimalism at its most fundamental level is an experiment in intentional living, and so on today’s episode we explore how a life rooted in intentionality can combat burnout. This week, I speak with Delanie Fischer. Delanie is a simplicity coach who...
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Sustainable gifts for everyone on your list They’re nearly here: The holidays. As consumers, we have a collective responsibility to support companies that have ethical and eco-friendly practices at the center of their missions. Still, greenwashing runs rampant, and it can be difficult (if not downright impossible!) to discern sustainable gifts from no-so-sustainable ones as we give to loved ones. ::Enter the 2020 Green Gift Guide!:: My hope is that this year’s Green Guide provides you with the motivation to...
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The Case for Part-Time Plant-Based It’s likely no surprise that plant-based diets are better for the planet than carnivorous ones, as shifting food production from meat to vegan proteins could remove up to 16 years’ worth of global fossil fuel CO2 emissions (source). Vegan diets support animal rights and holistic health, too. But despite the countless benefits of going plant-based, my guest this week argues that Ride-Or-Die veganism is impractical for many people. She argues, too, that shaming imperfect vegans...
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The Effects of Climate Change on Human Health Global warming and climate change threaten wildlife, ecosystems, and existing ways of life. There’s plenty of evidence that the effects of climate change are already impacting human health, too. Some American politicians on the campaign trail pontificate over the big picture and argue that climate change poses an existential threat to human beings. And in the short term? A warming climate may increase the prevalence of famines, spread insect-borne diseases,...
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10 Secrets of Successful Declutterers There’s a big difference between declutterers and *successful* declutterers. In fact, a lot of time, effort, and intention goes into creating (and maintaining!) a tidy home. This week, I divulge 10 minimalist secrets that keep my living space decluttered. I’m hopeful the 10 tips will help you, too, as you consider both how to best create your version of a minimalist home and maintain your tidy spaces for the long haul. Here’s a...
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How to support local businesses in 2021 When it comes to purchasing possibilities, the world may indeed be flat. But committing to buying from within a 400-ish mile radius will support local businesses, keep your wealth in your own community, and increase the prosperity of your neighbors (not corporate CEOs). Need more motivation? Here are 3 additional benefits to local buying: 1. Reduced shipment-related emissions 2. Encouraged interaction with others (and expanded neighborhood spheres!) 3. Increased awareness of available community...
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Foraging 101 [A Note from Stephanie: This episode is the second in a series that highlights attainable steps toward self-sufficiency. I hope the episodes in this series inspires you to adopt a fun, new hobby that also happens to be eco-friendly!] I’m Armenian. Each summer as a child, my mother, sister, and I would search for grape vines along the side of the road and collect leaves to make our most beloved ethnic food: dolma. Once we found...
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Discussing the Effects of Climate Change (Without Discussing Politics) Unfortunately, climate change and its effects are polarized topics in today’s hyper-political environment. And although climate change is considered by many to be a partisan issue, it shouldn’t be, because the environment is for everyone, regardless of political affiliation, socioeconomic status, or skin color. And while journalism has tremendous influence on public understanding, the sad reality is that the media is not adequately educating about the effects of climate change....
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Why biodiversity is important Biodiversity is the result of billions of years of evolution into an intricate balancing act that can best be described as the web of life. When one species is lost, such loss threatens survival of countless others. This week I speak with Christianne Close, Global Practice Leader at the World Wildlife Fund. We discuss WWF’s Living Planet Index, a new report that puts numbers behind the rapid and unprecedented rates of population loss across the...
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How to Become a Minimalist this School Year I’ve always harbored mixed feelings about September. On one hand, it’s the end of summer (boo). But on the other, September ushers in both a literal and a figurative change in the air. Our kids head back to school, and there’s the opportunity to re-introduce routines after months of laid-back living. September is the perfect opportunity to both recenter and become a minimalist with intentional choices. And while January is often...
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Ethical Alternatives to Amazon Shoppers adore Amazon, and it’s all thanks to convenience and price: The site’s Subscribe & Save feature lowers already quite low prices. And ultra-speedy shipping and responsive customer service? Many consumers have come to expect such heightened levels of convenience when shopping online. But Amazon has been in the news an awful lot in the past 5 years, and for less than stellar reasons. A growing subset of shoppers seek ethical online alternatives because Amazon...
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Self Sufficiency Spotlight: Microgreens [A Note from Stephanie: This episode is the first in a series that highlights attainable steps toward self-sufficiency. Once per month through December, the series offers a short and sweet interview to introduce you to an aspect of sustainability you may not have considered before. I hope the series will inspire you to adopt a fun, new hobby that also happens to be eco-friendly!] Chances are you’ve heard of microgreens before (or perhaps noticed restaurants tout...
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Americans are obsessed with lawns. In a perfect world, your grass is vibrant green. There’s nary a weed, and there are certainly no dandelions. It’s lush and neatly edged; yard care consists of trimming to exactly an inch and a half tall. But in order to achieve this idyllic lawn, you must be willing to shell out either money or time, despite the fact that there are other things you’d likely rather spend your money on and other things you’d...
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5 Facts About the Global Water Crisis Ever wonder how many gallons it takes to flush your toilet? (Answer: 3.5.) Did you know that 55 gallons of water are required to grow the beans for a single cup of coffee? Today’s show is dedicated to our most important—and our most overlooked—resource: Water. Despite easy access from faucets and showers, access to clean water is a privilege. Water scarcity is driven by two phenomena happening at once: Humans are using more...
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How to Declutter Your Home without Trashing the Planet Many minimalist influencers trademark decluttering plans to show you how, exactly, to declutter your home. The most well-known? Marie Kondo’s Konmari method, of course. But what if you desire to declutter without sending items that no longer “spark joy” to the landfill? And while possessions that are broken or obsolete will inevitably be trashed, sustainable minimalists work tirelessly to send as little to the landfill as possible throughout the duration of...
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5 New Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Waste Plastic waste is everywhere, am I right? (Hey there, plastic-wrapped cucumber!). If you’ve ever looked around and wondered why on Earth everything is wrapped in plastic—and if you’ve wondered whether such overreliance on a single-use product derived from fossil fuels is completely contradictory to common sense—you aren’t alone. Here’s the answer. Because plastic production requires fossil fuels, fossil fuel companies are investing billions of dollars into new plastic production facilities (source)....
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Minimalist Parenting Guidance for Raising Good Humans Parenting is hard; parenting during a pandemic is even harder. Still, guidance experts argue that raising children with both sanity and joy is possible. If you feel like you’re always on—and if you’re utterly exhausted—know that it’s A-OK to be minimalist in your parenting strategy, because doing less fosters resilience. My guest this week is nationally renowned parenting expert and mentor Sue Groner. Sue is on the show to discern what kids actually...
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How to Buy Nothing By Joining a Gift Economy Have you ever heard the popular saying, “Nothing in life is free”? Thanks to Buy Nothing groups, this platitude isn’t *exactly* true. Gifting has been around for almost as long as humans, and such economies rely on relationships—not personal gain—to spread love and share resources. And although market economies have pushed gifting aside in recent centuries, gifting is making a comeback in a big way. The benefits of Buy Nothing groups...
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Advanced Simple Living Tips for Seasoned Minimalists Simple living is a lifestyle that refuses to accept busy and harried as normal. Instead, intentionality is about removing unnecessary conflicts, excessive to-do items, and pointless distractions as a means of experiencing all life has to offer. But if you Google “how to live slow” (or some facsimile thereof), you will likely see the same strategies touted over and over: Turn your phone off. Walk in nature. Read. And while these strategies offer solid starting...
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5 Facts Carbon Footprint Facts You Likely Didn’t Know Carbon footprints are confusing. What’s a carbon footprint, exactly, and how is yours related to climate change? Carbon footprints are a handy-dandy metric that makes clear how severely your lifestyle impacts the planet. Your diet, travel habits, and your home’s cooling and heating practices are just some lifestyle considerations that may increase (or decrease!) your unique footprint. If you live in the United States or another developed country, your...
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Eco-Conscious Gifts for New Parents (That Are Actually Helpful) Are you always on the hunt for gifts for new parents, but often feel as though you’re coming up short? OR do you plan to become a new parent someday but find it difficult – if not downright impossible – to distinguish true needs amidst all the hype? It’s time to discern new baby Must-Haves from Don’t-Needs, once and for all. On this week’s episode, I’m thrilled to replace...
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How to Simplify (and Green-ify!) Housework Laundry, dishes, and general home cleaning: Mundane housework got you down? Sustainable minimalism is about doing less and living more. The good news? It’s entirely possible to apply the tenets of sustainable minimalism to housework by simplifying tasks, minimizing magnitude and -finally! – incorporating incremental eco-friendliness to our efforts. On this week’s episode, I offer dozens of tips and tricks to simplify (and green-ify!) our laundry, dishes, and general housework routines so that you...
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How to Save Money Like a Minimalist The minimalist lifestyle often centers itself around possessions. Yet how we spend our money – what we choose to buy and how long we must work to make purchases – matters, as the tenets of minimalism uniquely lend themselves to finances. Indeed, simplified money matters can reduce stress, contribute to savings goals, and increase free time. On today’s show I speak with Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), author, and fellow minimalist Dawn Starks....
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Environmental racism occurs every day and all over the globe. Worse, it rarely receives the media attention it deserves. In the United States, African Americans are more likely to live near toxic waste facilities and breathe polluted air. Their communities are less likely to receive adequate protection to prevent disasters and – when disasters do occur – they are less likely to receive an immediate, comprehensive response. We don’t have to look far to find instances of environmental racism all over...
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COVID-19 has forced many of us to look critically at consumerist culture for perhaps the first time. If you don’t like what you see, you aren’t alone. Although anti-consumerism is countercultural, it isn’t uncommon. Proponents argue that breaking free from the purchasing hamster wheel ushers in financial freedom; it provides clarity around what’s *actually* important, too. My guest this week is Aleah Mohammed. Aleah had an ‘a-ha’ moment as she took out the trash; she committed herself to a no-new-purchases...
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Summer is all about living the simple life, with extended bedtimes, spur-of-the-moment jaunts, and a general commitment to squeezing out every last frills-free moment in the sunshine. But thanks to unnecessary purchases, chemical-laden sunscreen and bug repellent, and unsustainable vacations that create excessive carbon emissions, our summer celebrations may harm the planet. The good news is it’s entirely possible to enjoy a simple and eco-friendly summer. On this week’s episode we are discussing practical ways to tweak our summer...
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The best online thrifting stores Prefer vintage? Love designer? If you have a distinct style – or if you simply prefer new clothes! – you may assume that thrifting couldn’t possibly be for you. But thanks to 5 of the best online thrifting stores, secondhand shopping makes thrifting for unique styles, shapes, and price ranges accessible for all of us. Corporations have fed us the false truth that new is best. Capitalist societies flourish when consumers constantly buy, but purchasing...
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5 Unique Ways to be Frugal Without Being Cheap Pennypincher. Tightwad. Cheapskate. Under normal circumstances, public opinion tends to shun frugality. But frugality has been reborn, so to speak, thanks to the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Many are wasting less food and experimenting with gardening. Others are making conscious efforts to send less to the landfill by reusing, repurposing, and rethinking waste culture. Thrifty behaviors aren’t worthy of the side-eye anymore. Instead, the opposite is true: during a pandemic, frugality is smart. Thriftiness...
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Work From Home Tips (Konmari Homeschool Ideas, too!) Quarantined in a small space with a big family? Establishing spaces within our homes that work for everyone, including the work from home professionals, the homeschooled kids, and the adults in charge of keeping All. The. Clutter. under control maintains cohesion and reduces family tension. My guest this week is minimalist and Konmari consultant Jessica Yatrofsky. Jessica presents practical tidying tips for quarantine and always, including reasons why picking up at...
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Fair Trade, Certified B and More Ever wonder what the Fair Trade label on products *really* means? How about that elusive Certified B Corp distinction? “All-natural”, “fat-free”, and “non-toxic” are blanket marketing statements that have no real meaning. But third party certifications? Their distinct logos distinguish the best from the rest. Yet while certifications are meant to give consumers confidence, it can be difficult to understand what all the different labels stand for. On today’s show I break down...
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Your Sustainability Questions, Answered Many listeners write to me with compliments and criticisms; occasionally, listeners reach out with questions, too. I collected some of the most pressing queries from both personal messages and public ones in the show’s closed Facebook group. On this week’s episode I answer 5 of the most common sustainability questions you listeners have asked me. Here’s a preview of today’s show: [1:40] Why are silicone products preferable to plastic ones? [4:11] Why has plastic become so popular?...
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Los Angeles boasts clear, smog-free skies. Passerby on New York City’s busiest avenues enjoy the sounds of chirping birds. And in Venice? Fish are visible in the city’s once-murky canals. In some ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has done wonders for the health of our planet. But in others? For many of us, sticking to our zero waste lifestyle goals feels nearly impossible. The reason is twofold. First, many of us experience the tug and pull of purchasing more than we...
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What’s a menstrual cup? (And other zero-waste period queries) Ever find yourself wondering what a menstrual cup is, exactly? Want to zero-wastify your monthly cycle but don’t know how? The average woman uses 22 disposable tampons or pads per cycle, or 264 products per year. Assuming a woman menstruates for 35 years, she will throw away a whopping 9,240 single-use menstrual products in her lifetime. On this week’s episode I identify six (amazing) reusable menstrual products on the market...
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Slow Homes, Climate Change, and Coronavirus Cornoavirus has forced one in four people worldwide into social isolation; indeed, slow homes have replaced on-the-go living for weeks to come. But what are the implications of forced slowness on reluctant mothers, and how is social isolation impacting the planet? On this week’s episode we examine Coronavirus’s implications by considering long-term effects. Although online content covers small picture issues – like how to keep children entertained despite social distancing and how to become...
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Why is it so hard to find clean beauty products? Got clean beauty? If you’re like most American women, the answer is (probably) no. Each day, the average woman slathers on twelve beauty products (or over 100 unregulated chemicals!). Beauty brands use the term “clean” to highlight products without controversial ingredients. But without regulation, virtually any product can label itself clean without consequence. “Clean” therefore becomes just another marketing descriptor that corporations smack on product labels to catch consumers’...
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Tackle Family Clutter with Heat Maps Many tidying techniques promise to keep down family clutter. One of the simplest and most creative of these techniques is heat mapping, which identifies problem areas within the home. A heat map represents values with colors, and heat mapping for clutter works because the practice yields data. If you were to heat map your living space, which rooms would be labeled red? On this week’s episode I interview fellow blogger and podcaster...
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When Overspending on Luxury Backfires Many financially-able consumers commit to overspending on designer purchases. Because luxury goods by nature are both pricey and in high-demand, such possessions communicate status and prestige. Then there’s our biology: evolution reinforces comparing and competing. In the age of social media we post fancy photos of ourselves doing fancy things as a way to prove we, too, are as worthy as our peers. But while consumers assume investing in designer items will result in...
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Have you ever wondered what seasoned minimalists do on the weekend? Here’s a top-secret minimalist tip: It isn’t all rest and relaxation. While minimalists believe simplicity is important – and while Sunday is indeed *the* day to rest – minimalists also know it’s prudent to spend weekends quietly preparing for the upcoming week. On this week’s show I’m thrilled to offer 8 minimalist tips that mitigate weekday mania and usher in easy-breezy simplicity during the workweek. My suggestions aren’t overly...
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Microplastic Pollution: Everything you Need to Know These days, microplastic pollution is everywhere. It isn’t hyperbole: Scientists find plastic everywhere they look for it. Microplastics pollute our oceans; they reside in the bellies of animals, too. And plastics are also in humans: A 2019 study concluded that we consume a credit card’s-worth of plastic each week, on average. When we examine the scope of the microplastics problem – when we understand fully that plastic has invaded every nook and...
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5 Tricks to Help You Buy Less Stuff If you often make impulse purchases you end up regretting later, you can thank The Itch. The Itch is that feeling that blinds our better judgement when we see an item we really, really want. The Itch is cunning: It goads us into throwing caution to the wind and buying whatever the fancy item may be. Despite all we know about conscious consumerism, it’s natural for you and me to experience...
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Tips on Decluttering 6 Oft-Forgotten Areas You decluttered. You’ve tidied. You organized what’s left, and now you’re exhausted. But still – to your chagrin! – you realize the work’s not *quite* complete. It happens to the best of us: In the throes of decluttering, we overlook specific spaces that demand our attention. My guest this week is blogger, YouTuber, and decluttering expert Shannon Torrens. Shannon is on the show to identity the 6 areas we tend to overlook on our journeys...
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In order to make fabric, you need thread. And to make thread? You need fibers. But what are eco friendly fibers, exactly, and why are they important? Textile corporations intentionally shadow their manufacturing processes from the public; they obscure their garment labels with hard-to-understand terms, too. I believe this obfuscation is intentional: Because we consumers are confused, we give up on attempting to comprehend the ins and outs of one of the most environmentally destructive industries in the world. On...
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Less is more, and not just with possessions: A minimalist lifestyle decreases stress and increases peace of mind. Many of us could benefit from intentional lifestyle tweaks that prioritize free time, reduce financial stress and curate fulfilling relationships. The single-best way to accomplish all these (lofty) tasks? Simplify wherever possible. On today’s show I’m thrilled to offer 6 minimalist lifestyle tips that emphasize time management, tweak finances and manage interpersonal relationships with simplicity in mind. I explain the 50-50 approach to showing...
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Are you concerned you have an unhealthy attachment to stuff? Do you worry for a loved one who has trouble letting possessions go? Hoarding Disorder isn’t necessarily all piles and pathways; in real life, hoarding can look much different than the extremes highlighted on television. There’s a fine line between a cluttered household versus a hoarding household and – for many of us – pinning down the difference feels slippery. On this week’s show I’m speaking with social worker, hoarding...
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Greenwashing Examples: Have you Been Duped? Eco-friendliness is hot right now. It’s in. But marketing teams have their fingers on the pulse and know that consumers increasingly demand green products. So they tout misleading claims to sound more eco-friendly than they actually are to – you guessed it! – make a profit. It’s called greenwashing, and consumers are being duped by greenwashing examples including innuendos, imagery and outright lies Every. Single. Day. Corporations want us to believe we can buy...
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Ever wondered where Goodwill donations really go? Our society craves what’s shiny and what’s new. We toss broken stuff without bothering to repair it; we donate perfectly good stuff to make room in our homes for newer, sleeker models, too. Between 1967 and 2017, the amount Americans spent annually on stuff increased nearly twenty-fold. And while some items will be recycled into new goods or given to others in need, the vast majority of our unwanted stuff is destined for...
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Eco-friendly communities drive big ideas Few would object: Kinship is important. Humans are evolutionarily designed to live alongside others; eco-friendly communities facilitate the sharing of resources, too. Still, many of us have minimal – (if any!) – contact with our neighbors. And although we may quite physically live within a community, so many of us feel isolated. My guest today argues that close-knit groups are important for another reason: When it comes to sustainability, eco-friendly communities share ideas, encourage...
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Green buying and Overconsumption Ever buy on impulse? If so, you know those feel-good endorphins after handing over your credit card are real.Is it safe to assume, then, that shopping makes us happier? Where does green buying fit in? On today’s episode my guest and I explore the connections between materialism, green buying and lasting life satisfaction. Dr. Sabrina Helm is an associate professor at the University of Arizona whose research interests include climate change and overconsumption. Her recent study into the...
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In-store or Online Shopping: Which is Better for the Planet? Every year, 165 billion packages are shipped in the United States. Does this figure seem staggering? It should. Because all these packages generate enough cardboard to equal more than 1 billion trees. Online shopping isn’t going anywhere; in fact, e-commerce sales are expected to double in the next decade. This week, I tackle both the environmental advantages as well as the disadvantages to our collective online shopping habit. (You may...
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Declutter tips for *before* the holidays The holidays are coming, and you know what that means: Stuff, stress, and more stuff. Enacting simple declutter tips enable you to create space in our homes, heads and hearts so that we may usher in the festivities with open arms. My guest this week is blogger Rebecca Benson. Rebecca is on the show to identify 5 very specific spaces to tackle this instant including the gift wrap bin, the medicine closet and more....
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(Anti) Black Friday 2020 What are you doing on Black Friday? Will you elbow your way through crowds of fellow consumers in hopes of scoring an epic Black Friday-only deal, or are you curious about enjoying a different kind of day? I’ll never forget the first (and only) time I participated in Black Friday festivities. I woke up early—too early, if I’m honest—and stood in a line that snaked around the side of a big box store. It was...
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It’s cliche but true: Our children are always watching. As eco-conscious parents, we consistently lead by example on the ‘big’ actions (reducing air travel, cooking plant-based meals) as well as on the small stuff, too (repurposing water, line-drying clothes). We assume that – because our kids are always observing our behavior – they’ll naturally pick up on our low-waste, environmental ideals. And while it’s certainly true that our children are watching us, it’s also true that they are learning from...
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Is it me, or do we often forget self-care during the holidays? For better or worse, the holiday craze starts on November first. Christmas commercials inundate our favorite television programming. Christmas trees abound in stores. Holiday “sales” entice us here, there and everywhere. In November, it often feels as though being busy – and being stressed – is expected. But the weather is cooling; it’s darker earlier, too. It’s natural for you and me to desire a slower pace and...
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They’re nearly here: the holidays. And with ethical gift giving on the rise, it’s no surprise that discerning shoppers aspire to support sustainability with their dollars. But how, exactly, to give ethically? Although shoppers are becoming more brand conscious + 1 in 5 Gen Z’ers are taking extra steps to shop with intention, confusion abounds over what ethical gift giving really means. The Ethical Hierarchy of Gift Purchasing makes reminds us that the bulk of the gifts we give should be...
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Why Being Self-Sufficient Matters Our grandparents and great-grandparents knew the importance of being self-sufficient. They survived an economic depression and major wars so they fostered age-old skills, just in case. These days, you and I are a generation (or two!) removed from crisis, and we are heavily dependent on products that make our lives easier. This lack of perspective coupled with reliance on convenience means we’re one thing and one thing only: Vulnerable. Preparing for job loss or sudden...
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Planned Obsolescence: What It Is + What To Do About It They just don’t make things the way they used to. It’s true: These days, electronics and appliances are often made with cheap parts that are designed to break just after warrantees expire. But planned obsolescence is more than just cheap products; it’s automatic software updates that render our tech useless. It’s missing user manuals and discontinued parts, too. The linear economy favors production, consumption, and—eventually—disposal. Not surprisingly, planned obsolescence creates...
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Minimalism For Moms Minimalism for moms may at first seem impossible, for 3 reasons: – First, there’s all the stuff children need and somehow accumulate. – Then there are the endless calendar-fillers including appointments, extracurriculars, playdates, birthday parties and volunteer opportunities. – Finally, mothers manage an increased mental load because organizing, planning and juggling all the facets of domestic life is a full-time job. But minimalism in motherhood is possible, and the benefits are multitudinous. Indeed, proponents of slow parenting attest...
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How (Exactly) to Cook Zero Waste Meals If you’re like most eco-friendly parents, you’d like to cook zero-waste, plastic-free meals for your family, but you’ve realized that doing so is much harder than it sounds. Does this sound right? – Feeding your family demands significant mental energy. Although you’d like to serve low-plastic, zero-waste meals, you have no idea where to start. – You eat out more than you’d like; you spend more money than your wallet likes on...
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The Healing Effects of Sentimental Clutter Cleaning Sentimental clutter lives in the past; keeping it around often prevents full presence in the here and now. Conversely, removing what’s unnecessary ushers in freedom. It presents opportunities for personal growth, too. If you have items in your home that leave you emotionally drained, it’s likely time for a sentimental clutter cleaning. My guest this week is Erin Beckman. Erin is a single mother and widow who faced her attic full of nostalgic...
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Declutter tips for tackling sentimental items You listeners often ask for declutter tips when tackling sentimental items. What should you do with a talented family member’s paintings? What about that box of childhood mementos? How about the yellowed wedding dress hanging in the far recesses of the closet? Although the “stuff” in question differs from query to query, the underlying obstacle is always the same: What’s the best way to let go of clutter that’s laced with emotion? First...
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Eco Friendly Home Decor Ideas Are you tired of your decor? Maybe your furniture isn’t contemporary enough for your taste. Or perhaps your once-trendy, heavily-patterned curtains feel stale. But you lean toward the sustainable side of things—you’re a stand-up human, too—so you won’t chuck your old decor for new stuff without a bit of eco-guilt. You’d like to find eco friendly home decor ideas, even, but you don’t know where to look. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 9 million...
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25 Ways to Create an Eco Friendly House Green living sometimes gets a bad rap as being reserved only for the privileged. And curating an eco friendly house? Many people assume that doing so requires a hefty upfront cost. Here’s why: – While organic food + hybrid cars are certainly green, they have oversized price tags and therefore aren’t accessible to everyone. – Some eco-friendly products will save money in the long run, but their significant up-front costs deter...
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Coping with eco guilt in 4 steps Does the future of our planet usher in hopelessness? Do you stay up at night worrying whether Earth will remain habitable for our children? If so, you may suffer from eco guilt. Eco anxiety is fear for the future of our planet and manifests itself in feelings of anger, powerlessness or exhaustion. A 2017 report by the American Psychological Association found that – because its chronic by nature – the condition can have...
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10 Reasons Why Your Home Is Cluttered After Tidying It happens to the best of us: You have already tidied, yet your home remains cluttered. It’s incredibly, frustrating, sure. It is also quite common. Tidy homes can often feel messy, even after the work is done. Why is that? The answer is threefold: First, there’s a perceived inverse relationship between clutter + cleanliness. Second, you overlooked some important places (10 important places, to be exact!) when decluttering. Finally, you neglected...
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Does the slow living movement intrigue you? If you recently went on a summer vacation you know it’s true: A slow, intentional life feels right. Yet, despite our best intentions, most of us retreat to our busy habits + our cluttered ways hours after returning home. The first step to living a more intentional life isn’t Googling a quick fix. Seasoned minimalists know that in order to slow down (for good!) you must first identify why you’re so busy in the...
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What’s your underwear made of? Are your tighty-whities: A. Synthetic? Polyester, rayon, acrylic + nylon are comprised partly of plastic, are hard to dispose of + contribute to landfill waste. Even worse, synthetic waste byproducts pollute waterways. B. Or is your underwear made of cotton? Because it’s grown, conventional cotton is bathed in pesticides, derived from genetically-modified seeds + originates in factories that pay unlivable working wages. When it comes to our underwear, today’s guest offers a better way: Organic cotton. My...
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These days, many Americans boast supersized homes, an outfit for every day of the month + 300,000 possessions, on average. We also report high levels of depression + anxiety; we have debt, too. Have you ever wondered why we continue to buy more + more, despite the fact that our purchases don’t make us happy, send us into debt + destroy our planet’s precious resources? I do. On this week’s show I divulge 4 reasons why we buy things we...
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Have a major decluttering project on your To-Do List? If so, you’ll benefit from having both a plan + insight before you declutter your home. My guest this week is Katie McGowen. Katie is a mom of 5 who knew she had to declutter in a big way. But she didn’t tidy willy-nilly wherever the wind blew her + whenever she found the time; instead, she sought to declutter her entire home systematically. Katie created a plan before she minimized...
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You’ve heard the buzz around composting, but you want to be certain composting is right for you *before* you embark on another potentially time-sucking hobby. Of course you’d love to know how to make great compost, but you’re a newbie + you need guidance. If your garbage can is like the average American’s, at least 20% of it is filled with food. Worse, that 20% is entirely preventable. My guest this week is Heather Kauffman. Heather is passionate about composting...
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My grandparents were incredibly resourceful: They pioneered countless reuse ideas so that nothing valuable was ever wasted. These days, while many Millennials + Generation Y-ers harbor a collective single-use mindset, generations past had ingrained reuse within well before zero-waste living ever became a ‘thing’. We can learn an awful lot from our grandparents. On this week’s episode I uncover 13 of the best household reuse ideas straight from Grandma. Enjoy! * Access this week’s Show Notes here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable...
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Sick of having a closet full of clothes + nothing to wear? If so, it’s time to seriously consider a capsule wardrobe. A successful capsule improves self-esteem, reduces mental clutter + makes getting dressed a heck of a lot easier. But what’s the secret sauce to creating one that works, as opposed to one that’s ‘meh’? It isn’t about base neutrals or accent pieces. It isn’t about following rigid rules, either. My guest this week is Amanda Warfield. Amanda is back on...
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Why is Recycling Bad? Here are 6 Reasons Americans are crazy about recycling. We separate our trash in airports. In office buildings. Inside schools. We assume our garbage is properly disposed of; we expect that our plastics, papers, and aluminum actually get recycled. But the reality is we shouldn’t be thrilled about recycling; we shouldn’t assume the good men and women in waste management follow best environmental practices, either. Think landfills are benign? Think again. On today’s episode I uncover the current...
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How to love your home Do you love your home? Or is there *something* about your space that sends you running for the hills? For many, our living spaces provoke anxiety. Maybe the clutter constantly distracts us. Perhaps (seemingly endless) household chores wear us down, slowly but surely. Or maybe we’re bored at home so we hunt elsewhere for entertainment. But what almost always happens when we head out? We spend money. My guest this week is Katie Shaw. Katie *used...
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Do you desire to declutter your home but find yourself worried about making an even *bigger* mess? I hear that. If a slow + steady approach to, well, EVERYthing appeals to you, you’ll love the Shoebox Method’s incremental take on minimalism. My guest this week is Dionne Myhre. She’s a lifelong lover of organization; she’s a blogger who helps women find peace in tidied simplicity, too. She’s here to outline her Shoebox Method so that you, too, can declutter your...
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Have you planted your summer garden? Did you do so zero-waste style? If gardening isn’t your cup of tea, I humbly ask you to reconsider. Gardening is the cheapest way to get your hands on organic produce; it’s a hobby that intimately connects you to your food source, too. Whether you’re growing herbs on your fire escape, tilling a 600- square foot parcel or attempting something in between, it pays to garden the zero-waste way. On this week’s show I’m...
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Have a big bucket list but a small-ish bank account? Do you dream in color but get snagged on the details? Feel held back by your children? Many of us aspire to get living, but the minutiae of planning forces us to stand still. That’s why it’s easier to remain stagnant in a life that may (or may not!) light us up. This week’s guests have mastered the art of intentional living. Despite dubious finances + countless obstacles, Erik + Emily...
The post 074: How to Live Large by Living with Less appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Declutter Your House by Starting with Small Wins It’s one of your biggest decluttering concerns and I hear it all the time. Are you worried you will declutter your house and donate something you will one day miss? You’re not alone. For some of you, this fear is so strong it prevents you from decluttering before you even start. On this week’s episode, I lead you by the hand through your home. Together, we declutter room-by-room....
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What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? (And Other Closet Questions) When it comes to our closets, the most sustainable practice is to wear what we already own. Donating clothes contributes to textile pollution; as such, it’s prudent to wear and re-wear our garments until they are thoroughly worn out. But what is a capsule wardrobe, exactly, and how can you create one if you have a closetful of items you simply aren’t wearing and will likely never wear again? Amanda Warfield...
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Conscious consumers are so much more than review-checkers. They don’t have their credit card information saved on Amazon. They’re not swayed by “deals” or “sales”, either. Conscious consumers don’t walk the shopping mall for fun + they certainly don’t follow marketplace trends. You’ve heard the term but – still! – its definition remains ambiguous. What is a conscious consumer, exactly? This week, I’m thrilled to identify key traits of intentional shoppers. I show you exactly how you can be one,...
The post 071: Conscious Consumerism for Real People appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Did you know? The average American kitchen holds a whopping 1,019 items. Yet professional chefs argue that fully functioning kitchens demand *just* 16 items. No need to spend an arm + a leg on top of the line models, either: you, too, can whip up delectable meals with just 16 items that cost under $300 total. This week, I’m dabbling in the concepts of minimalists kitchens + minimalist cooking with simplicity wellness coach Mirley Guerra Graf. Mirley believes that...
The post 070: The Basics of Minimalist Kitchens + Minimalist Cooking appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Freshly baked artisanal breads, still warm from the oven. Imported cheeses in original packaging. Untouched organic berries. Did you know? You can find all this + more in your local dumpster. Cameron Macleish first learned about the food waste epidemic as a broke college student. These days, he dumpster dives and – with his mom’s help – cooks delectable meals with his finds to push back against both food waste + food insecurity. While Cameron neither wants nor expects us to dumpster...
The post 069: For Dumpster Diving Skeptics appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Have you scheduled self-care into your days lately? I get it: We’re all busy. When we must cut something, we almost always cut the tasks that rejuvenate ourselves from our schedules first. I believe that self-care is less about time-intensive, expensive spa treatments (although if they light you up, go for ’em!). Instead, self-care is a collection of little habits that promote healthy + peaceful existences. On today’s episode, we get some serious self-care bang out of *just* 5 minutes. Liann Hughes is...
The post 068: Self-care for Busy People appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
So you’ve slashed into the trash your household produces. (That’s great!) But what about when you’re out + about? Are you conscious of garbage when you’re on-the-go? The truth is this: Strategic handbags go a *long way* toward low-waste or zero-waste living. It’s easier than it sounds, too: I carry everything I need for eating out, doing errands + stopping anywhere spontaneous in my medium-sized shoulder bag. On today’s episode I divulge the ten items I keep with me at...
The post 067: 10 Handbag Essentials for On-the-Go Sustainability appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Have you ever embarked on a dry month? Would you consider one? This week we explore the space where minimalism, intentional living + sobriety collide. My guest this week is blogger Kim Miller. Through the lenses of #winemom + motherhood drinking culture, Kim + I examine the idea that clutter isn’t *just* physical stuff. Clutter is old ideas + habits that don’t serve us. Clutter is anything that takes us out of the moment + away from our best selves, too. Kim...
The post 066: How a Dry Month Complements Mental Minimalism appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Ever find yourself questioning the air quality in your home? How about your water? Many of us have completed personal detoxes to eliminate internal toxins from our bodies. But how many of us tackle the toxins that reside in our homes? Toxins are everywhere, even in the cleanest of living spaces. As such, indoor air quality is typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Worst of all? Abundant toxins can + do lead to health problems. There is good news, +...
The post 065: Your Guide to a Total Home Detox appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Let me guess: You like the *idea* of thrifting as a means of preserving both your hard-earned money + the planet. But in practice, things get muddled. Who has the time, energy or desire to sift through mounds of less-than-ideal garments in search of a genuine find? Here’s the good news: These days, it’s easier than ever to shop secondhand. My guest this week is Lauren Spraggins. She’s a fashion reseller who searches for, cleans, mends + presses secondhand items....
The post 064: How to Shop Secondhand the 21st Century Way appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Humans are sick + are getting sicker. So is planet Earth. Our health as a species is intricately linked to the health of our planet. Indeed, perhaps the most concerning aspect of greenhouse gases, polluted oceans + shrinking ecosystems is that – ultimately – we have manufactured an environment unfit for human life. My guest this week is Dr. Stephen Hussey. He’s a chiropractor, health coach + author who’s on the podcast to outline concrete action steps for reclaiming our...
The post 063: Why We’re Sick + How to get Healthy (Hint: It Has to do with the Planet) appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Zero-waste living is easier than you think. The secret? It all starts at the supermarket. Take home less plastic. On today’s episode I’m divulging my 5 tricks that can be implemented by absolutely anyone on his or her next shopping trip. ** This episode offers a tiny taste of what I’m teaching in 14 Days to a Zero-Waste Kitchen. Registration officially opens today! I hope you’ll join me for guided, one-on-one instruction + more content just like this. ** * Access this...
The post 062: 5 Ways to Take Home Less Plastic from the Supermarket appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
It happens to all of us. We embark on a decluttering endeavor – a whole house purge, even – only to lose steam halfway through. Indeed, it’s as if the motivation to finish vanishes into thin air. We’re enticed by benefits of a minimalist home, including less stress, more free time + fewer items to clean. The problem is, though, that the act of decluttering induces stress, sucks up free time + requires hours of work. On this week’s...
The post 061: 5 Steps to Staying Motivated when Decluttering Gets Hard appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
So you know fast fashion is bad. (Really bad, in fact.) But you’ve got a closet full of cheap, trendy items + you have no idea how to create a more ethical wardrobe. How can you avoid eco-burnout + cultivate sustainability in your closet? That’s the question Cait Bagby is answering today. Cait is a fellow blogger, ethical influencer + self-described fashion maximalist who’s offering her two cents on creating a wardrobe to feel good about. Enjoy! * Access this week’s...
The post 060: Is it ever OK to Buy Fast Fashion? appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“But I might need it someday.” “But shouldn’t I save it for my kids?” “But it was a gift from my great-aunt Bertha!” Over the past 2 years, I’ve been fortunate to chat with *many* minimalists. In these chats + interviews, I’ve learned one thing: In the throes of tidying, we all push through the Exact. Same. Concerns. Today I’m bringing 5 decluttering roadblocks into the light + addressing them one by one. Then I’m following them up with practical tips...
The post 059: 5 Decluttering Roadblocks (+ How to Get Over Them) appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Have yourself a disorganized household? No judgement here. I’ve got one, too. June Doran is a blogger, homeschooler + mom of 5 who argues that, if you want to get tidy, the answer *isn’t* to purchase additional bins + baskets. Indeed, the best way to organize a disorganized family is simple, painless + free. * Get early bird access (+ a 20% discount!) on ’14-Days to a Zero-Waste Kitchen’ here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest!
The post 058: How to Organize a Disorganized Family appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Changing well-ingrained habits is tough. Why is that? When it comes to sustainability, many of us hit an eco-plateau. We successfully accomplish the easiest swaps (reusable coffee mug; cloth tote bags) but quickly find ourselves stuck as we attempt to conquer more intermediate tasks. Chloe Lepeltier has graciously offered 3 incremental tweaks we can all tackle to crank up our eco-friendly efforts. Even better? You can decide to accomplish them right now. Enjoy! * Access this week’s Show Notes here. * Get...
The post 057: Replace Bad Habits with Better Ones (3 ideas!) appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
If I asked you what’s most important in life, I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t hesitate. Family, of course! But are you in the habit of regularly showing them that they are, in fact, your VIPs? It happens more than we’d like to admit. Even though we’re conscious that our families are our Number Ones – and even though we know we should be prioritizing them over the dishes, the vacuuming + whatever else – it’s often really hard to...
The post 056: Why You Should Use the Fine China on a Wednesday appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
For many, eating is easy. Supermarkets abound with everything our stomachs desire; as such, we’re forever just a few dollars away from food that’s prepped, packaged + ready to eat. But what if we had to actually *work* for sustenance? This week’s guest argues that, when it comes to our meals, a little difficulty would benefit both our bodies + our planet. Today I’m chatting with Rob Greenfield. He’s an adventurer, activist + humanitarian who embarks on extreme adventures to...
The post 055: Eating as Resistance appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Love to travel? Me too. Before kids I proudly globetrotted. By air, of course! But these days, I know better. On this week’s episode I’m getting personal with Evelina Utterdahl. She describes herself as a ‘happily homeless’ professional traveller. Eve’s special because she vows to never travel by airplane again; this week, Eve tells us why. Not ready to give up flying forever? Eve also divulges her best tips for eco-friendly wandering in both the air + abroad, too. Enjoy! *...
The post 054: The Beauty in the (Eco-Friendly) Journey appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
An Eco-Friendly New Years Resolution Idea Have you chosen your New Years Resolution yet? I’m here to help! If you’re looking for an eco-friendly New Years Resolution, I’ve got you covered. On this week’s mini-episode I’m offering up my 2019 Resolution; I’m making it easy as pie for you to join me, too. Enjoy! * Access this week’s Show Notes here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest!
The post 053: Eco-Friendly New Years Resolutions (+ How You Can Join Me!) appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Have you ever stood in front of your closet, hands on hips, furrowed brow, wondering How. On. Earth. you have a closet full of stuff yet nothing to wear? Me too. The answer to this all-to-common conundrum doesn’t lie in purchasing more clothes. In fact, this week’s guest advocates for owning a *smaller* wardrobe. My guest this week is Julia Mooney. She has garnered national attention for wearing the same gray dress for 69 consecutive work days (+ counting!)....
The post 052: The Case for a Smaller Wardrobe appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Did you know? Americans have ridiculous amounts of stuff (about 300,000 items, on average!). Yet when people cite the important things in life, it’s family + relationships they mention, not their stuff. So why is it the holidays are often about gifts, decorations + clutter, clutter, clutter? On this week’s episode, Joshua Becker encourages us to re-center ourselves around the true meaning of the holidays. He offers his best tips for decluttering during the most wonderful time of the year, too....
The post 051: How to Handle Holiday Clutter with Joshua Becker appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Today’s perfect for celebrating. That’s because in just one year, this podcast has grown to 50 episodes + a staggering 100 THOUSAND downloads. First, we look back at where we’ve been as I offer a behind-the-scenes tour, so to speak, of the podcast. Next, we look ahead to what’s next for our sustainable minimalists community. To help celebrate, 13 previous podcast guests have generously offered to come back on the show. They’re here to share their best eco-friendly + minimalist tricks...
The post 050: Celebrating Major Milestones with Familiar Faces appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
The Why, How, and When of a No Spend Challenge The holidays are all about overabundance. We buy too much, consume too much and – despite our best efforts – spend far too much money. But there is a solution, and it’s this: A No Spend Challenge. A practical first step toward adopting a lifestyle rooted in sustainable minimalism is to hop off the consumerist bandwagon, at least for a little while. A month-long shopping ban—also known as a no spend challenge—provides an...
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Companies have most consumers hooked on pre-packaged disposables. But sustainable minimalists? We know better: – We know that disposable items (Think: paper napkins, menstrual products, etc) boast hefty price tags. – We know, too, that companies selling disposables are secretly doing the Happy Dance for creating REPEAT CUSTOMERS out of regular consumers. There’s a better way! On today’s episode my guest + I boldly claim that a life without disposables saves *serious* cash. My guest this week is Natassja Cassinerio. She...
The post 048: The Zero-Waste Swaps that Save Serious Cash appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Clean home. Mental clarity. Free time. These are the 3 often-discussed, forever-touted side effects of minimalism. I’m certain you’ve heard them a dozen times (or more!). Minimalism’s magic transcends your tidy home. Indeed, small decluttering successes translate into BIG changes everywhere else but, sadly, such oversized benefits aren’t always discussed. We’re bringing 5 such benefits to the surface today. My guest this week is Rebecca David of Lunamina Fox. She’s on the podcast to explain *exactly why* minimalism is so magical in frank,...
The post 047: 5 (Unexpected!) Benefits of Minimalism appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
They’re here. The holidays! It’s the season of overabundance. It’s the season of joy, sure, but it can also very easily become the season of over-the-moon stress + anxiety. On this week’s episode, we discuss action-oriented steps to infuse our holidays with simplicity. We get into minimalism as it applies to: gift giving traditions, + that enormous, extended family dinner. My guest this week is Laura Brassie of Ivory + Pine. Laura’s a therapist + blogger who proves that minimalism...
The post 046: Sweet Simplicity during the Holidays appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
What do mornings look like in your home? Is it a rushed affair overflowing with stressors, like getting breakfast on the table, dressing the kids + pushing everyone out the door on time? If so, chances are good you’re fried by 8:00 am. Here’s the good news: There’s a better way. On this week’s episode we’re outlining an utterly hedonistic, just-for-you morning routine that has nothing to do with kids, spouses or household management. We’re divulging the 4 pillars of...
The post 045: Self-Care + Successful Mornings appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Been listening to this podcast for awhile? If so, you probably: Rely on reusable shopping bags like a pro. Brew your morning coffee at home. Turn off lights in rooms you’re not physically in. You’re doing everything you can to preserve our planet. That’s wonderful. (Really!) But are you vegan? I know eating habits are a touchy subject. This week, I’m going there anyway. It’s as simple as this: We aren’t doing all we can in the name of sustainability if we...
The post 044: Meat-Free Motivation appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Since when did our wardrobes become disposable? Think about it. These days, we buy new outfits for new occasions, wearing them just a few times before donating or discarding. We also add inexpensive, trendy items to our closets without a second’s thought; because these items cost almost nothing, we aren’t surprised when they last for just a few wears. Let’s face it: Clothing is cheap. So cheap, in fact, that puny price tags contribute to the notion that clothes are...
The post 043: Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“It’s a common misconception that the government is very carefully regulating everything that’s out there. They really aren’t.” It’s high-time we safeguard our families from harmful products assumed to be safe. As a bonus? Doing so declutters the spaces under our sinks + rids our homes of excess plastic, too. My guest this week is Micaela Preston. She’s a concerned mom + author who has spent the last 12 years researching the risks associated with common household items. When it comes...
The post 042: Green Cleaning Made Easy appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
A. Curious about what a Professional Organizer does, exactly? B. Want to hire a Professional Organizer but concerned about the financial investment? C. Ready to declutter on your own, but don’t know where/how/when to start? If any of the above statements are true, then this episode’s for you. This week, I’m chatting with Janine Adams. She’s a certified Professional Organizer with over a decade of experience helping overwhelmed clients find peace of mind within their living spaces. An organized...
The post 041: Secrets of a Professional Organizer appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“As I began meditating + getting more grounded, I wasn’t reacting as much to the kids’ upsets. I was being a bit more present for their questions + concerns, too.” If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times: When it comes to intentional living, adopting a mindfulness practice is the singlemost powerful habit we can foster. This week, I’m thrilled to offer two unique perspectives on the link between intention + mindfulness: – First, Buddhist + meditation...
The post 040: Mindfulness for Modern Families appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“I was tired. Often I felt like I was barely getting by. I kept thinking to myself, ‘Why am I spending my precious time + remaining energy doing things that don’t add value to my life?” For most of us, life is busy. Too busy, in fact, to do the things we love with the people who matter most. This week, we’re adding by subtracting. We identify 5 specific time-suckers in modern life, then we outline strategies to mindfully let go...
The post 039: Finding Time for your ‘Why’ appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“So, what’s for dinner?” I *hate* this question; maybe you do, too.Another thing I hate? Food waste. I find myself composting past-its-prime produce more often than I’d like to admit. While these dueling conundrums may seem mutually exclusive, they actually have an easy, common solution. That easy solution is meal planning. This week’s guest – Staci Ducharme – started meal planning + failed. Miserably. But she tried again + got it right: * Meal planning got her family out of...
The post 038: What’s for Dinner? appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Design shimmering mosaics from old CDs. Create rag rugs from used clothes. Got yourself an abundance of plastic bags? Get weaving. *Creative Reuse a THING!* If you’ve been to a contemporary art museum lately, chances are good you’ve viewed at least one exhibit that boasts garbage as its sole medium. While critics argue that trash creations look … well, … trashy, today’s guest swiftly debunks this assumption by offering truly beautiful reuse ideas for our trash + recyclables. Carla Brown...
The post 037: When Sustainability + Imagination Collide appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Like clean countertops? Me too. While many associate minimalism with clean homes, it’s a little-known secret that the practice is easily applicable to our heads + hearts, too. That’s because minimalism grants breathing room in *all areas* of our lives. My guest this week is Ashley Logsdon. She’s a blogger + fellow podcaster who’s here to help us clear the clutter so that we may have the mental + emotional “space” for whatever comes our ways. Enjoy! * Access this...
The post 036: Minimalism for Home, Head + Heart appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
If you’re serious about sustainability, I’m willing to bet you’re also serious about reducing food waste. Preserving food at home is the epitome of sustainability. That’s because canning eliminates the need for pesky supermarket packaging or plastic + relies instead on (reusable + awesome) mason jars. A little-known secret? Preserving food at home also saves serious cash. That’s where today’s guest comes in. She’s a homesteader + canning expert who has gotten quite creative in the kitchen as a means...
The post 035: How To Preserve Food Like a Pro appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Are you an Aspirational Recycler? You know you’re an Aspirational Recycler if: – You wish EVERYTHING was recyclable. – You place nearly every item in the recycling bin, cross your fingers + hope for the best. But there are *big* problems with Aspirational Recycling. Nonrecyclable items contaminate the recycling stream + cause clog the facility’s equipment. Aspirational Recycling raises the overall cost of recycling + demands additional manpower, too. On today’s episode I take you from Aspirational Recycler to...
The post 034: 9 Things You’re Recycling Wrong appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Modern thrift stores AREN’T overflowing with Grandma’s mothball-y hand-me-downs. That’s because 21st Century thrifting has become *quite* sophisticated. Consumerism tells us need the newest + the shiniest. Today’s episode invites you to challenge that assumption by shopping secondhand, instead. My guest this week is Amanda Lindner. She furnished her ENTIRE Brooklyn apartment with items purchased secondhand (+ for under $500 total!). She asserts that thrifting isn’t just frugal + eco-friendly; it’s fun, too. Amanda’s here to offer her best thrifting...
The post 033: Thrifting 101 appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
On vacation, time slows + senses heighten. Slowly but surely, we find ourselves utterly relaxed. I call this the Vacation Sensation. But there’s a major glitch, + it’s this: Upon returning home, the stresses we ran from inevitably catch us yet again. Is it possible to keep vacation mode alive well after returning home? If so, how? I’ve done the research for you. This week, I’m thrilled to offer 13 empirically-based strategies to bring the Vacation Sensation into our daily...
The post 032: How to Recreate the ‘Vacation Sensation’ appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“Live less out of habit + more out of intent.” If you follow me on social media, you already know this is my personal mantra. I recite it over + over when choices are hard; it’s this mantra we’re discussing today. My guest today is Jen Panaro. She’s the founder of Honestly Modern, an online brand that focuses on sustainable living for modern families. She’s a mom with a full-time 9 to 5 who has gotten quite skilled at rethinking...
The post 031: The Art of Saying ‘No’ appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Is your home overrun with hardly-used dog + cat toys, like mine? Do you find yourself wondering whether there’s an eco-friendly alternative to those plastic poo bags? When it comes to pet parenting, it’s easy to buy All. The. Toys. It’s easy to forget about sustainability, too. That’s where today’s episode comes in. My guest is Kim Almon. She’s a blogger, animal-lover + expert on sustainability + minimalism as they apply to our furry friends. On today’s episode, we: –...
The post 030: Pet Parenting Done Right appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Men are less likely to buy eco-friendly products. They’re hesitant to carry reusable bags + drive hybrid cars, too. That’s because environmentalism is for women + crossing gender boundaries makes men uncomfortable. Sustainability has long been associated with femininity. On today’s episode we examine why this stereotype exists; we offer research-based methods to engage reluctant men in the eco-friendly movement, too. My guest today is Dr. James Wilkie. He’s a consumer psychologist, professor + researcher who examines how social norms...
The post 029: Is Sustainability Unmanly? appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Cloth diaper. Breastfeed. Minimize plastic. …… Duh. It’s sad but true: Most low-waste parenting strategies read like obvious platitudes. Worse, such practices are recycled ad nauseam on the eco-friendly inter web. Did you know? There are HEAPS of zero-waste parenting tips that aren’t QUITE so apparent: It’s THESE 10 strategies we’re discussing today. On this week’s episode, I’m thrilled to divulge the not-so-obvious, often overlooked sustainable parenting rules. They’re Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved + are guaranteed to slash into the waste your household (+...
The post 028: The Low-Waste Parenting Rulebook appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Ever scrutinize old photos + pick apart your outfits of decades past? I do. My first thought: “Ugh what was I thinking wearing THAT?” My second thought: “Where’s that outfit now?” *Spoiler Alert* : ALL your outfits of decades-past are SOMEwhere. (The landfill, probably.) These days, we’re in the habit of tossing clothes at the first sign of wear + tear. That’s because timeless skills like mending + darning are thrown to the wayside in favor of convenience. This episode changes...
The post 027: 5 Super Easy Clothing Repairs (No Sewing Machine Required!) appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
You’ve purged, donated, decluttered + organized your heart out, but – STILL! – you find yourself stressed + anxious? You’re not alone. Minimalism is good for kids; it’s good for parents, too. But minimalism is a Band-Aid for a much larger problem, and that problem is stress + anxiety. My guest this week is Anna Seewald. She’s a parent educator, speaker, author + podcaster with backgrounds in psychology + education. She’s here to legitimize the connection between clutter +...
The post 026: The (Inconvenient) Relationship between Clutter + Anxiety appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Ever feel like life is one gigantic competition? (I do, sometimes!) This week’s guest ISN’T keeping up with the Joneses. She’s happily living the life she WANTS to lead; today, she shows you how to do it, too. This week, we: – outline concrete strategies to remove financial obstacles standing in the way of living our best lives, – discuss the nitty-gritty behind consciously exiting the rat race, and – offer 3 questions to ask yourself BEFORE veering from life’s...
The post 025: NOT Keeping Up with the Joneses appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Paper invitations + lined envelopes? Meh. Table arrangements with beautiful but foreign booms? Eeek! Heaps of uneaten food, discarded food? Yuck! Here’s a secret: Weddings don’t have to be wasteful! Luxury + sustainability can coexist at ceremonies, receptions +beyond. This week, I offer my best tips for planning a wedding that’s both eco-friendly + elegant; I show how sustainable choices save SERIOUS CASH, too. Not getting married anytime soon? I’ve got you covered, because I’m also divulging 6 tips...
The post 024: Wedding Season Done Right appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
Everyone’s talking about the mental load these days. On today’s episode, we analyze the ways in which this endless To-Do List + minimalism collide. My guest this week is Leslie Forde. She divulges takeaways she’s gained from her data-driven approach to studying the mental load; she gets deeply personal, too. This week, we: – Describe EXACTLY HOW the mental load erodes well-being, – Prioritize the needs of busy women, and – Reveal the real reason why I started this podcast...
The post 023: Minimalism + The Mental Load appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“Tiidying [the KonMari way] … is meant to be an exercise of self-expression, self-discovery, self-care + self-love. It’s the hard work that creates the change.” MARIE. KONDO. Ever heard of her? On today’s episode, we’re diving deep into her groundbreaking decluttering method with two *certified* KonMari consultants. My guests have dedicated their lives to the KonMari way. On today’s episode, they: – Explain why Marie Kondo ISN’T a minimalist, – Address the Number One criticism of the KonMari method, and...
The post 022: Debunking KonMari Myths appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
It’s sad but true: Sustainable living is exponentially harder for low-income individuals.
That’s because eco-consciousness can be expensive; it’s a drain on mental energy + time, too.
Today we seek to answer some very oversized questions: Is environmental consciousness an upper class privilege? Why do sustainable choices often carry a price tag?
Note: this is Part Two of a series on zero-waste living. Listen to Part One here.
“The term ‘zero-waste’ sounds really daunting, especially for normal people (with) busy lives … but if you take it slow it’s really not that overwhelming.” To celebrate our 20th episode, I’m thrilled to offer Part One of a Two-Part series on the zero-waste lifestyle! This week, I present two mini-interviews with women on different stages of their shared journey toward sustainability: First there’s Julie: A mission trip to Nicaragua contrasted sharply with the throw-away culture of life back home. The...
The post 020: Zero-Waste Baby Steps appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“Before knowing anything about tiny houses, I walked around my 2,200 square-foot home and was like, ‘Wow, this room is completely empty besides, like, a chair. I have this space that I’m heating and cooling and I’m not even using it.” Is it time to rethink the ‘bigger is better’ mentality? This week’s guest says yes. Emily Gerde is an author, tiny home dweller + advocate of the tiny home movement. HGTV featured her tiny home search; today; she and...
The post 019: Tiny Home, Gigantic Life with Emily Gerde appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
There’s a big problem with minimalism. Worse, no one’s talking about it. The problem is this: While minimalism’s benefits include more mental space, extra free time + decreased anxiety, the process of actually becoming a minimalist requires EXTRA mental space, a TON of free time + OVER-THE-MOON anxiety. That’s because completing a whole-house purge the way the gurus suggest is really, really hard. Today we’re praising the power of 10 minutes. I suggest little tasks with big impacts to take...
The post 018: 10-Minute Tidying Tricks appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
“I used to be … a Sport Shopper. I loved to shop for fun. I would just go shopping and there was never really a plan, I would just go shopping and I would buy what was on sale even though I didn’t need it, and I would fill my closet and home with things I didn’t need.” Sound familiar? This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Rose Lounsbury, a minimalism coach, author + self-described former Sport Shopper. We dive...
The post 017: Financial Freedom + Minimalism appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
On April 22, 193 countries celebrate Earth Day. The premise of the holiday is great, right? It’s a day dedicated to planting trees. Picking up trash. Recycling. But there’s a big problem with Earth Day, and it’s this: It’s just one day out of 365, then it’s over. When it comes to the state of our planet, there’s not much to celebrate; that’s why I suggest we honor Mother Nature differently. This Earth Day, let’s NOT pick up trash. Let’s...
The post 016: Earth Day, Every Day appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.
