90. Attainable Sustainability with Stephanie Miller, Author of Zero Waste Living the 80/20 Way

Learn about individual actions you can take to mitigate climate change and make sustainability attainable for everyone, with Stephanie Miller, author of Zero Waste Living the 80/20 Way and founder of Zero Waste in DC. Stephanie left her job as a climate change specialist for the World Bank in order to simplify her own life, confront the disconnect she felt between her life and her work, and to take personal steps toward sustainability. She now empowers others in her community to examine their waste practices and connect with local resources for low-waste living.

Stephanie recognizes how paralyzing it can be to think about climate change, and encourages listeners to focus on what she calls the “magic three”: focus on food, ditching plastic, and recycling right, growing more confident and conscious with each choice. The joy and connection that result from low-waste living are paradigm shifting in themselves.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• The 80/20 Way - Perfection is not the answer
• Sustainability in Food Choices
• The greenwashing of “plant-based.” 
• Sustainable meat production vs standard industrial CAFO operations
• The problem of food waste
• Purge Plastic / Easy Alternatives
• Recycle Right/ the problem of “Wish-Cycling”
• The community-building aspect of cultivating a more sustainable lifestyle
• Finding joy in sustainable living 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Stephanie’s Book: Zero Waste Living the 80/20 Way
• Coining "dirt" to mean gossip: Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises

Connect with Stephanie Miller:

• Zero Waste in DC
• Instagram @zerowasteindc

Follow Lady Farmer:

• Our Website
• @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
• The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

Original music by John Kingsley, @jkingsley1026

Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.