The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

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: Alltruists Impact Kits The Kindness Elves The Tree Lady Ten Things I Can Do to Help My World We Are The Water Protectors --Thank you to our sponsors! Thrive Market: head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for 30% off your order and a free gift. Helix Sleep: Get $400 off and 2 free pillows at https://birchliving.com/sustainable. --* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustai

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: How To Bridge The Intention-Behavior Gap Closing the Attitude-Behavior Gap: The Case of Solidarity Purchase Groups When You Feel Blue About the Environment, Act Green (via Psychology Today) How Brands Can Embrace the Sustainable Fashion Opportunity (via Bain & Company) --* Join our (free!) community here.*

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: Arner Adventures on Instagram What Can Minimalism Do For Mental Health? (via Psychology Today) --* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.Our Sponsors:*

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: Episode #277: All-Things Eggs Episode

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: James Clear's Habit Loo

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: Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well Moderation Is the Key to Life (via Psychology Today) The Case for Moderation -*

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, accor

'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: Why Are Young People Pretending to Love Work? (via NY Times) The 'Rise and Grind' of Hustle Culture (via Psychology Today) Tricia Hersey's interview on We Can Do Hard Things Episode #308: Prioritizing Your Priorities --* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Yo

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 prev

"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 t

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: Women would do well to wear "flattering" clothes (a.k.a. ones that bring them closer to the coveted hourglass silhouette). External appearance is paramount to comfort (Here's looking at you SPANX, stilettos, and wired push-up bras). While strong, straight silhouettes are powerful and masculine; tall and curvy ones are inherently feminine. If women want to be taken seriously, they must power dress (think: blazers and straight, tailored slacks). 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

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: West Paw dog essentials Yuka app for iOS and Android TruEarth laundry detergent strips The Very Best Christmas Gifts That Aren't Toys  Join our (free!) community here Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube  Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (857) 264-1967 (US and Canada listeners only)  Thank you to our sponsor! Visit skillshare.com/sustainable for your first month free.Our Sponsors:* Thank you

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

"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: Episode #200: The Eco-Contradiction Minefield Episode #303: Life's Changing Seasons Episode #40: Mindfulness For Modern Families U-Konserve stainless steel containers with silicone lids Squeesy (great for applesauce, smoothies, yogurts, etc) Thank

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

"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 l

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 environment

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 reparationsResources mentioned/Further reading: Advocates Call On U.S. To Help Flooded Pakistan In The Name Of Climate Justice (via National Public Radio) A Hotter World: Climate Change’s Effects Are Already Unequal (via NY Times) Send me your Exit Ticket answers! Email Stephanie at MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (857) 264-1967 (US and Canada listeners only) Join our private (and super cool) Faceboo

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 secon

"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