The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

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 

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: Molly's Suds Tandi's Naturals Episode #187: A Palm-Oi

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 co

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: Did you know there's a book based on THIS podcast? Thank you for supporting my work!  Vital Farms Oliver's Organic Pete & Gerry's Happy Egg Co.  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustaina

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  Re

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 i

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 me

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 t

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 R

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 awa

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! MamaMini

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 of

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: The Rise Of The Subscription Model (via Forbes)  * Join our (free!) community here

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: Jessica on Instagram Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube Want more episodes like this one? Check out #217: Organized Entryway Ideas  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your

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 pollut

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... Read More Read MoreThe post Mental Minimalism appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

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.... Read More Read More The post Forever Chemicals appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

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

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... Read More Read More The post No Mow May appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

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... Read More Read MoreThe post Minimalist Master Bedroom Design appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content