The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

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: Tidy Dad on Instagram Watch the extended version of this episode on Youtube.   * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #146: 10 Secrets Of Successful Declutterers.* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists

“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... Read More The post How To Find Your Home Decor Style 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

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... Read More The post Veganuary and The Future Of Food 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

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:... Read MoreThe post Adding More Space (Without Adding More Space) 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

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? Res

"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 hig

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 servi

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 MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (508) 960-9046. Resources mentioned: The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15 Force Of Nature 3-Ingredient Cleanser Sustainable Minimalism (the book!)  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Suppo

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: Epi

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: What Actually Happens To Your Online Returns? (via HuffPost) Did you know ther

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 o

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

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: Yankee Swap rules Heifer International Did you know there's a book based on THIS podcast? (Thank you for supporting my work!)  Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcirc

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: Wallet Activism: How To Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn, and

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: The 5 Love Languages: The Sec

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:Box Giver * Want m

"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:Episode #195: Minimalist Mindset Shifts Toward Body Acceptance * J

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 Resou

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: Prefer to send an email? Reach out at MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com. Episode #200: Navigating The Eco-Contradiction Minefield Episode #109: What Are Eco-Friendly Fibers?   * Join our (free!) community here.* F

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 furnitu