The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

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: Episode #376: When Everything's A Favorite Episode #397: What Organizers Do Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Expand Your Don’t Want List (via Becoming Minimalist)   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

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: Episode #217: Organized Entryway Ideas Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home HGTV Is Making Our Homes Boring And Us Sad, One Study Says (via The Washington Post) This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

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  This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

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[2

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: Kara on YouTube This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Su

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  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:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

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: Carbon Footprint Of The Global Pharmaceutical Industry And Relative Impact Of Its Major Players (via Journal Of Cleaner Production) Too M

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: More Single-Use Plastic Waste Being Produced Than Ever Before, Study Find

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: The Barbie hoax (via Barbie Liberation Organization) Photo of a fire whirl (via MSN) Video of a fire whirl (via CBS News)   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

'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: It's Back-To-School Shopping Time, And Everyone Wants A Bargain (via National Public Radio) Back-to-Class Shopping Expected to Reach Record Levels (Via National Research Federation) Episode # 006: The Ultimate Kid Capsule Blueprint This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

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: Back on Track: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive Brain Balance Center This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our

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: Episode # 389: Certified B World's Best Cat Litter --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:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-mi

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: Episode #388: The 30-Day Mess-S

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:  Episode #260: The White Gold Rush 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:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

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: Sustainable Minimalism: Embrace Zero Waste, Build Sustainability Habits that Last, and Become a Minimalist

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

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   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:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

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: Six Domains of Psychological Well-Being (via Psychology Today) Join our (free!) community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are

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: The End of Tourism podcast How to Make a Staycation Feel Like an Actual Break (via New York Times) --Join our (free!) community here.Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + You

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  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:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content