The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

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

"I’d love to hear a podcast episode about a bidet for toilet attachment ... Our family recently got one, and we love it but I know a lot of people have questions about them, including myself." I did it. I bought a bidet attachment, installed it myself and, on this short and sweet episode, I'm answering a listener's question all about whether bidets have a place in a modern family home (and if yes, how).Here's a preview:[2:15] Sleek and (kinda) sexy? The features and benefits of today's bidet for toilet attachment[4:00] Toilet paper's financial and environmental problems[5:15] 5 oversized benefits to embracing a bidet attachment[11:00] My thoughts on bidets in homes with kids[15:00] This week's eco-tip: A creative way for reusing stained kids' clothes Resources mentioned: Why Don’t Americans Use Bidets? (via The Atlantic) Episode #120: Your Sustainability Questions, Answered Tushy bidet attachment    * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pint

Cooking takes time, and few of us have time to spare. Convenient food options—like processed snacks, meal subscriptions, and even takeout—solve problems for busy adults who feel the pull towards what's quick and easy, and those with disabilities view such options as daily necessities. But for those of us who are able and do indeed have a bit of time? Convenient alternatives have disconnected us from our food. Worse, such options have pushed us farther from cooking, an essential self-sufficient skill.Today I'm speaking with Kate Flynn. Kate is the co-founder and CEO of Sun & Swell, the world's first online, plastic-free health food store. She's on the show to suggest first steps for ways for making fewer convenience-driven food choices in our (hectic) daily lives; she offers tried-and-true hacks from her own kitchen that simplify food routines, too. Here's a preview:[4:00] Three big reasons why the packaged food industry is broken[8:00] Practical ways for those of us who can to fight back against the allur

Non-toxic, eco-friendly living is rapidly growing in popularity, and many corporations that sell home cleansers are modifying their marketing (not their products!) to garner more sales. We may not have the time or energy to DIY our own cleaning products, and rampant greenwashing muddles our best attempts at finding the products aligned with our values. What are green cleaners, exactly, and where can they be found? On this episode Megan Mikkelson and I outline tried-and-true ways for finding safe home... Read More Read More The post What Are Green Cleaners (& Where Do I Find Them)? 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

Excessive amounts of shoes. Keys that are somehow always lost. We feel it when our entryways *don’t* flow, sure. But in what ways can we elevate an entryway’s function while also ensuring that it remains aesthetically pleasing? My guest today believes that tidy homes elevate personal style. This week I’m speaking with globally recognized home organizing expert Shira Gill who’s here to offer up her best organized entryway ideas for creating spaces that both function and flow.   Here’s a preview:... Read More Read More The post Organized Entryway Ideas 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

“Do you have any tips for making kids arts and crafts more sustainable? I have a craft shelf that the kids love. I keep it stocked and love to encourage their creativity, but it feels so wasteful!”   Pom pons, glitter glue, and googly eyes, oh my. While we all want to provide our children with opportunities to express their creativity, I believe there’s a fine line between offering artistic inspiration and being wasteful. (While we’re at it, there’s also a... Read More Read More The post Simplifying Kids’ Craft Clutter 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

Your Minimalism-Guided Life And Career   67% of workers say excessive meetings keep them from getting their best work done, and up to half of an employee’s day is wasted on unproductive effort (source). While we are well-versed in the whys and hows of slow living in our personal lives, our professional ones may be hindered by societal expectations and workplace norms. This week, Chris Lovett and I examine the ways in which hard work, materialism, and busyness collide. Chris had... Read More Read More The post Minimalism: Your Life and Career 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

Apple pie, Jack-o-lanterns, and gourds galore: Autumn has arrived! Saving money and environmental resources starts by reducing—or even better, eliminating—food waste in your home. With a bit of forethought, we can get creative in the kitchen and commit to making use of *entire* food items this fall. In this short and sweet episode I’m offering my best suggestions for using every part of our favorite fall foods—pumpkins and apples—including the pumpkin’s guts, the apple’s core, and more.   Here’s a... Read More Read More The post Using The Whole Pumpkin (& The Whole Apple) 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

Automobiles convey freedom and status. They’re also a symbol of modern convenience: why walk when you can drive? Why take public transit if you can ride in the comfort of what’s decidedly yours? But a car’s convenience comes with a host of environmental problems that extend beyond the obvious guzzling of gas (which indeed comprises approximately 80-percent of a car’s impact). An automobile’s beforelife requires excessive energy expenditure in the creation of the steel, rubber, glass, and other parts that... Read More Read More The post Going Car-Light 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

“I really like fixing and building, and my wife and I like to go around on garbage day and pick up useful odds and ends. This of course also turns into a lot of stuff from a minimalist perspective. How do you deal with useful things that have no specific purpose yet?”   I believe that determining an item’s potential starts first by knowing thyself. On today’s show, I’m explaining my concept of the eco-minimalist spectrum; I’m also offering 3 tips... Read More Read More The post 5 Questions That Determine An Item’s Potential 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

Amidst 2021's frenetic pace, curating a life that satisfies your professional, financial, and familial obligations and also leaves space for fun may seem unattainable. What's work-life balance, and is achieving such balance even possible?Today I speak with author, chef, and farm CEO Shannon Hayes. Despite her many professional endeavors, Shannon makes sure to find time for coffee dates with her husband, afternoon naps, and martini dance parties in the kitchen. Shannon believes that even though we're busy we can *make* space in our schedules to prioritize our own happiness. Indeed, Shannon's on the show to argue that finding—and maintaining!—a work-life balance starts by first dreaming about what you want your life to look like and then putting your finances on autopilot. Here's a preview:[3:30] True wealth versus salaries: Why everyone needs a Quality of Life Statement[11:00] How to incorporate 4 unconventional income streams to achieve a work-life balance[21:30] Using chef-specific wisdom in your daily life[

“I have to ask about your handmade soap recipe. How do you make soap at home? I’ve been thinking about making my own for a while (maybe also add some oat pulp that remains from making oat milk?). It would be interesting to see if there’s a minimalist and safe way to  make homemade soaps.”   Ever wondered how to make soap at home? Here’s a secret: soap making is ridiculously easy; it’s also fun! In this short-and-sweet episode I’m... Read More Read More The post How To Make Soap At Home 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

Supermarkets rose to prominence in the 1960’s and these days, the grocery store is the Number One place where Americans buy food. But supermarkets have disconnected us from our food; worse, the global food chain is responsible for up to one third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Making smart food decisions starts by first understanding the intricacies of global food supply chain. This week I speak with Airly co-founder Jennifer McKnight. Jennifer believes it’s important for companies to list... Read More Read More The post The Global Food Supply Chain Under Strain 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

Electromagnetic fields (or EMFs, for short) are all around us. While anything that uses electricity deploys EMFs, the rise of wireless technology has exponentially increased our exposure to EMFs in recent years. But what’s particularly concerning is that such products that boast convenience—the wireless ones, the “smart” ones—aren’t necessarily safe for ourselves or for our families. In fact, the research is quite conclusive: EMF and 5G exposure impacts almost all systems in our bodies; it’s linked to cancer and lowered... Read More Read More The post How To Protect Yourself From EMFs At Home 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

“My question is about moving. I have four weeks to pack up my house and the amount of plastic we will probably be needing is giving me nightmares already. Any eco-friendly moving tips for me?”   Carbon emissions from diesel-burning trucks. Excess trash (a.k.a. all the stuff not moving with us) we’re sending to landfills. Bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, tape, plastic liners, and countless other single-use disposables: moving a household’s-worth of stuff is stress-inducing, sure. But if we’re not careful,... Read More Read More The post 5 Eco-Friendly Moving Tips 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

“I would love to know what your minimalist eco-friendly skincare essentials looks like, especially in the dry summer months.”   While using too few skincare products can leave your skin dehydrated and undernourished, using too many can disrupt its natural pH. Minimalist skincare is a ‘thing’, and dermatologists argue that a comprehensive routine relies on just 5 products. On this bite-sized episode I’m answering a listener’s question about the items I put on my face each and every day. And... Read More Read More The post Minimalist Skincare Essentials 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

How To Be Better At Budgeting   In America, capitalism entices us to spend now and pay later. But paying for what you don’t need with credit is a precarious practice, as living outside of your means may create a shaky financial future. Today I’m speaking with Certified Financial Counselor Ericka Young. Ericka helps clients learn how to be better at budgeting, as believes that successful money management begins with getting real about—and living within!—your means. Ericka understands that it’s... Read More Read More The post How To Be Better At Budgeting 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

“I have struggled with climate anxiety for awhile now … I try to have a positive look on the climate crisis and say that we can still fix it but … it’s taking its toll. How do you not get stopped by this? Can we still fix the climate?”   The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report earlier this month, and its outlook was dire. The report—prepared by 234 scientists from 66 countries—named human influence as... Read More Read More The post Antidotes To Eco-Despair 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