Sustainable Minimalists

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: [3:00]  Stephanie’s 4 best tips for creating more space (without adding more space) [4:00] Furniture: Inserting the right amount in the appropriate sizes [5:45] 4 ways to create smarter home storage [11:00] How to make dead space work for you [15:00] The relationship between small homes and conscious consumerism [21:30] Thoughts on creating hangout space for older children and teenagers [25:00] How to design a home that feels cohesive   Resources mentioned: * Watch the extended version of this episode on Youtube * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #152: How To Organize For Your Personality * Email Melanie at melanie@asmalllife.com   * Thank you to Zencastr for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS for 30% off your first 3 months. * Thank you also to Beacon! Head over to beacon.site to learn more and download for FREE for iOS and Android. * Now’s the perfect time to review your favorite podcasts! On the Apple Podcasts app, hit the Library tab, scroll allll the way to the bottom past all prior episodes, then click on the stars to leave a review. (Thank you!) * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.    

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?   Resources mentioned: * Ocean: A Global Odyssey * Mission Blue * Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube   * Thank you to Zencastr for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS for 30% off your first 3 months. * Thank you also to Deep Sentinel! Head to DeepSentinel.com to learn more about how they fix home security for good. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #112: The Nitty-Gritty Behind Microplastic Pollution. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.    

“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 high-impact habits that reduce your digital carbon footprint [19:00] If everyone who listens to this show commits to deleting 1,000 old emails, how many car equivalents would we remove from the road for one year?   Resources mentioned: * Sector by sector: where do global greenhouse gas emissions come from? * Soul * Seaspiracy   * Thank you to Zencastr for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS for 30% off your first 3 months. * Thank you also to Deep Sentinel! Head to DeepSentinel.com to learn more about how they fix home security for good. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #131: 5 Carbon Footprint Facts You Likely Didn’t Know * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.  

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 who benefit from 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 services ahead of time: How (and where) to seek out physical and emotional support [26:00] Postpartum depression versus postpartum anxiety versus baby blues: How to tell the difference   Resources mentioned: * Fair play cards * Gigi on Instagram   * Thank you to Zencastr for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS for 30% off your first 3 months. * Thank you also to KiwiCo for sponsoring! Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping with code SUSTAINABLE at kiwico.com. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #221: Conscious Nursery and Kids Room Design. * It’s the *perfect* time to review your favorite podcasts! On the Apple Podcasts app, hit the Library tab, scroll allll the way to the bottom past all prior episodes, then click on the stars to leave a review. (Thank you!) * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.  

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!) * Wisdom talk: Download the free Wisdom app and follow me @StephanieS. You’ll be reminded of our LIVE and FREE event on Tuesday, 12/14 at 12pm EST!   * Thank you to Zencastr for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS for 30% off your first 3 months. * Thank you also to Scentfill! Use promo code TSM10 for 10% off your order and fast, free shipping. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.

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: * Episode #166: 8 Minimalist Style Principles * Episode #079: The Secret To A Successful Capsule Wardrobe * Use coupon code SUSTAINABLE for 10% off a color consultation with Jeannie * Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube     * Thank you to Zencastr for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS for 30% off your first 3 months. * Thank you also to Beacon! Head over to beacon.site to learn more and download for FREE for iOS and Android. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.    

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: * Enter to win free coffee for you and a friend! (giveaway closes on Saturday, 12/4) * What Actually Happens To Your Online Returns? (via HuffPost) * Did you know there’s a book based on THIS podcast? (Thank you for supporting my work!)   * Thank you to Scentfill for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code TSM10 for 10% off your order and fast, free shipping. * Thank you also to Beacon! Head over to beacon.site to learn more and download for FREE for iOS and Android. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #105: Where Do Goodwill Donations Go?    

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   Resources mentioned: * 50% off your first month with code MINIMALIST * Enter to win free coffee for you and a friend! (giveaway closes on Saturday, 12/4) * Watch the extended version of this interview on YouTube   * Thank you to Scentfill for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code TSM10 for 10% off your order and fast, free shipping. * Thank you also to Beacon! Head over to beacon.site to learn more and download for FREE for iOS and Android. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #125: How Sustainable Minimalists Do Summer.    

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] Step 4: How to make the world better than you found it by giving [17:15] Step 5: Why you should diligently track your efforts and adjust for greater benefit   Resources mentioned: * tisbest.org * Episode #131: 5 Carbon Footprint Facts You Likely Didn’t Know * Beth’s list of vetted charities   * Thank you to Scentfill for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use promo code TSM10 for 10% off your order and fast, free shipping. * Thank you also to Ten Tree for sponsoring! Use code MINIMAL for 15% off your first order. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.      

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!)   * Thank you to Greensbury Market for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use code PODCAST for 10% off your order of $50 or more. * Thank you also to Ten Tree for sponsoring! Use code MINIMAL for 15% off your first order. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest. * For even more minimalist gift ideas, check out this blog post from the archives.    

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 Save As A Force For Change * Go on with your bad self and leave this show a quick Apple Podcasts review (thank you!)     * Thank you to Greensbury Market for sponsoring this week’s episode! Use code PODCAST at checkout for 10% off your order of $50 or more. *Thank you also to KiwiCo for sponsoring! Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping with code SUSTAINABLE at kiwico.com. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.      

The Love Languages, Defined 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 Secret to Love that Lasts * The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively   * Thank you to author Bethany Stahl for sponsoring this week’s episode! Find the Save The Earth book series on Kindle Unlimited or on Amazon. * Thank you also to Ten Tree for sponsoring! Use code MINIMAL at checkout for 15% off your first order. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #046: Sweet Simplicity During The Holidays.  

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 amidst 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 * LAST CHANCE! What are you gifting your loved ones for the holidays? Call (508) 960-9046 and leave your first name followed by your gift idea. Prefer to send an email? Reach out at MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.   * Thank you to author Bethany Stahl for sponsoring this week’s episode! Find the Save The Earth book series on Kindle Unlimited or on Amazon. * Thank you also to Ten Tree for sponsoring! Use code MINIMAL at checkout for 15% off your first order. * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #074: How To Live Large By Living With Less. * Watch the extended (and lightly edited) version of this episode on YouTube. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.    

“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 and 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 * What are you gifting your loved ones for the holidays? Call (508) 960-9046 and leave your first name followed by your gift idea. Prefer to send an email? Reach out at MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.     * Thank you to author Bethany Stahl for sponsoring this week’s episode! Find the Save The Earth book series on Kindle Unlimited or on Amazon. * Thank you also to SoaPen for sponsoring! Head over to SoaPen.com to see how easy hand-washing can be. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.      

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   Resources mentioned: * Grow Wild: The Whole-Child, Whole-Family, Nature-Rich Guide to Moving More * Katy on Instagram * Save The Earth book series * Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube.   * Thank you to author Bethany Stahl for sponsoring this week’s episode! Find the Save The Earth book series on Kindle Unlimited or on Amazon. * Thank you also to SoaPen for sponsoring! Head over to SoaPen.com to see how easy hand-washing can be. * What are you gifting your loved ones for the holidays? Call (508) 960-9046 and leave your first name followed by your gift idea. Prefer to send an email? Reach out at MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com. * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.