Shows
Everyone's Talkin' MoneyBreaking Free from the Consumption Hamster Wheel: How Minimalism Can Transform Your Money Mindset with Stephanie SeferianWhat if the key to financial freedom isn't earning more money, but buying less stuff? In this eye-opening conversation, which is part two of a two-part episode, Stephanie Seferian, host of Sustainable Minimalists podcast, reveals how our culture has trained us to work harder just to afford things we don't actually need.
Be sure to check out part one of our conversation on Stephanie’s podcast Sustainable Minimalists.
From targeted algorithms that prey on our insecurities to the myth that "new is always better," Stephanie breaks down the psychology behind overconsumption and shares her incremental app...2025-07-0145 min
Electric Ideas with Whitney Baker: Motherhood, Self-Connection, Joyful Living & Self-CareSustainable Minimalism for Moms: How Less Stuff Leads to More Peace with Stephanie SeferianCould having less actually give you more time, more clarity and more joy? Whitney sits down with Stephanie Seferian, host of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast and author of Sustainable Minimalism. During their conversation, Stephanie opens up about how embracing sustainable minimalism has helped her reclaim her peace, time, and clarity in a world that demands more and more from us. She walks us through how choosing less became her gateway to having more purpose and being more present, especially after having children. Stephanie talks about the invisible weight of clutter, which includes the mental load, f...2025-05-2931 min
These Reveries with Adrienne MillerSustainable Minimalism with Stephanie SeferianIn this conversation, Stephanie Seferian discusses her journey into minimalism, emphasizing the importance of sustainable living and questioning consumer culture. She shares insights on how minimalism has evolved for her, moving from a focus on decluttering to a broader lifestyle choice that prioritizes environmental consciousness. The discussion also touches on the impact of advertising on consumer behavior, the challenges of maintaining minimalism in a consumer-driven society, and practical tips for setting boundaries around gifts and possessions. In this conversation, Adrienne and Stephanie Seferian explore the principles of minimalism, conscious consumerism, and intentional living, particularly in the context of parenting...2025-04-2338 min
Sustainable MinimalistsThe Shopping ConspiracyWomen have been targeted for decades with the message that shopping is recreation. It’s a way to relax and unwind, sure, but recreational shopping also contributes to the climate crisis, supports the worst of shareholder capitalism, and creates an awful lot of unnecessary waste.
Enter Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, a hard-hitting new Netflix documentary that forces viewers to look at our waste-related woes. On today’s show producer Flora Bagenal offers a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary’s creation; she also answers your pressing, post-viewing questions.
A note from Stephanie: This episode was recorded before...2025-01-1445 min
Homespun: Create the Life You Crave057 | Conscious Spending and Sustainable Minimalism with Stephanie SeferianAs we move into the holidays, if you are anything like me you are wondering how much 'stuff' you really need to bring into your home. The clutter, both mental and physical, the influx of the generous gifts we receive can be a real problem. In this episode sustainable minimalist Stephanie Seferian and I explore what clutter really does to us and our homes, and how we can become conscious of it to redice the mental and physical load it brings with it. We chatted about how we can bring this into the lives of our children to help...2024-12-0936 min
Millennial MinimalistsSustainable Minimalism with Stephanie Seferian Kelly and Lauren are joined by the Sustainable Minimalists' Stephanie Seferian to talk about eco-minimalism, which combines eco-conscious living and minimalism to create a lifestyle that is both simplified and good for the planet! Stephanie is the host of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast, the author of the best-selling book, Sustainable Minimalism, and a wife and mom to two! Together they talk about simple sustainable habits, easy sustainable household swaps, conscious consumerism, what a sustainable future looks like, and more! Be inspired by Stephanie’s sustainable lifestyle tips and be motived to create tidiness wit...2024-12-0941 minSustainable MinimalistsHow Many Jeans Do You Own?Denim jeans were once the preferred trouser for cowboys in the American west; some decades later, they became a symbol of rebellion for non-conformist teens. These days jeans are all about comfort and casual style, and the average American woman owns 7 pairs.And yet blue jeans also happen to have one of fashion's biggest environmental footprints. On today's show Sarene Alsharif reveals the harsh realities associated with jeans production; she also shares practical strategies for transforming this wardrobe staple into a sustainable solution. Here's a preview:[7:00] Stone-washed with ac...2024-11-1941 minSustainable MinimalistsA Life Of PurposeOur culture is marked by both comparison and overconsumption, and we are constantly urged to hustle for something bigger, better, or more expensive because (supposedly) happiness lies within the next purchase or achievement. But what if the key to living a more satisfied life is to simply slow down and listen to your intuition?On today's show: A conversation with best-selling author Stephanie O'Dea about breaking free from hustle culture for increased fulfillment, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of purpose. Here's a preview:[8:00] Doing t...2024-10-2932 min
Slow LivingThe Mama Minimalist -- Stephanie SeferianBUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Seferian, author of Sustainable Minimalism, journalist, podcast host, and mom of two. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from teaching high school English to staying home with her children—a shift that sparked her passion for sustainable minimalism and led her to create her blog and Sustainable Minimalists podcast.In this episode, we talk about:Stephanie’s decision to stay home with her kids and the new challenges she facedWhat inspired her journey toward sustainable minimalism and her mission to create a better planet for her childrenThe community’s response...2024-10-2842 min
Slow LivingThe Mama Minimalist -- Stephanie SeferianBUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Seferian, author of Sustainable Minimalism, journalist, podcast host, and mom of two. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from teaching high school English to staying home with her children—a shift that sparked her passion for sustainable minimalism and led her to create her blog and Sustainable Minimalists podcast.In this episode, we talk about:Stephanie’s decision to stay home with her kids and the new challenges she facedWhat inspired her journey toward sustainable minimalism and her mission to create a better planet for her childrenThe community’s response...2024-10-2842 min
Slow Living: Sustainable Goal Setting & Time Management without Hustle, Burnout, Overwhelm. Life & Parenting tips.The Mama Minimalist -- Stephanie SeferianBUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Seferian, author of Sustainable Minimalism, journalist, podcast host, and mom of two. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from teaching high school English to staying home with her children—a shift that sparked her passion for sustainable minimalism and led her to create her blog and Sustainable Minimalists podcast.In this episode, we talk about:Stephanie’s decision to stay home with her kids and the new challenges she facedWhat inspired her journey toward sustainable minimalism and her mission to create a bett...2024-10-2842 minSustainable MinimalistsEdit Your LifeLife is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today's show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t. Here's a preview:[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention[9:3...2024-10-0439 minSustainable MinimalistsRemoving The MaskThe Japanese argue that we each have three faces. The first is your idealized, near-perfect version; it's also the mask you present to the world. You reveal your second face selectively to very close friends and family, and you keep your third face — your true self — hidden from everyone (including, perhaps, yourself).Our first mask conveys self-assuredness. Of being happy, put together, and in charge. But beneath our masks, we are messy creatures. We may even be living in deep emotional pain. On today's show: A conversation with author Jarod K. Anderson about removing our...2024-09-2639 minSustainable MinimalistsA Mindful Wardrobe RefreshWant to be "up to date" with your wardrobe choices? Fashion forwardness understands that the textile industry is incredibly polluting; having your finger on the fashion pulse, then, is about consciously choosing not to participate in trends.And yet we somehow must dress ourselves. While fast fashion is quite literally made to fall apart, wearing what we wore decades ago isn't a good look. So what on earth is a sustainable minimalist to do?On today's show: How to mindfully refresh your wardrobe with tips straight from experts. 2024-09-2429 min
Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living33: Slowing Down Our Lives with Stephanie SeferianThe question we often forget to ask ourselves even though it is central to our wellbeing:
Is this working for me?
Does this pace of life feel good? Am I spending my time how I’d like? Are my routines helping me or cycles I’d like to break out of?
If our basic needs like food and shelter are met, then where we spend our time is up to us!
Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, does it? 2024-05-2159 min
Sustainable MinimalistsProduce Without PesticidesWhile fresh fruits and vegetables are irreplaceable parts of a healthy diet, pesticides aren't benign. Sadly, many of our favorite produce items carry unhealthy levels of pesticides, and each one comes with its own unique risk profile.On today's show: A comprehensive review of the most recent research into pesticides in produce.Here's a preview:[5:00] Not all pesticides are the same, and different pesticides have different risk profiles[10:00] DDT, bald eagles, Silent Spring, and America's history with pesticides[19:00] Stephanie's thoughts on the EWG's Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen2024-05-0944 min
Clean & Green LivingLive Better With Less With Stephanie SeferianAre you feeling overwhelmed by the endless cycle of buying and storing, only to realize that much of what you purchase is made from things that are harmful to your health and the health of the planet? If you're looking for a way to break free from the clutter and make your life safer and more sustainable through easy and everyday actions, then this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Stephanie Seferian, the voice behind the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and author of the book Sustainable Minimalism. Stephanie is sharing practical steps to help you ado...2024-04-2334 minClean & Green LivingLive Better With Less With Stephanie SeferianAre you feeling overwhelmed by the endless cycle of buying and storing, only to realize that much of what you purchase is made from things that are harmful to your health and the health of the planet? If you're looking for a way to break free from the clutter and make your life safer and more sustainable through easy and everyday actions, then this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Stephanie Seferian, the voice behind the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and author of the book Sustainable Minimalism. Stephanie is sharing practical steps to help you ado...2024-04-2334 min
Sustainable MinimalistsStealthily FrugalTake stealth wealth and reverse it: Stealth frugality is what happens when a person lives big without spending lots of money. On today's show: A laundry list of the ways in which we can each live a rich life but do so frugally. *A note from Stephanie: I mention a ridiculous amount of companies in today's show. None of them are sponsored! Here's a preview:[6:00] Home is where the heart is, so open up your home![10:30] Pizza? Cocktails? Manicures? Learn how make/do what you love but bett...2024-04-1137 min
Sustainable MinimalistsDisconnectingWork emails. Social media notifications. Weather alerts. The constant news cycle.In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get lost in the chaos of endless distractions. Yet research has shown that information overload can lead to mental exhaustion, reduced cognitive function, and an inability to make sound decisions. On the other hand, intentional disconnection has the power to enhance creativity and productivity. It improves overall well-being, too.On today's show podcaster Diane Boden and I discuss exactly why it's so important to disconnect from modern distractions at least once in awhile; we...2024-04-0939 min
Sustainable MinimalistsThree ActsToday's show is a series of 3 very diverse updates straight from developments in my own life: The first is about self-sufficiency, the second is sustainability-focused, and the final act dedicates itself to intentional living.Here's a preview:[3:00] Act 1: The hydroponic growing hype. (Stephanie's good, bad, and ugly experiences with her new grow tower)[16:00] Act 2: Electrify Everything? (Our boiler is leaking. Here's where we are at with regard to heat pumps: costs, struggles, etc.)[28:00] Act 3: More intention, please! (Here's what I'm working on to avoid the busy trap) R...2024-03-1440 min
The Motivation Mindset with Risa WilliamsThe Motivation Mindset with Risa Williams: Practical Minimalism - Stephanie SeferianSend us a textDo you struggle with decluttering and getting rid of stuff because you just don't know where to begin? Risa Williams talks to minimalist, book author, and the host of Sustainable Minimalists Podcast, Stephanie Seferian, about practical ways we can start to approach getting rid of stuff we don't need and how to look at what stuff means to us in a more meaningful way.They discuss:-Our "aspirational selves" and how we are drawn to consume things we don't need-How comparison tells us we need more than we...2024-03-1226 min
Minimalist Moms Podcast | All Things Minimalism, Intentionality & Simple LivingInspiring Children's Sustainability Skills at Home with Stephanie Seferian (EP318)Today I bring you my (third!) conversation with author and fellow podcaster, Stephanie Seferian. Stephanie hosts the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and speaks on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, zero-waste living, decluttering, parenting + conscious consumerism. In the past we've discussed sustainable minimalism on a budget + day she is here to share eco friendly behaviors that are FREE, ways to shift your spending mindset, how to flex your purchasing power as a consumer and how to avoid greenwashing and more.------------------------------Links Discussed in This EpisodeOrder a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Sim...2024-02-0622 min
Sustainable MinimalistsSMART ResolutionsA New Year's resolution is a tool that helps us become the best possible versions of ourselves. And yet research finds most people abandon their resolutions by February. Many New Year's resolutions fail because they're too broad, too lofty, and not at all time-sensitive. On today's show we set ourselves up for resolution success by applying the 5 components of SMART goals to our 2024 aspirations. Here's a preview: [2:00] What do the statistics say? Here's just how many resolutions fail, and when[4:30] How to use the SMART acronym to improve your own...2023-12-2729 min
Sustainable MinimalistsHow To Buy SoapChoosing the right hand soap and body wash isn't *just* about cleanliness. You deserve non-toxic products and our waterways deserve non-polluting ones, so it's really about committing to a higher standard of care.We're likely using soap every day for the rest of our lives; it's prudent, then, to get intentional about this must-have product. On today's show: conscious consumerism in the soap aisle. Here's a preview:[3:00] Are antibacterial/antimicrobial soaps really necessary?[6:30] A hand sanitizer tangent: pro tips for buying and using sanitizer the *right* way[9:00] R...2023-11-0932 min
Clean Living Made Easy107 - Living a Sustainable and Minimalist Lifestyle with Stephanie SeferianJoin us for an inspiring conversation as we sit down with Stephanie Seferian, the host of the popular Sustainable Minimalist podcast.
Stephanie is a passionate advocate for sustainable living and shares her insights on how minimalism and sustainability go hand in hand.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of minimalism and sustainability, discussing practical ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into our daily lives.
Stephanie shares valuable tips and advice for overcoming challenges and making sustainable choices accessible to all. Discover the importance of embracing a more intentional and eco-conscious lifestyle, the role...2023-05-2939 min
Simple Farmhouse Life179. Pursuing Minimalism and Conscious Consumerism in a Materialistic World | Stephanie Seferian of The Sustainable Minimalists PodcastMany of us strive to live a more minimal lifestyle in order to simplify our homes and lower our stress, but minimalism can also be good for the world around us! In this conversation, Stephanie and I discuss what it looks like to become more conscious consumers as we continually minimize our homes. If you are on a minimalism journey of any kind, this episode will inspire you to contribute to a more sustainable world through minimalist practices.
In this episode, we cover:
What it means to prioritize sustainable minimalism
How our emotions im...2023-04-0658 min
Sustainable MinimalistsEdit Your LifeLife is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today's show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t. Here's a preview:[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention[9:3...2023-03-2137 min
Sustainable MinimalistsThe Gifting ExperienceWhen we return an unwanted gift to the manufacturer, it goes back on the shelf to be resold, right? Wrong. Most returned gifts (5.8 billion tons, to be exact) end up in landfills each and every year.The solution lies in responsible gifting, which alleviates the consequences associated with massive finite resource waste; it also saves shoppers time, money, and unnecessary stress.Today author Tracey Lynch explains how to tweak your gifting philosophy to save our planet while also ensuring every gift you give is actually wanted and used.Here's a pr...2023-01-3138 min
Sustainable MinimalistsYour Right To RepairStuff breaks. In 2023, stuff breaks often. Few amongst us possess the knowledge to fix the evermore complex gadgets we use every day; worse, professional repairs (if they're even available) often cost more than replacing the item outright. What's a sustainable minimalist to do?On today's episode we discuss all-things conscious consumption as it relates to home appliances, planned obsolescence, and the Right To Repair movement (it'll be fun, I promise!).Here's a preview:[3:00] An electricity primer: where it comes from and why it's important to choose energy-efficient appliances[9:00] Exactly how long...2023-01-0539 min
Sustainable MinimalistsFinite ResourcesWe may indeed live in a world in which we can get whatever we want whenever we want it, but there's a problem with such instant (and incessant!) gratification: Resources are finite. On today's show, a conversation with blogger and author Liz Frugalwoods about how to teach our children that money doesn't grow on trees and buying new isn't consequence-free. Here's a preview:[4:30] Getting our kids on board: How to reframe eco-frugality as a game[11:00] Proaction as a handy Waste Not, Want Not tool [20:00] The why and how b...2023-01-0336 min
Mama Making PodcastHoliday Rewind: Minimalist Gift Giving with Stephanie SeferianThis holiday season we’re kicking it back to our 2021 Holiday Help Series! In this episode, we pick Stephanie Seferian’s brain in minimalism in the holiday season! Stephanie is an author, a full-time podcaster, wife, and mother to two daughters. She is on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living to enjoy life’s sweeter moments. Stephanie has written the book Sustainable Minimalism: The Aspiring Minimalist’s Guide to Living Consciously and Contributing to a “Greener” Tomorrow. On this episode we will be chatting about how we can incorporate day-to-day minimalism with kids and how we can navigat...2022-12-1343 min
Sustainable MinimalistsRE-RELEASE: Listeners Call In! 20+ Non-Consumer Gift IdeasWhen 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. *A note from Stephanie: This episode originally aired in November 2021 and it's too good to not re-release!Here’...2022-12-0220 min
Sustainable MinimalistsSomething For NothingAre you getting all you can from your library?Libraries are quiet pillars of our communities that often get overlooked. That's unfortunate because libraries are one of the few places where you can truly get something for nothing.On today's show I'm outlining 7 goods and services you likely never knew you could get for free from your library. Here's a preview:[9:00] Exactly how much you're paying for multiple video streaming services (plus, how much the library can help you save)[16:30] Stephanie's favorite hack for cooking magazine lovers2022-12-0128 min
Sustainable MinimalistsHow To Buy Laundry DetergentThere's lots to consider when searching for an eco-friendly and non-toxic laundry detergent. Are those strips and pods actually environmentally conscious if they're wrapped in PVA? Why don't detergents offer a full list of ingredients on their packaging?As it turns out, laundry detergents have lots of misleading claims (ahem ... marketing gimmicks) designed to confuse consumers. On today's episode we're breaking down everything you need to know about detergent so you can make informed purchasing decisions moving forward. Here's a preview:[2:00] Pricing discrepancies: Do eco-friendly laundry detergents always cost more?...2022-11-0333 min
Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the ChaosHow this Mom Practices Sustainable Minimalism with Her Family with Stephanie SeferianLinks mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):Get more show notes and additional free resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/121Discover my favorite resources hereTidy Home Academy - Empowering you to declutter and organize so you can have the tidy, happy home you crave. Discover how implementing the right systems can get your home clean and keep it that way. Avalanche Declutter Challenge - Completely transform your home in just 30 days with this free challengeHappier at Home Guide - 5 simple steps you can take today to t...2022-10-0541 min
Sustainable MinimalistsLow-Waste Lunchboxes"One of the hardest things we haven’t been able to tackle is our kids' snacks: we still end up using a good amount of single use plastic wraps. Do you have any ideas?" Citing convenience, ultraprocessed foods are often sold in single-serve packs. But such snack and lunch items are overpriced (you're literally paying for that extra plastic!); they're also often unhealthy for both people and the planet.I get it: We're overtired and overstressed, and packing wholesome foods can feel like yet another daunting chore. That's why on today's show I ans...2022-09-2231 min
Sustainable MinimalistsClimate Reparations?A hotter planet is here, my friends. Don't believe me? Just turn on the news.On today's show we first break down major current climate events; we then ask ourselves a set of ethical quandaries. Should the global north pay reparations to the global south for its centuries-long polluting behaviors, or are the inequitable and unjust natures of climate change simply bad luck? Here's a preview:[4:00] How'd summer go? (Hint: not great, especially in Pakistan)[12:30] The climate reparations argument: What it is and why it has legs[20:00] 3 et...2022-09-1522 min
Sustainable MinimalistsMaterialism's Sweet Spot"Much of the time I tell my kids that material possessions aren't that important, but I also want them to take care of the possessions they have. How should I best juggle these messages and still get my points across?" As sustainable minimalists, we want our children to devalue stuff, as we certainly don't want them to associate their sense of self-worth with what they own. But at the same time we also want them to care for their existing possessions even though such care requires a certain amount of 'stuff' reverence.It's a...2022-09-0832 min
Sustainable MinimalistsThe Golden TriangleA triangle is complete only when its three corners are intact. Our wellbeing similarly demands that three pillars work together in quiet harmony.The Australian Wellbeing Index is a 15-year-and-counting study with data from over 60,000 participants. Its results remain consistent year after year: optimal wellbeing hinges upon 3 essential intangibles.The good news? These three intangibles are entirely within our control.On today's show we discuss the golden triangle of wellbeing for optimal life satisfaction.Here's a preview:[2:30] How to nurture interpersonal relationships when relationships get hard[6:30] The...2022-09-0121 min
Sustainable MinimalistsThe Right-To-Know RevolutionIn 1986, California passed Proposition 65. The legislation forced companies that sell products with chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects to label them as such. While the legislation was originally a gigantic win for environmentalists, these days it's a running joke. Cancer warnings adorn everything from organic soaps to steering wheel covers, bikinis, parking garages, Disney Land, and much more.Proposition 65 is a case study in the ways in which good intention advocacy can go woefully wrong. Do consumers have a right to know and, if so, do we truly *want* to know? What lessons can we learn...2022-08-1822 min
Sustainable MinimalistsA Better BagWhen it comes to trash bags, there's plenty of confusing verbiage. Compostable? Biodegradable? Bags with post-consumer recycled content?While one could certainly make the argument that biodegradable and compostable trash bags aren't worth the money since they're headed to the landfill anyway (those pits aren't gardens, after all); the more cynical amongst us could say there's no such thing as an eco-friendly trash bag if it holds bad-for-the-planet waste.Purchasing eco-friendly-ish trash bags doesn't give us carte blanche to throw away as much as we want, but buying the right bags is a simple and...2022-08-1126 min
Sustainable MinimalistsMinimalist Game NightAh, game night. Something special happens when we put our phones away, sit around the table, and have fun with our loved ones. But if you have children, game night can be fraught with whines, groans, and tantrums. And after a long workweek? Game night can feel like another To-Do item.On today's show we discuss what research says about the benefits of game night. In Part 1 I offer 6 strategies for curating a successful family game night; in Part 2 I sit down with Ali Aydar, CEO of SPORCLE.com. Ali is on the show to make the po...2022-07-1227 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast76: Decluttering Consciously & Sustainably with Stephanie SeferianMost parents I speak to have been there. Exhausted, at the end of the busy day, looking around a room full of toys and clothes and probably food on the floor, and no energy to deal with it. The fact is, our lives have been impacted heavily by consumerist culture. And it’s no fault of our own. The marketing and social pressure makes it appealing to accumulate stuff. But it’s costing us more than we might think.In this episode, I’m speaking with Stephanie Seferian. Host of the Sustainable Minimalism Podcast and author...2022-03-2236 min
Sustainable MinimalistsRapid Fire Q&AListeners 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 s...2021-12-0924 min
Care More Be Better: A Podcast For Sustainable Social Impact and RegenerationPrioritizing Experience Over Materialism This Holiday Season with Stephanie Seferian, Sustainable MinimalistAs we approach the gift-giving frenzy that can be the holiday season, we revisit the topic of Sustainable Minimalism with an episode from earlier this year, when we featured Stephanie Seferian, a bestselling author, podcaster and blogger who is best known for her book and podcast, Sustainable Minimalism. We think her book would make a great holiday gift for anyone who could use a little help decluttering their life, giving their lives that Marie Kondo treatment BUT with an eco-minded twist. And secondly -- we love her approach to holiday shopping, and EVERYONE can benefit f...2021-12-0642 minMama Making PodcastHoliday Help: Minimalist Gift Giving with Stephanie SeferianUp next in the Holiday Help Series, we’re excited to have Stephanie Seferian on the podcast! Stephanie is an author, a full-time podcaster, wife, and mother to two daughters. She is on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living to enjoy life’s sweeter moments. Stephanie has written the book Sustainable Minimalism: The Aspiring Minimalist’s Guide to Living Consciously and Contributing to a “Greener” Tomorrow. On this episode we will be chatting about how we can incorporate day-to-day minimalism with kids and how we can navigate gift giving this holiday season.You can connect with Stepha...2021-11-3043 min
The Life And Style Podcast23. What To Do When Your Life Feels Cluttered (feat. Stephanie Seferian)Stephanie Seferian is a former teacher-turned full-time podcast host of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast. She’s also the author of Sustainable Minimalism and is an avid distance runner and a lover of fiction. Caylie and Stephanie discuss: What it means to be a sustainable minimalist How to break the cycle of overconsumption Practical ways to spend more time outside Helpful tips for getting more accomplished in your day Specific strategies for prioritizing the things that truly matterConnect with Kristen on Instagram (@mommyminimalist)Connect with Life and Style Podcast on Instagram! (@thelifeandstylepodcast)Be sure you are following this podcast to automatically re...2021-08-3051 min
Sustainable MinimalistsNavigating The Eco-Contradiction Minefield“Hi Stephanie, One topic I’d like covered is the ways in which trying to live a low impact lifestyle can actually contradict each other. Secondhand polyester, or eco-friendly fibers but new? Plant-based but packaged food, or animal-based and package-free? Thanks for any help you can offer. – Heather” We’ve all been there: we want to do better, but eco-contradictions trip us up. Even worse, in most cases achieving definitive right (versus definitive wrong) clarity is impossible. No one wants to...
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The post Navigating The Eco-Contradiction Minefield appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists...2021-08-1215 min
Sustainable MinimalistsBONUS: Is Minimalist Parenting Possible?“Hey Stephanie, I’m wondering what some of your tips are when it comes to preparing for a baby for the first time when you want to maintain a minimalist lifestyle. Thank you.” Want to be a minimalist parent but don’t know where to start? This short-and-sweet bonus episode lays bare my down-and-dirty, not-so-socially-acceptable advice. Here’s a preview: [3;30] The bare minimum: Stephanie’s list of 7 (just 7!) essential items every infant needs [8:30] Why you shouldn’t have a baby...
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The post Is Minimalist Parenting Possible? appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.O...2021-08-0515 min
Care More Be Better: A Podcast For Sustainable Social Impact and Regeneration16: Stephanie Seferian | Forging a Path To Sustainable MinimalismIf you’re ready to declutter your world and get more life out of life, then this podcast episode is for you. Stephanie Seferian is an expert in sustainability, zerowaste and minimalism. Through this interview, her book, and her podcast she offers simple strategies to reduce clutter and live more intentionally to save our planet. About Our Guest, Stephanie Seferian: Stephanie is the best-selling author of Sustainable Minimalism and host of the top-rated podcast by the same name. After blogging about her personal journey toward a simpler, more eco-friendly lifestyle, she was inspired to help ot...2021-05-1242 min
Raising Eco MinimalistsEco Minimalism and Kids with Stephanie Seferian - Ep. 002In episode one, I talked all about what eco-minimalism was. But this podcast is all about raising eco-minimalists, so it would be a disservice to not include an entire episode on that topic as well. In this episode, I talk with sustainable minimalism guru Stephanie Seferian - author of the book Sustainable Minimalism, and podcast host of The Sustainable Minimalists - all about raising kids under the eco-minimalism umbrella. Stephanie and talk about:The definition of eco-minimalism/sustainable minimalism The importance of having a family visionHow to handle giftsToy declutteringand more!Re...2021-04-2134 min
Ritch In LifeStephanie Seferian | Author of Sustainable Minimalism & Podcast HostEver feel overwhelmed or a sense of doom when it comes to environmental issues? Ritch does! You know the feeling, you put your best Reduce-Reuse-Recycle foot forward, just to find out you are doing it all wrong. The sense of anxiety that rises up when we think of tackling environmental issues is such a common experience that there is a name for this state of being, and it’s eco-anxiety.
Combat eco-anxiety and dive into the world of minimalism with Stephanie Seferian, author of Sustainable Minimalism, and host of the podcast, The Sustainable Minimalists. Join Stephanie and Rit...2021-02-0253 min
Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, MotherhoodSmall steps to Sustainability - Incrementally Walking Towards Eco Friendly Living with Stephanie SeferianToday I talk with Stephanie Seferian of The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast. We talk about what it looks like to walk in a realistic way, incrementally towards a more eco friendly life. While "zero waste" often feels unattainable, Stephanie gives us the "why" and the "how to" when it comes to realistically taking small steps towards a more sustainable life. Links:Stephanie on Instagram Stephanie's Podcast Sustainable Minimalists Book Desirae on Instagram Sponsors:Audible: Get a free trial of audibleplus - text intention to 500-500 or go to audible.com/intention Care/of: Get 50% off your first order...2021-01-2832 min
Minimalist Moms Podcast | All Things Minimalism, Intentionality & Simple LivingEP156: Sustainable Minimalism on a Budget with Stephanie SeferianToday I bring you my conversation with author and fellow podcaster, Stephanie Seferian. Stephanie speaks on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, zero-waste living, decluttering, parenting + conscious consumerism. She recently released her first book, Sustainable Minimalism and one of the topics she wrote about is how to achieve a low waste home on a budget. She shares some eco friendly behaviors that are FREE, ways to shift your spending mindset, how to flex your purchasing power as a consumer and how to avoid greenwashing and more.Show Notes for EP156: Sustainable Minimalism on a Budget2021-01-2632 min
Hopefully SustainableSustainable Minimalism | Stephanie SeferianHopefully Sustainable is kicking off Season 2 with Stephanie Seferian, host of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and a mother of two on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living. Throughout the episode, Stephanie discusses the meaning of sustainable minimalism and gives specific examples of how minimalism can be applied to any lifestyle. Jaiko and Stephanie also reflect on using minimalism as a tool to combat eco-anxiety. Find Stephanie on Instagram @mommyminimalist and online at http://mamaminimalist.com/. Pre-order Stephanie’s book, Sustainable Minimalism, anywhere you find books. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purp...2021-01-1133 min
Armenian EnoughSustainable Minimalism with Author Stephanie SeferianDo our possessions foster a sense of happiness and peace or can over-accumulation of material goods itself lead to anxiety and discomfort? What happens to all our "stuff" when we no longer need or want it? Sustainable minimalist expert Stephanie Seferian guides us beyond superficial decluttering to consider the broader implications, both personal and global, that our consumer culture promotes. Listen to Stephanie's Sustainable Minimalism Podcast here Pre-order her book Sustainable Minimalism: Embrace Zero Waste, Build Sustainability Habits That Last, and Become a Minimalist without Sacrificing the Planet wherever books are sold. You...2020-12-3158 min
ECO CHIC129: Sustainable Minimalism: How to Declutter and Set Boundaries for Eco-Friendly Living | Stephanie Seferian, Sustainable Minimalists Podcast
We’re joined by Stephanie Seferian of Sustainable Minimalists! Stephanie of Mama Minimalist is a mom inspiring others to reevaluate their “stuff” without compromising on their environmental commitments. Stephanie and I discuss her philosophy of the sustainable minimalism lifestyle; she shares how to declutter, plus types of clutter we may be emotionally attached to. Stephanie also gives tips for navigating the holidays while supporting this lower-waste lifestyle; how to set boundaries and expectations for receiving, and also how to give in a more minimal way.
Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook...2020-11-0433 min
Sustainable MinimalistsSelf-Sufficiency Spotlight: Foraging 101 Foraging 101 [A Note from Stephanie: This episode is the second in a series that highlights attainable steps toward self-sufficiency. I hope the episodes in this series inspires you to adopt a fun, new hobby that also happens to be eco-friendly!] I’m Armenian. Each summer as a child, my mother, sister, and I would search for grape vines along the side of the road and collect leaves to make our most beloved ethnic food: dolma. Once we found...
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The post Self-Sufficiency Spotlight: Foraging 101 appeared first on Sustainable Minimalists.Our Sp...2020-10-0642 minSustainable MinimalistsSelf Sufficiency Spotlight: MicrogreensSelf Sufficiency Spotlight: Microgreens [A Note from Stephanie: This episode is the first in a series that highlights attainable steps toward self-sufficiency. Once per month through December, the series offers a short and sweet interview to introduce you to an aspect of sustainability you may not have considered before. I hope the series will inspire you to adopt a fun, new hobby that also happens to be eco-friendly!] Chances are you’ve heard of microgreens before (or perhaps noticed restaurants tout...
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The post Self Sufficiency Spotlight: Microgreens appeared first on Sustainable Minima...2020-09-0123 min
Health Harmony & Happiness with Cathy#31: Sustainable Minimalism with Stephanie SeferianGet rid of a single-use mindset and begin to consider that reducing the amount of stuff you live with or deem necessary at this point in life means that you’ll be living a more sustainable lifestyle and having less of an impact on the environment around you. Which in the long run means your children and their children will have a planet to care for as well. Today I sit down with Stephanie Seferian of the Sustainable Minimalists Podcast. Stephanie is an expert in sustainability, zerowaste and minimalism. She offers simple strategies to reduce clutter and live...2020-04-1538 min
Minimalist Moms PodcastEP92: Sustainable Minimalism with Stephanie SeferianThis week, I speak with fellow podcaster and minimalist mom, Stephanie Seferian. Stephanie is host of The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast where she speaks on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, zero-waste living, decluttering, parenting + conscious consumerism. Today Stephanie will offers us some eco-friendly tips + incremental strategies for responsibly cutting through clutter as a means to more fully enjoy life's sweetest moments. We discuss: Eco-friendly options to implement in the home Find all the resources mentioned in this show: Show Notes for EP92:Sustainable Minimalism Let’s keep the conversation going on our Fac...2019-11-0528 min
Minimalist Moms Podcast | All Things Minimalism, Intentionality & Simple LivingEP92: Sustainable Minimalism with Stephanie SeferianThis week, I speak with fellow podcaster and minimalist mom, Stephanie Seferian. Stephanie is host of The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast where she speaks on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, zero-waste living, decluttering, parenting + conscious consumerism. Today Stephanie will offers us some eco-friendly tips + incremental strategies for responsibly cutting through clutter as a means to more fully enjoy life's sweetest moments. We discuss: Eco-friendly options to implement in the home Find all the resources mentioned in this show: Show Notes for EP92:Sustainable Minimalism Let’s keep the conversation going on our Fac...2019-11-0528 min
The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting048: The Zero-Waste Swaps that Save Serious Cash
Companies have most consumers hooked on pre-packaged disposables.
But sustainable minimalists? We know better:
– We know that disposable items (Think: paper napkins, menstrual products, etc) boast hefty price tags.
– We know, too, that companies selling disposables are secretly doing the Happy Dance for creating REPEAT CUSTOMERS out of regular consumers.
There’s a better way! On today’s episode my guest + I boldly claim that a life without disposables saves *serious* cash.
My guest this week is Natassja Cassinerio. She invites us to save our hard-earned money by replacing 40 common household items with t...2018-11-2629 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting047: 5 (Unexpected!) Benefits of Minimalism
Clean home. Mental clarity. Free time.
These are the 3 often-discussed, forever-touted side effects of minimalism. I’m certain you’ve heard them a dozen times (or more!).
Minimalism’s magic transcends your tidy home. Indeed, small decluttering successes translate into BIG changes everywhere else but, sadly, such oversized benefits aren’t always discussed.
We’re bringing 5 such benefits to the surface today.
My guest this week is Rebecca David of Lunamina Fox. She’s on the podcast to explain *exactly why* minimalism is so magical in frank, no-nonsense terms.
Enjoy!
* Access this wee...2018-11-2028 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting046: Sweet Simplicity during the Holidays
They’re here. The holidays!
It’s the season of overabundance. It’s the season of joy, sure, but it can also very easily become the season of over-the-moon stress + anxiety.
On this week’s episode, we discuss action-oriented steps to infuse our holidays with simplicity. We get into minimalism as it applies to:
* gift giving
* traditions, +
* that enormous, extended family dinner.
My guest this week is Laura Brassie of Ivory + Pine. Laura’s a therapist + blogger who proves that minimalism during the holidays isn’t the ultimate paradox: simple festivities...2018-11-1325 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting045: Self-Care + Successful Mornings
What do mornings look like in your home?
Is it a rushed affair overflowing with stressors, like getting breakfast on the table, dressing the kids + pushing everyone out the door on time?
If so, chances are good you’re fried by 8:00 am.
Here’s the good news: There’s a better way.
On this week’s episode we’re outlining an utterly hedonistic, just-for-you morning routine that has nothing to do with kids, spouses or household management. We’re divulging the 4 pillars of successful mornings so you can get in your self-care *without* feeling gu...2018-11-0624 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting044: Meat-Free Motivation
Been listening to this podcast for awhile? If so, you probably:
* Rely on reusable shopping bags like a pro.
* Brew your morning coffee at home.
* Turn off lights in rooms you’re not physically in.
You’re doing everything you can to preserve our planet. That’s wonderful. (Really!)
But are you vegan?
I know eating habits are a touchy subject. This week, I’m going there anyway.
It’s as simple as this: We aren’t doing all we can in the name of sustainability if we aren’t drastically cu...2018-10-3015 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting043: Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World
Since when did our wardrobes become disposable?
Think about it. These days, we buy new outfits for new occasions, wearing them just a few times before donating or discarding.
We also add inexpensive, trendy items to our closets without a second’s thought; because these items cost almost nothing, we aren’t surprised when they last for just a few wears.
Let’s face it: Clothing is cheap. So cheap, in fact, that puny price tags contribute to the notion that clothes are just another disposable 21st Century commodity.
On this week’s episode we i...2018-10-2334 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting042: Green Cleaning Made Easy
“It’s a common misconception that the government is very carefully regulating everything that’s out there. They really aren’t.”
It’s high-time we safeguard our families from harmful products assumed to be safe.
As a bonus? Doing so declutters the spaces under our sinks + rids our homes of excess plastic, too.
My guest this week is Micaela Preston. She’s a concerned mom + author who has spent the last 12 years researching the risks associated with common household items.
When it comes to our go-to cleaning products, Micaela’s here to give us a collective w...2018-10-1620 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting041: Secrets of a Professional Organizer
A. Curious about what a Professional Organizer does, exactly?
B. Want to hire a Professional Organizer but concerned about the financial investment?
C. Ready to declutter on your own, but don’t know where/how/when to start?
If any of the above statements are true, then this episode’s for you.
This week, I’m chatting with Janine Adams. She’s a certified Professional Organizer with over a decade of experience helping overwhelmed clients find peace of mind within their living spaces.
An organized home is a serene home. On today’s...2018-10-0928 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting040: Mindfulness for Modern Families
“As I began meditating + getting more grounded, I wasn’t reacting as much to the kids’ upsets. I was being a bit more present for their questions + concerns, too.”
If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times:
When it comes to intentional living, adopting a mindfulness practice is the singlemost powerful habit we can foster.
This week, I’m thrilled to offer two unique perspectives on the link between intention + mindfulness:
– First, Buddhist + meditation expert Kim Fuller. Kim reveals the details about what exactly mindfulness is + why it’s so darn importan...2018-10-0236 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting039: Finding Time for your ‘Why’
“I was tired. Often I felt like I was barely getting by. I kept thinking to myself, ‘Why am I spending my precious time + remaining energy doing things that don’t add value to my life?”
For most of us, life is busy. Too busy, in fact, to do the things we love with the people who matter most.
This week, we’re adding by subtracting. We identify 5 specific time-suckers in modern life, then we outline strategies to mindfully let go of anything + everything keeping us from living our values.
On this week’s episode I’m thrilled t...2018-09-2523 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting038: What’s for Dinner?
“So, what’s for dinner?”
I *hate* this question; maybe you do, too.Another thing I hate? Food waste. I find myself composting past-its-prime produce more often than I’d like to admit.
While these dueling conundrums may seem mutually exclusive, they actually have an easy, common solution.
That easy solution is meal planning.
This week’s guest – Staci Ducharme – started meal planning + failed. Miserably.
But she tried again + got it right:
* Meal planning got her family out of debt (no more defaulting to take-out!).
* Meal planning ended food waste on her homestead...2018-09-1825 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting037: When Sustainability + Imagination Collide
Design shimmering mosaics from old CDs.
Create rag rugs from used clothes.
Got yourself an abundance of plastic bags? Get weaving.
*Creative Reuse a THING!* If you’ve been to a contemporary art museum lately, chances are good you’ve viewed at least one exhibit that boasts garbage as its sole medium.
While critics argue that trash creations look … well, … trashy, today’s guest swiftly debunks this assumption by offering truly beautiful reuse ideas for our trash + recyclables.
Carla Brown is a podcaster + artist who gleans creative inspiration from items others generally discard. She claim...2018-09-1130 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting036: Minimalism for Home, Head + Heart
Like clean countertops? Me too.
While many associate minimalism with clean homes, it’s a little-known secret that the practice is easily applicable to our heads + hearts, too.
That’s because minimalism grants breathing room in *all areas* of our lives.
My guest this week is Ashley Logsdon. She’s a blogger + fellow podcaster who’s here to help us clear the clutter so that we may have the mental + emotional “space” for whatever comes our ways.
Enjoy!
* Access this week’s Show Notes (+ snag the FREE Clear the Clutter PDF!) here.
* Find your tribe. S...2018-09-0427 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting035: How To Preserve Food Like a Pro
If you’re serious about sustainability, I’m willing to bet you’re also serious about reducing food waste.
Preserving food at home is the epitome of sustainability. That’s because canning eliminates the need for pesky supermarket packaging or plastic + relies instead on (reusable + awesome) mason jars.
A little-known secret? Preserving food at home also saves serious cash.
That’s where today’s guest comes in. She’s a homesteader + canning expert who has gotten quite creative in the kitchen as a means of slashing into food waste + saving money. She’s gotten *so* good, in fact, that he...2018-08-2926 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting034: 9 Things You’re Recycling Wrong
Are you an Aspirational Recycler?
You know you’re an Aspirational Recycler if:
– You wish EVERYTHING was recyclable.
– You place nearly every item in the recycling bin, cross your fingers + hope for the best.
But there are *big* problems with Aspirational Recycling. Nonrecyclable items contaminate the recycling stream + cause clog the facility’s equipment. Aspirational Recycling raises the overall cost of recycling + demands additional manpower, too.
On today’s episode I take you from Aspirational Recycler to Expert by demystifying the recycling process then identifying + correcting 9 common mistakes.
Enjoy!
* Access t...2018-08-2117 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting033: Thrifting 101
Modern thrift stores AREN’T overflowing with Grandma’s mothball-y hand-me-downs.
That’s because 21st Century thrifting has become *quite* sophisticated.
Consumerism tells us need the newest + the shiniest. Today’s episode invites you to challenge that assumption by shopping secondhand, instead.
My guest this week is Amanda Lindner. She furnished her ENTIRE Brooklyn apartment with items purchased secondhand (+ for under $500 total!). She asserts that thrifting isn’t just frugal + eco-friendly; it’s fun, too.
Amanda’s here to offer her best thrifting tips for savvy, modern shoppers. Enjoy!
* Access this week’s Show N...2018-08-1432 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting032: How to Recreate the ‘Vacation Sensation’
On vacation, time slows + senses heighten. Slowly but surely, we find ourselves utterly relaxed.
I call this the Vacation Sensation.
But there’s a major glitch, + it’s this: Upon returning home, the stresses we ran from inevitably catch us yet again.
Is it possible to keep vacation mode alive well after returning home? If so, how?
I’ve done the research for you. This week, I’m thrilled to offer 13 empirically-based strategies to bring the Vacation Sensation into our daily lives.
Enjoy!
* Access this week’s Show Notes here.
* Find your...2018-08-0715 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting031: The Art of Saying ‘No’
“Live less out of habit + more out of intent.”
If you follow me on social media, you already know this is my personal mantra. I recite it over + over when choices are hard; it’s this mantra we’re discussing today.
My guest today is Jen Panaro. She’s the founder of Honestly Modern, an online brand that focuses on sustainable living for modern families. She’s a mom with a full-time 9 to 5 who has gotten quite skilled at rethinking the status quo, too.
Today we have an open + (very) honest conversation. Jen details strategies to...2018-07-3127 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting030: Pet Parenting Done Right
Is your home overrun with hardly-used dog + cat toys, like mine?
Do you find yourself wondering whether there’s an eco-friendly alternative to those plastic poo bags?
When it comes to pet parenting, it’s easy to buy All. The. Toys. It’s easy to forget about sustainability, too.
That’s where today’s episode comes in.
My guest is Kim Almon. She’s a blogger, animal-lover + expert on sustainability + minimalism as they apply to our furry friends. On today’s episode, we:
– Answer the pet-related questions YOU ask ME most, including reuses...2018-07-2433 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting029: Is Sustainability Unmanly?
Men are less likely to buy eco-friendly products. They’re hesitant to carry reusable bags + drive hybrid cars, too.
That’s because environmentalism is for women + crossing gender boundaries makes men uncomfortable.
Sustainability has long been associated with femininity. On today’s episode we examine why this stereotype exists; we offer research-based methods to engage reluctant men in the eco-friendly movement, too.
My guest today is Dr. James Wilkie. He’s a consumer psychologist, professor + researcher who examines how social norms influence consumers. His research into the Green-Feminine Stereotype offers crucial insight into the future of eco-consc...2018-07-1731 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting028: The Low-Waste Parenting Rulebook
Cloth diaper. Breastfeed. Minimize plastic.
…… Duh.
It’s sad but true: Most low-waste parenting strategies read like obvious platitudes. Worse, such practices are recycled ad nauseam on the eco-friendly inter web.
Did you know? There are HEAPS of zero-waste parenting tips that aren’t QUITE so apparent: It’s THESE 10 strategies we’re discussing today.
On this week’s episode, I’m thrilled to divulge the not-so-obvious, often overlooked sustainable parenting rules. They’re Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved + are guaranteed to slash into the waste your household (+ your child!) produces.
* Access this week’s Sh...2018-07-1014 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting027: 5 Super Easy Clothing Repairs (No Sewing Machine Required!)
Ever scrutinize old photos + pick apart your outfits of decades past?
I do.
My first thought: “Ugh what was I thinking wearing THAT?”
My second thought: “Where’s that outfit now?”
*Spoiler Alert* : ALL your outfits of decades-past are SOMEwhere. (The landfill, probably.)
These days, we’re in the habit of tossing clothes at the first sign of wear + tear. That’s because timeless skills like mending + darning are thrown to the wayside in favor of convenience.
This episode changes that.
Today I’m thrilled to highlight 5 mending tricks that go beyond sewing on a butt...2018-07-0415 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting026: The (Inconvenient) Relationship between Clutter + Anxiety
You’ve purged, donated, decluttered + organized your heart out, but – STILL! – you find yourself stressed + anxious?
You’re not alone.
Minimalism is good for kids; it’s good for parents, too. But minimalism is a Band-Aid for a much larger problem, and that problem is stress + anxiety.
My guest this week is Anna Seewald. She’s a parent educator, speaker, author + podcaster with backgrounds in psychology + education. She’s here to legitimize the connection between clutter + anxiety; she offers not-so-obvious strategies that work ALONGSIDE minimalism in your life and in your homes, too.
Enjoy!2018-06-2631 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting025: NOT Keeping Up with the JonesesEver feel like life is one gigantic competition? (I do, sometimes!)
This week’s guest ISN’T keeping up with the Joneses. She’s happily living the life she WANTS to lead; today, she shows you how to do it, too.
This week, we:
– outline concrete strategies to remove financial obstacles standing in the way of living our best lives,
– discuss the nitty-gritty behind consciously exiting the rat race, and
– offer 3 questions to ask yourself BEFORE veering from life’s standard script, for good.
My guest this week is Alli Owen. She minimized her...2018-06-1927 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting024: Wedding Season Done Right
Paper invitations + lined envelopes? Meh.
Table arrangements with beautiful but foreign booms? Eeek!
Heaps of uneaten food, discarded food? Yuck!
Here’s a secret: Weddings don’t have to be wasteful!
Luxury + sustainability can coexist at ceremonies, receptions +beyond. This week, I offer my best tips for planning a wedding that’s both eco-friendly + elegant; I show how sustainable choices save SERIOUS CASH, too.
Not getting married anytime soon? I’ve got you covered, because I’m also divulging 6 tips for eco-conscious guests to enjoy wedding season guilt and waste-free.
* Access...2018-06-1220 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting023: Minimalism + The Mental Load
Everyone’s talking about the mental load these days.
On today’s episode, we analyze the ways in which this endless To-Do List + minimalism collide.
My guest this week is Leslie Forde. She divulges takeaways she’s gained from her data-driven approach to studying the mental load; she gets deeply personal, too.
This week, we:
– Describe EXACTLY HOW the mental load erodes well-being,
– Prioritize the needs of busy women, and
– Reveal the real reason why I started this podcast (It isn’t for the reasons you think!).
This episode is a must-l...2018-06-0536 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting022: Debunking KonMari Myths
“Tiidying [the KonMari way] … is meant to be an exercise of self-expression, self-discovery, self-care + self-love. It’s the hard work that creates the change.”
MARIE. KONDO. Ever heard of her?
On today’s episode, we’re diving deep into her groundbreaking decluttering method with two *certified* KonMari consultants.
My guests have dedicated their lives to the KonMari way. On today’s episode, they:
– Explain why Marie Kondo ISN’T a minimalist,
– Address the Number One criticism of the KonMari method, and
– Debunk common KonMari myths by listing essential Dos + Don’ts.
I̵...2018-05-2939 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting021: Low-Waste on a Low Budget
“There are people who are on the hustle; (they’re) worried about making rent. They’re not thinking about their trash.”
It’s sad but true: Sustainable living is exponentially harder for low-income individuals.
That’s because eco-consciousness can be expensive; it’s a drain on mental energy + time, too.
My guest this week is Ghoncheh Azadeh: she’s a sustainability warrior who comes to our conversation armed with challenges specific to eco-minimalism on a budget.
First, our conversation is theoretical:
– Is environmental consciousness an upper class privilege?
– Why do sustainable choices often carry a...2018-05-2225 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting020: Zero-Waste Baby Steps
“The term ‘zero-waste’ sounds really daunting, especially for normal people (with) busy lives … but if you take it slow it’s really not that overwhelming.”
To celebrate our 20th episode, I’m thrilled to offer Part One of a Two-Part series on the zero-waste lifestyle!
This week, I present two mini-interviews with women on different stages of their shared journey toward sustainability:
First there’s Julie: A mission trip to Nicaragua contrasted sharply with the throw-away culture of life back home. The experience catapulted Julie toward the zero-waste movement soon after.
Then there’s Laura: On a whim + withou...2018-05-1542 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting019: Tiny Home, Gigantic Life with Emily Gerde
“Before knowing anything about tiny houses, I walked around my 2,200 square-foot home and was like, ‘Wow, this room is completely empty besides, like, a chair. I have this space that I’m heating and cooling and I’m not even using it.”
Is it time to rethink the ‘bigger is better’ mentality?
This week’s guest says yes.
Emily Gerde is an author, tiny home dweller + advocate of the tiny home movement. HGTV featured her tiny home search; today; she and her family live comfortably in just 325 square feet.
On this episode, we:
...2018-05-0838 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting018: 10-Minute Tidying Tricks
There’s a big problem with minimalism.
Worse, no one’s talking about it.
The problem is this: While minimalism’s benefits include more mental space, extra free time + decreased anxiety, the process of actually becoming a minimalist requires EXTRA mental space, a TON of free time + OVER-THE-MOON anxiety.
That’s because completing a whole-house purge the way the gurus suggest is really, really hard.
Today we’re praising the power of 10 minutes. I suggest little tasks with big impacts to take on if (like me!) you’ve only got a little bit of time.2018-05-0118 min
Spark JoyEp 34 | Incremental Minimalism with Stephanie SeferianLiving a responsibly sustainable life while raising a young family is definitely a challenge. Join us this week as we learn about one mom’s journey to a joyful, minimalist home.
Our guest this week is Stephanie Seferian of Mama Minimalist.
Stephanie lives just outside of Boston with her husband and two daughters.
She podcasts and blogs weekly about how the themes of minimalism, sustainability, decluttering, low-waste living and parenting intersect.
Her podcast, The Sustainable Minimalist, features eco-friendly tips and incremental strategies for cutting through clutter as a means to more fully en...2018-04-2433 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting017: Financial Freedom + Minimalism
“I used to be … a Sport Shopper. I loved to shop for fun. I would just go shopping and there was never really a plan, I would just go shopping and I would buy what was on sale even though I didn’t need it, and I would fill my closet and home with things I didn’t need.”
Sound familiar?
This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Rose Lounsbury, a minimalism coach, author + self-described former Sport Shopper. We dive deep into her trademarked decluttering method; we get a little silly, too.
On this e...2018-04-2440 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting016: Earth Day, Every Day
On April 22, 193 countries celebrate Earth Day.
The premise of the holiday is great, right? It’s a day dedicated to planting trees. Picking up trash. Recycling.
But there’s a big problem with Earth Day, and it’s this: It’s just one day out of 365, then it’s over.
When it comes to the state of our planet, there’s not much to celebrate; that’s why I suggest we honor Mother Nature differently. This Earth Day, let’s NOT pick up trash. Let’s stop producing it, instead.
On this episode...2018-04-1720 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting015: The Sustainable Entertaining Checklist
There’s nothing more cringe-worthy than an overflowing trashcan full of disposable plates + silverware following a party.
Uneaten, discarded food is wasteful, depressing.
And mounds of wine + beer bottles headed for the landfill instead of the recycling center? Ouch. Painful.
It’s possible to host affordably + sustainably. This week, I’m delighted to show you how!
* Access this week’s Show Notes (+ grab the free Low Waste Party Checklist!) here.
* Like what you hear? Please leave the podcast a review! This helps reach more interested listeners.2018-04-1026 minThe Sustainable Minimalists Podcast: Eco-Friendly Families | Simple Living + Parenting014: Get Supermarket Savvy
On this episode:
– We confront the massive problem that is food waste.
– We address the relationship between spending habits + food.
– We slash into the plastic waste our homes create.
It all starts (+ stops!) at the supermarket. This week, I’m thrilled to offer 4 tips to get eco-savvy at the supermarket and 4 more tips to slash into waste at home.
* Access this week’s Show Notes here.
* Want the Show Notes sent straight to your inbox? Sign up here!2018-04-0320 min
Building Psychological Strength0043 | Stephanie Seferian | Why You Shouldn't Settle for 'Fine'How many times per day do you use the word 'fine?' "How are you?" "I'm fine." "How's work?" "Oh, it's fine." "How was your weekend?" "It was fine." Talk about settling for mediocrity! What happened to GREAT?! This week, you're going to meet Stephanie Seferian, the woman behind the blog Mama Minimalist. In her 20's she acquired two graduate degrees and taught English Literature to high school students. However, she had her first daughter in 2014 and experienced an internal crisis! She just wasn’t passionate about teaching. She left the classroom shortly after.2018-01-3127 min