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Sustainable Minimalists — Health
Sustainable Minimalists

Creating eco-minimalist, non-toxic homes (without the extra work). Although minimalism has experienced a rebirth in recent years, the "less is more" movement has been around for centuries. Yet today's minimalist influencers have resurrected minimalism with a decidedly consumerist spin, as modern minimalism is nearly synonymous with decluttering. While there's a lot of chatter about tidying, it's radio silence and crickets when it comes to sustainability. The result? Aspiring minimalists find themselves on an endless hamster wheel of buying, decluttering, buying more, and purging again. Overemphasizing decluttering and underemphasizing the reasons why we overbuy in the first place is thoroughly inconsistent with slow living as a movement; consumption without intention is terrible for the planet, too. Your host, Stephanie Seferian, is a stay-at-home/podcast-from-home mom and author who believes that minimalism, eco-friendliness, and non-toxic living are intrinsically intertwined. She's here to explore the topics of conscious consumerism, sustainability, and environmentally-friendly parenting practices with like-minded women; she's here, too, to show you how to curate eco-friendly, decluttered homes (without the extra work).

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Latest Episodes:

Expansion Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Success is often accomplished with grit, resilience, and action. Still, many of us women are bogged down by countless pressures each and every day. Who has time to work toward goals when the obstacles in the way somehow feel both mundane yet unconquerable?

You can face steep odds and still find happiness, and that's because every woman has wells of resilience within to help get us through.

Today I speak with career and leadership coach Jennifer Pestikas about making the choice to take up space; she also offers the nuts and bolts behind boldly expanding.

Here's a preview:

[3:45] What should be in your resiliency toolbox (and how to build yours)

[7:30] Thoughts on managing the pressures associated with being the first, the only, or different

[15:00] Breaking down reasons why women sometimes make themselves small/diminish their accomplishments

[24:00] What to do when you find yourself at the intersection of defeat and reinvention

Resources mentioned:

The Nine Enneagram Descriptions (via the Enneagram Institute)
Gallup Strength Finder
Good On You app
Brave Women At Work: Stories Of Resilience

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* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Thrive Market: head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for 30% off your order and a free gift.
Helix Sleep: Get $400 off and 2 free pillows at https://birchliving.com/sustainable.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

O Christmas Tree Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

Ah, the holidays. The 5-ish weeks between Black Friday and New Year's Day tend to be an extended party of sorts in which many of us overspend, overeat/drink, overdecorate, and excessively waste. The excesses associated with the holidays come with a hefty environmental cost: on average, US households produce 25% more trash than normal between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day; worse, wonton wastefulness can (and does) add more than half a metric ton onto our annual carbon footprints.

I believe it's entirely possible to have a joyous December without the waste and so, on today's show, we discuss practical ways to spread holiday cheer with the planet in mind.

Here's a preview:

[2:00] Artificial, local, root ball intact, and more: Breaking down the Christmas tree conundrum via Steph's handy dandy grading rubric

[17:00] 4 of the most impactful (and practical!) ways to spread good tidings without being wasteful, according to mathematics

Resources mentioned:

Organic Christmas Tree Farms Near You Database
The Carbon Trust's Tips For A More Sustainable Christmas (via Carbon Trust)
Join us on Instagram! (Seriously! Just do it, we're having lots of fun!)
Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

Thrive Market: head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for 30% off your order and a free gift.
Helix Sleep: Get $400 off and 2 free pillows at https://birchliving.com/sustainable.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From FOMO To JOMO Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO) is about actively turning from the external stimuli that neither serves nor ignites. And whereas Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is rooted in external validation, obtaining JOMO is a giant leap toward serving your internal self.

During the holidays and always, it pays to get intentional about All. The. Things: Our priorities, our precious free moments and, of course, our long-term goals. On today's show we first discuss our collective affinity as human beings for simplistic comparisons; we also break down 4 action steps toward a more intentional (and self-soothing!) way of being.

Here's a preview:

[2:30] The historical origins of social comparison

[10:30] Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself: Here's how

[12:00] The Number One question people pleasers should ask themselves before committing

[21:00] 7 effects of cortisol on the body, plus practical thoughts on *actually* slowing down

Resources mentioned:

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Thrive Market: head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for 30% off your order and a free gift.
Helix Sleep: Get $400 off and 2 free pillows at https://birchliving.com/sustainable.

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* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Life Lessons Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Parenting the eco-minimalist way is, well, difficult. It's also an 18-ish year commitment that goes directly against societal norms.

I'm no expert, but I do believe that impactful parenting starts by capitalizing on teachable moments. On today's show I speak with Elizabeth Ireland about *exactly how* she passes 3 central eco-minimalist lessons onto her children.

Here's a preview of the 3 life lessons we discuss today:

[9:30] Teaching children how to give

[20:00] Preparing our progeny for life: The 'why' and 'how' behind decluttering

[27:00] Imparting the elusive skill of not needing to get everything we want

Resources mentioned:

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Thrive Market: head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for 30% off your order and a free gift.
Helix Sleep: Get $400 off and 2 free pillows at https://birchliving.com/sustainable.

--

* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Attitude-Behavior Gap Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

The attitude-behavior gap is a fancy schmancy research term that describes the discrepancy between what we say and what we do. When it comes to eco-minimalist living, many of us quietly experience an oversized gap between our values (save the planet! live minimally!) and our actions (buy single use plastic! purchase on impulse!).

On today's show we are diving into the recesses of this, well, gap. Why does it exist for the vast majority of us, and how can we close it?

Here's a preview:

[2:00] A breakdown of the 5 distinct consumer personas: Which one are you?

[11:00] 5 reasons why the attitude-behavior gap exists

[18:00] 5 steps to closing your own attitude-behavior gap

Resources mentioned/Further reading:

How To Bridge The Intention-Behavior Gap
Closing the Attitude-Behavior Gap: The Case of Solidarity Purchase Groups
When You Feel Blue About the Environment, Act Green (via Psychology Today)
How Brands Can Embrace the Sustainable Fashion Opportunity (via Bain & Company)

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* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Minimalism And Well-Being Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Many minimalists boast that living simply has improved their well-being in a myriad of ways. The problem, however, is that such statements are anecdotal. Does research back up these personal stories? What - if anything - does science say about minimalism's benefits?

On today's show Shannon and Gerry Arner and I marry research findings re: simple living with day-to-day experience.

Here's a preview:

[5:45] The link between materialism and loneliness

[10:00] How living simply on purpose impacts well-being

[14:30] Cortisol be gone: The negative correlation between clutter and mental health

[20:00] How to use minimalism as a re-centering tool

[22:00] Practical ways to infuse slightly more minimalism into your daily life

Resources mentioned:

Arner Adventures on Instagram
What Can Minimalism Do For Mental Health? (via Psychology Today)

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* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How To Buy Laundry Detergent Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

There'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?

[6:15] Breaking down the 5 biggest environmental concerns associated with laundry detergent

[9:15] Everything you need to know about Polyvinyl Alcohol (I'm looking at you, pods and sheets)

[18:00] How to find a laundry detergent that's actually non-toxic

[22:00] Stephanie's detergent-buying grading rubric for informed purchasing decisions

Resources mentioned:

Episode #277: All-Things Eggs
Episode #294: A Better Trash Bag
Tandi's Naturals
Degradation of Polyvinyl Alcohol in US Wastewater Treatment Plants and Subsequent Nationwide Emission Estimate (via the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)
MamaSuds dryer ball
Fit Organic stain remover
Kind Laundry
Episode #279: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Impulse Buys Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Let's face it: Impulse buys are fun in the moment. But what feels good in the short-term doesn't always jive with our long-term goals and quick decisions may not align with our core values.

If you regularly buy on impulse, you're not alone. According to Shopify, over 87% of US shoppers make impulse buys and more than 50% of all grocery items are sold because of impulsiveness. Enter Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast. Jen and Jill argue that frugality at its roots means preserving all kinds of resources and they're on the show to help you uncover the emotion beneath impulse buys.

Here's a preview:

[6:30] The 'cheap' stigma: Reframing frugality from an undesirable trait to a positive one

[11:00] What has to happen before you tackle your impulsive spending habit

[18:00] When impulse spending is triggered by emotion

[24:00] Buying and belonging: How to reign in comparison-related purchases

[31:00] The 'both, and' approach: Holding the tension

Resources mentioned:

James Clear's Habit Loop
Frugal Friends Podcast
Want more episodes like this one? Check out # 258: Conscious Spending

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* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Too Much Of A Good Thing Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

There's such a thing as too much of a good thing. The key to a balanced life lies in moderation, as any of us who's ever overdone it knows that excess quickly becomes miserable.

On today's show we first discuss the Swedish concept of lagom, a.k.a. 'good enough' living. Next, we apply age-old, temperate wisdom to spending habits, interpersonal communication, tidying, and emotions.

Here's a preview:

[3:30] The middle is where we want to be. (Don't believe me? I'll prove it)

[6:30] 5 ways extreme thinking gets rewarded every darn day

[9:30] The Swedish philosophy of lagom, a.k.a. living with just the right amount

[17:00] How to apply the concepts of moderation and balance to our spending habits

[22:00] The Traffic Light Rule of interpersonal communication

[26:00] 3 real problems associated with emotion suppression

[29:00] When it comes to your home's tidiness, what's good enough?

Resources mentioned:

Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well
Moderation Is the Key to Life (via Psychology Today)
The Case for Moderation

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* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Rescue Effect Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

The World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report is a checkup on the health of Earth, and this year’s report is the most comprehensive yet. Spoiler alert: its findings aren't good.

But all's not doom and gloom: Enter the Rescue Effect, a perspective that believes there’s a lot to be optimistic about.

On this episode I’m excited to bring you two contrasting viewpoints to the biodiversity problem. First I speak with Brent Loken, Global Food Lead Scientist for the World Wildlife Fund; in the second part of today's show I speak with conservation expert Michael Mehta Webster about his new book, The Rescue Effect.

Here's a preview:

[2:30] An overview of the major findings from WWF's 2022 Living Planet Index

[6:00] What's going on in the tropics?

[19:00] The rescue effect in practice

[21:00] If nature has an inherent ability to persist, why do species go extinct?

[27:00] Can the rescue effect ensure the survival of human beings amidst the next great mass extinction event?

[33:00] How we can help give species a leg up, according to conservation experts

Resources mentioned:

2022 Living Planet Index (via the World Wildlife Fund)
The Rescue Effect: The Key To Saving Life On Earth

Our Sponsors:
* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists2448/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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