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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).

Copyright: © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Latest Episodes:

Fashion's Missing Link Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

Perhaps you’ve seen buzzwords like upcycled, renewed, or repurposed on fashion websites and are confused. Perhaps, too, you've invested in natural fibers when purchasing clothes but doing so simply doesn't seem like you're doing enough.

While the planet operates in a circular system in which everything is reused and repurposed, the fashion industry operates within a vastly different, linear system. Big Fashion gets away with an awful lot of unethical practices: you're right, then, to wonder whether you're missing a piece of the puzzle.

Today I speak with blogger and podcaster Elizabeth Joy about what it takes to push brands toward planet over profit. Elizabeth drives home the point that a circular fashion system includes all of us — brands, designers, consumers, and politicians — working toward the singular goal of circularity.

This episode is for intermediate sustainable minimalists who have already completed first steps toward overhauling the way they think about clothes and are ready to go deeper into being part of the (circular) solution.

Here's a preview:

[3:00] 2 things Big Fashion is doing wrong in 2022

[10:30] Can synthetic fibers be part of a circular fashion economy?

[17:30] 5 sneaky examples of greenwashing in the fashion industry

[24:30] Everything you need to know about the Higgs Index

[26:30] 3 action steps for conscious fashion consumers that go beyond what we put in our closets

Resources mentioned:

Thousand Fell sneakers
California Cloth Foundry
Episode #274: Plant-Based Fashion
The Fabric Act: Take Action
How Fashion Giants Recast Plastic as Good for the Planet (via NY Times)
Conscious Style Podcast
Remake
Clean Clothes Campaign

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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
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Skimpflation Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

You've likely noticed that we're in a period of inflation, and that's because rising prices are difficult to ignore (hey there, gasoline!). But what about nonexistent customer service, smaller food packages, and the nagging, overall sense that we as consumers are getting the bad end the deal every time we make a purchase?

That, my friends, is skimpflation.

When you start looking for skimpflation in real life you'll see it everywhere. On today's show I'm uncovering the sneaky tactics brands use to maintain their bottom line at the expense of consumers; I'm also suggesting 3 action steps for us, the little guys and gals, during periods of inflation.

Here's a preview:

[1:45] An inflation review: What it is and how it affects you and me

[4:20] Greedflation: Why some mega corps jack up prices (and reap increased profits)

[10:00] Sneaky and stealthy skimpflation examples

[13:00] Is this really "family size"? Shrinkflation 101

[15:30] 3 action steps for conscious consumers in times of inflation

Resources mentioned:

Beware Of 'Shrinkflation,' Inflation's Devious Cousin (via NPR)
Cancelled flight? Shoddy clothing? Disappointing meal? Blame skimpflation, the hidden curse of 2022 (via The Guardian)
Here’s What You Need to Know About America’s Super-Hot Inflation (via NY Times)
Episode #279: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

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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

An Extremely Simple Eco Summer Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

Can a sun-toasting, memory-making, blue sky summer also be eco-friendly?

I believe that the greenest habits are the ones that don't cost much money; they'd never upend our already busy lives, either. Today I speak with Paul Hope, Home & Garden Editor for Consumer Reports, and together we offer 8 summer-specific tweaks to your days that are so easy-peasy you won't even realize you're *also* helping the planet.

Here's a preview:

[2:45] Summer is for barbecues: 3 tips for grilling smarter during your next cookout

[7:15] The rise of battery-powered outdoor tools (as confirmed by testing, the new ones actually work!)

[9:50] Adios, old-school sprinkler systems: 2 lawn mowing and lawn watering best practices

[18:00] Common-sense ways to help out your air conditioner on hot days

[21:00] Thoughts on making your freezer work for you this summer

Resources mentioned:

Episode #262: No Mow May
Sustainable Living Guide (via Consumer Reports)
45 Ways to Save More and Waste Less at Home (via Consumer Reports)
RainMachine Touch HD-12

* 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 Power Of Anticipation Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

A vacation. A dinner party. The arrival of a package you've been waiting for. There’s happiness to be found in looking forward to something, and that's because anticipation simultaneously increases levels of optimism and decreases feelings of irritability.

But in a consumerist culture, it's often assumed that anticipation's benefits come with spending money. Don't bigger purchases and grander trips equate to greater happiness? And what about expectation? Isn't expecting something in the future one of life's greatest joy suckers?

On today's show I'm offering four research-backed ways to harness the power of anticipation in your daily life without spending a lot of money.

Here's a preview:

[2:30] The difference between mini-thrills and major thrills (hint: they aren't that different)

[5:50] Experiences over things: What research says about money spent on doing

[10:15] Pinning down your future self as a means of harnessing anticipation NOW

[14:45] Thoughts on anticipation versus expectation, living in the moment, and letting anticipation be enough

Resources mentioned:

* 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

Seventh Gen, Unilever & SLS Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are found in loads of personal care, beauty, and cleaning products. But there are both environmental and human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES: why, then, do eco-conscious brands continue to include such surfactants in their product offerings?

On today's show I'm answering a listener's question about the well-known "green" brand, Seventh Generation. Why does their laundry detergent list Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as its first ingredient? Is Seventh Generation *actually* eco-conscious, and how does Unilever play into the equation?

Here's a preview:

[1:30] Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is in nearly everything. Here's why

[3:30] The connection between SLS and palm oil

[4:20] Seventh Generation and Unilever: The problems with mega-corporations

[8:30] Human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES

[12:00] 3 considerations when purchasing health, beauty, and cleaning products

Resources mentioned:

* 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

Divesting Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

Whenever you add money to your bank account, it doesn't just sit there. Your bank lends your money to industries and projects with the intent of making a profit. Many banks (and all the big name banks in particular) regularly invest OUR money into the fossil fuels industry, thereby funding the continued mining and burning of oil, coal, and gas.

To give you a scope of the problem: In 2021 alone, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America spent a combined $137 BILLION on fossil fuel projects.

There's a solution, and it's divesting. Intentionally putting your money in places that don't fund the fossil fuels industry is a small lifestyle tweak that will do loads of good for the planet.

Today I speak with Certified Financial Planner Gary Grewal about finding the right bank or credit union that's aligned with your values.

Here's a preview:

[2:30] What banks actually do with your hard-earned money

[6:10] The big bank worst offenders

[14:30] How to find a better bank

[17:30] 3 reasons why you may want to consider your local credit union for your banking needs

[24:00] Gary's personal and professional thoughts on Aspiration

Resources mentioned:

* 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

All-Things Eggs Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

There's lots to consider when buying eggs. What does "humanely raised" mean, exactly, and are free-range eggs actually worth the extra cost?

As it turns out, there are many misleading claims on egg cartons. On today's short and sweet episode I'm answering listener Lauren's question about intentional egg purchasing. My goal is to arm you with facts - not marketing gimmicks! - so that you can confidently spend in ways aligned with your values the next time you're at your farmer's market or grocery store.

Here's a preview:

[1:45] Cage-free vs. free range vs. pasture raised: Do these distinctions matter?

[6:00] Want to buy the healthiest eggs? Here's what to look for

[8:30] 4 marketing gimmicks designed to confuse consumers

[11:15] 3 3rd party certifications to look for on your next carton

Resources mentioned:

Did you know there's a book based on THIS podcast? Thank you for supporting my work!
Vital Farms
Oliver's Organic
Pete & Gerry's
Happy Egg Co.

* 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 Learned From Plants Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

Life provides countless opportunities each day to practice self-awareness and reflection. For some of us, such introspection happens when we exercise or meditate. For others, it naturally occurs when we're in touch with nature.

Today I speak with author Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the uber-popular Garden Marcus on social media. Marcus argues that nurturing plants also helps us grow as people, and so he's on the show to divulge 5 life lessons he's learned that are rooted in his time in his garden.

Here's a preview of the life lessons discussed today:

[4:30] You can't make anyone flourish, but you can nurture an environment conducive to flourishing. Here's how

[6:30] The importance of patience, awareness, and self-observation in the garden and in life

[11:30] Repotting: Giving yourself room to grow as a means of maximizing potential

[17:15] Sharing the fruits of your success with others for the benefit of both your community and yourself

[20:00] How to foster an environment conducive to your personal growth

Resources mentioned:

How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself
Garden Marcus on TikTok and Instagram

* 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 Trauma Response Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

It feels as though nearly every day Americans must process another mass shooting. Such traumatic events are a part of life in the US today and, if our recent history is to inform the future, these events will continue.

Today I speak with psychotherapist Lena Derhally about the human trauma response: which feelings are "normal", and which ones aren't? In the second part of today's conversation we discuss best practices for talking with our children about the tragedy at Robb Elementary School.

(Please note that while today's conversation is centered around the recent events in Uvalde, Texas, Lena's advice is applicable to all instances of gun violence.)

Here's a preview:

[4:00] Ongoing trauma and protective mechanisms: Numbness is normal!

[9:15] Thoughts on media sensationalism and the importance of turning off the news, at least sometimes

[11:30] The research-backed importance of taking action as a means of healing

[15:30] What to say (and what not to say!) to your children about gun violence in schools

[20:30] The importance of maintaining routines, rhythms, and schedules for your children

Resources mentioned:

The Facebook Narcissist

* 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

Plant-Based Fashion Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

The fashion industry is in a state of transition, and that's because fossil fuels-based synthetics simply aren't sustainable. Enter clothing made from plants: they are neither new or revolutionary (hey there, cotton, linen, and hemp!); still, clothing made from renewable fibers continues to expand in breadth and scope during this unique moment in time.

On today's show I speak with author Alyssa Couture about the innumerable ways in which plant fabrics support both humans and the planet. Alyssa has a wealth of knowledge regarding the the evolution of plant-based textiles (algae! cacti!); she also offers smart tips for listeners who seek to prioritize plants over synthetics when buying new.

Here's a preview:

[7:30] Bioplastics are the future: A quick primer

[16:00] Is it actually possible to clothe 7 billion people in plants? (Hint: soon)

[18:00] Harnessing the powers of desert and ocean plants to create luxurious (and biodegradable) fabrics

[21:00] How to use your wardrobe as a means of pushing change

Resources mentioned:

* 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

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