Sustainable Minimalists

The first iPhone hit the market in 2007 and most of us jumped on the smartphone bandwagon without looking back. 15 years later, countless studies document the pitfalls associated with reliance on powerful tech at our (literal) fingertips: impaired cognitive functioning, loss of self-esteem, and increased depression and anxiety are just a few.The minimalist cell phone movement seeks to take back what smartphones have taken from us, and it advocates for the return of simple phones without distractions, apps, or advertisements.On today's show I answer a listener's question about the Wisephone. Do minimalist cell phones actually give us our lives back, or do they simply seek to target a very particular subset of buyers? Here's a preview:[4:30] Why you should be concerned about your cellular data and privacy (plus: how a minimalist cell phone can protect you)[9:00] What research says about the human tendency to become psychologically dependent on technology[14:30] 3 benefits to the "pure and simple" Wisephone[19:30] 3 real-time problems with the minimalist cell phone movement[25:00] How and why smartphones are necessary for participation in today's economy (and how to fight back)[27:30] Weighing long-term, intangible benefits with short-term, tangible ones when deciding whether a minimalist cell phone is right for you Resources mentioned: Interview with Elana Mugdan, the ‘Scroll Free for a Year’ winner Episode #208: How To Protect Yourself From EMFs At Home  Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

Gas prices are through the roof and we're feeling the pinch at the gas station. Is now the right time to invest in an electric vehicle?There's no sugarcoating it: Automobiles leave a big footprint. Extracting petroleum products from the earth and shipping them around the planet is both energy-intensive and damaging (let's not forget about oil spills!). There's also the tailpipe emissions problem: vehicles in the US are responsible for a whopping one-third of all air pollution in the country.The rollout of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and traditional hybrids is good news if you’re looking for an alternative to the combustion engine, and that's because these models provide energy-efficient transportation while lowering/eliminating tailpipe emissions, diminishing noise, and reducing operating costs.On today's show my guest and I outline 5 things to consider before purchasing or leasing your next vehicle. Jon Linkov is the Deputy Autos Editor at Consumer Reports and he brings a wealth of real-world knowledge as both a tester of cars and an owner of an electric vehicle to our conversation.Here's a preview:[2:30] The major differences as well as the minor intricacies that distinguish hybrids and plug-in hybrids from electric vehicles[9:00] The price problem: Weighing sticker prices with federal and state rebates and gasoline costs[13:00] Everything you need to know about the $7500 US Federal Tax Incentive on (some) electric vehicles[17:30] Should we be concerned about running out of charge? All-things charging, charging stations, at-home charger installation, and the average driving ranges of top EV models[22:00] Do EVs and hybrids need more frequent — and more expensive — maintenance? (Hint: the answer is no.)[24:00] Jon's thoughts on whether alternate technologies are actually fun to drive Resources mentioned and further reading: How to Decide If a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully Electric Car Is Right for You (via Consumer Reports) The Environmental Impacts of Cars, Explained (via National Geographic) More Americans Would Buy an Electric Vehicle, and Some Consumers Would Use Low-Carbon Fuels, Survey Shows --* 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

Underneath all of life's burdens, many of us experience the triple losses of time, freedom, and mental space. Self-care is generally touted as burnout's antidote, and advocates argue that regular self-care routines lower stress, anxiety, and frustration while simultaneously improving energy, concentration, and overall life satisfaction.Sounds wonderful, right? But there's a problem with #selfcare culture: In a capitalist society, anything and everything becomes a sellable product or service, self-care included. Indeed, these days the term 'self-care' is often used synonymously with spa days, last-minute getaways, and other actions that require a financial transaction.On today’s show we attempt to answer this very 2022 question: Is self-care a commodity that is best purchased, or is the idea that taking care of ourselves must be outsourced the epitome of late stage capitalism? Here's a preview:[1:15] Differentiating between an expanded view of self-care versus a narrow, contorted one[4:33] Understanding the ways in which capitalism misconstrues our collective notion of self-care[8:15] Defining late stage capitalism (with real life examples!)[12:20] The 4 categories of self-care[18:30] Communal care is self-care: 3 benefits to thinking of others - not the self! - first Resources mentioned: Why the Phrase 'Late Capitalism' Is Suddenly Everywhere (via The Atlantic) We Need To Move On From Self-Care To Something That Cannot Be Captured By Capitalism (via The Guardian)  --Thank you to this week's sponsors! Ettitude: Use code SUSTAINABLE for 20% off bamboo bedding Thrive Market: Head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for up to $80 in free groceries AprilAire: Check out their air purifying and filtration options at AprilAire.com --* 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

All too often (and perhaps without even realizing it!) many of us live our lives by taking the path of least resistance. What's the easiest choice? What's most convenient? But there's cognitive dissonance to be felt when we sacrifice our values in the name of convenience, and experiencing such dissonance can be uncomfortable.Today I speak with author and social impact expert Sharon Schneider about how seemingly small daily choices can enhance a life of alignment with your heart-first goals. Sharon believes that intentional living often means sacrificing short-term convenience for larger-than-you goals, and she's on the podcast to show us how. Here's a preview:[8:30] We shouldn't be give back; we should simply give. Here's why[10:30] Thoughts on rugged individualism, self-centered living, and curating social circles around different shared values[12:00] The fundamentals of the Convenience Tax, plus how and why to tax yourself[17:00] Are we just lazy? The origins of the 'convenience' problem (with ways to resist its allure in the future)[21:00] 2 ways to make your charitable giving go further Resources mentioned: Handbook For An Integrated Life: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Everyday Choices with Your Internal Compass (via IndieBound) Have you left your favorite podcasts a review yet? Today's the day to get it done!  Thank you to this week's sponsors! Ettitude: Use code SUSTAINABLE for 20% off bamboo bedding Thrive Market: Head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for up to $80 in free groceries AprilAire: Check out their air purifying and filtration options at AprilAire.com --* 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

Comedian Phyllis Diller famously once said, "Housework can't kill you, but why take the risk?"Our homes are for living, and living is a messy business. But warding off messes before they become unmanageable is indeed possible, and seasoned minimalists often rely on tried-and-true prevention techniques to reduce both housework and overwhelm.On today's show I offer 5 and a half tips to help you vacuum, fold, and dust less so you can enjoy life more. Resources mentioned: Episode #013: The How & Why Of Turning Off "The Noise" Episode #006: The Ultimate Kid's Capsule Blueprint --* 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

Calorie counting, diet cycling, and heaps of food guilt. Sound familiar? We have diet culture to thank for our body image woes, and that's because corporations first sell us unhealthy food that detracts from our health, and then we're sold the promise of yet another restrictive diet as the ultimate - and only - solution.Today my guest and I answer a listener's question about the fundamentals of intuitive eating. Claire Chewning is a Registered Dietician who believes we can recover from the negative mental, emotional, and physical effects of diet culture by first rejecting the food and weight messages our culture bombards us with every single day. Here's a preview:[5:30] An introduction to the 10 principles of intuitive eating[6:45] The problems associated with diet culture (plus: how diet culture keeps us unhealthy)[9:30] Distinguishing between calorie deficits and health promoting behaviors[11:00] The un-learning process as it relates to internalized lies regarding size and self-worth[23:00] Can intuitive eating help emotional eaters?[26:00] Intuitive eating first steps Resources mentioned: Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition Claire on 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

Materialistic, overly consumptive, and incredibly wasteful: The stereotype of the average American isn't flattering. And while being wasteful isn't a personality trait most of us aspire to have, for many US citizens, wasting enormous amounts of resources and money is simply our way of life.Fellow Americans, we can do better. On today's show I rank order 10 specific ways Americans waste money without even realizing it; I also offer practical action steps toward resourcefulness for today and onward.--* 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

Ah, 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 point that you can make lasting, happy memories with your loved ones *and* keep your kids learning this summer without spending money on new board games.(A note from Stephanie: This episode is the fourth in the "Best Things Are Free" series in which the podcast dives deep into life's little pleasures that also happen to not cost money. To listen to other episodes in the series, check out #259: Rich Conversations, #246: Sleep, and #255: Storytime.) Here's a preview:[ 2:25] 10 research-backed benefits to family game night[4:30] Stephanie's 6 best tips for hosting a successful game event[9:00] Thoughts on being a minimalist who also loves games: also, what to consider when investing in new games[19:00] How to intentionally incorporate 21st Century technology into modern game nights __* 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

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 --* 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

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  -- * 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