Sustainable Minimalists

Too many choices breeds uncertainty, and excessive clothing options makes getting dressed harder, not easier. But knowing intuitively what looks good on you? Such knowledge simplifies shopping, reduces your environmental impact, and creates a coordinated wardrobe without unnecessary effort.Today I speak with Jeannie Stith, founder and CEO of Color Guru. Jeannie is an expert at matching people to their ideal color palette so they can look their best and save money. Today we discuss how you can create closet boundaries by honing in on your ideal colors, body shape, and personal style.Here's a preview:[4:15] Why black is not a universal color that everyone can wear well (and what to wear instead)[9:45] How to determine your undertones as a means of informed clothes shopping[11:30] 3 universal colors that look great on everyone[12:30] The paradox of choice: Why having too many choices leads to confusion and unease[22:00] Have a closet full of clothes in the wrong colors? Here's what to do Resources mentioned: Episode #166: 8 Minimalist Style Principles Episode #079: The Secret To A Successful Capsule Wardrobe Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest. Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

Online shopping has made buying more convenient, sure. But because we can't touch, feel, and try items on when perusing e-commerce sites, return rates have skyrocketed. Each year in the US alone, shoppers return approximately 3.5 billion products, only 20% of which are actually defective. Spoiler alert: these perfectly new and non-defective items that we return? Workers only very rarely restock them for sale.Today I divulge what *actually* happens to clothing that we buy online and then return; I'm also offering up some practical action steps for everyone (like myself!) who enjoys shopping online. Here's a preview:[5:15] How did we get here? A brief history of fast, free, no questions asked returns[7:00] The major differences between forward logistics and reverse logistics[12:00] What happens to the clothes we return: landfill, merchandizer, or abroad[16:15] 5 ways to reduce returns sent back to manufacturers Resources mentioned: What Actually Happens To Your Online Returns? (via HuffPost) Did you know there's a book based on THIS podcast? (Thank you for supporting my work!)  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #105: Where Do Goodwill Donations Go?Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

Most of us don’t tend to think about the environmental or ethical consequences associated with coffee; we just like what we like. And because there's something about the ritual of drinking coffee that's so deeply embedded in our daily lives, we often stick with what we've always done—and buy the brand we've always bought—instead of attempting to brew a more ethical cup of joe.Today I'm discussing all-things coffee with David Sells, co-founder of organic coffee subscription service Better Grounds. Dave is here to divulge how we can reduce our environmental impact simply by tweaking our coffee-related routines. Here's a preview:[4:15] 5 dirty little secrets the average coffee drinker doesn't know about their morning cup[7:00] Why most coffee is priced too cheap (and what you should *actually* be paying)[10:00] Commodity versus specialty coffee's taste and quality differences[14:00] The benefits (and drawbacks) associated with Fair Trade[16:00] 5 things to look for when making an ethical coffee purchase * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #125: How Sustainable Minimalists Do Summer. Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

We tend to frame intentional, eco-friendly living in terms of reduction: Create less trash. Lower that carbon footprint. Tread lighter on our shared planet. But a reduction-centered mindset assumes that we can only be less bad; there's nothing to be said about forcing tangible good.What if we reframed the conversation to one that assumes we can leave the planet BETTER than we found it?Can we give more than we take and, if so, how?Today I'm speaking with Beth Craig. Beth believes each of us can make a legitimate difference and so she's on the show to outline her 5-step process to leaving a radical footprint; she also offers important reminders about the usefulness of giving as we head into the holiday season. Here's a preview:[5:00] Step 1: Asking the difficult questions and getting clear on the life you actually want to live[11:00] Step 2: How to unplug from advertising for consumer empowerment[14:00] Step 3: Minimizing your carbon footprint as much as possible (without sacrificing your quality of life)[16:00] Step 4: How to make the world better than you found it by giving[17:15] Step 5: Why you should diligently track your efforts and adjust for greater benefit Resources mentioned: tisbest.org Episode #131: 5 Carbon Footprint Facts You Likely Didn't Know Beth's list of vetted charities   * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

When it comes to giving presents, sustainable minimalists understand that less is more and thoughtful is better. Indeed, minimalist holiday gift ideas don't manifest themselves when walking the mall; you can't find them by panic buying in the days leading up to Christmas, either.Need some inspiration? Today I'm thrilled to turn the mic over to you the listeners as you offer up nearly 2 dozen non-consumer gifts for the holiday season. Here's a preview:[2:20] Making (and preserving!) memories through experiences and photos[5:20] 7 personalized DIY gift ideas (that will also be appreciated)[9:15] 2 book-related minimalist gift ideas[13:00] Creating new traditions as a means of buying less junk[16:00] When in doubt, donate[19:00] Thoughts on the "gift in a box" hack Resources mentioned: Yankee Swap rules Heifer International Did you know there's a book based on THIS podcast? (Thank you for supporting my work!)  Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

Instead of legitimate reform, companies often rebrand their problematic practices as "green," "woke," and "ethical." Not surprisingly, we consumers are both angry and disillusioned by these marketing lies. But when we use our collective purchasing power to fight back, we show our strength. Hence, the power of the purse.Today I speak with author Tanja Hester. While Tanja doesn't offer easy solutions or simple answers in our conversation, she does lay a roadmap for making better (not perfect!) money moves that positively impact both people and the planet. Here's a preview:[4:30] Tanja's views on capitalism, plus: where democracy falls short[9:30] Thoughts on the power of the purse, elitism, and privilege[13:15] Is this too cheap? Understanding true cost as a means of stepping away from the desire to score a deal[18:00] The four questions we should ask ourselves before spending money[25:30] Individual action for collective change Resources mentioned: Wallet Activism: How To Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn, and Save As A Force For Change Go on with your bad self and leave this show a quick Apple Podcasts review (thank you!)   * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

The holidays are here, and the season is about relationships first and foremost. And while we may understand intuitively that gift giving is just one way in which we can show love, our days leading up to Christmas will likely be filled with chasing sales, navigating crowded shopping malls, and wrapping piles of gifts.I believe that we can show deep, meaningful love in many ways. But if we don't? We as a culture will always revert to consumerism's default of giving physical gifts.On today’s show we are discussing how to apply the wisdom of the 5 love languages to our closest relationships, especially during the holidays. Here's a preview:[3:00] A love language refresher: what on earth are they?[6:00] What the modern day love language conversation gets wrong[10:30] 3 ways to use the wisdom of the love languages for stronger interpersonal connections[14:00] Kid-specific ways to show love without giving gifts[15:30] Thoughts on managing overindulgent grandparents Resources mentioned: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #046: Sweet Simplicity During The Holidays. Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

Capitalism has coerced us into thinking about contentment in terms of possessions, and many of us accumulate both stuff and money in hopes of living happier. But time and time again research finds that happiness is actually found in places that are notoriously free: in getting good sleep, in nurturing quality relationships, and in giving, to name a few.Today I bring you an interview with podcaster Julia Szpor. Julia and I discuss the latest science-backed findings into how each of us can live happier in a culture that glorifies consumption. Here's a preview:[10:30] Do genetics come into play when discussing happiness?[11:15] The Number One way to teach yourself to overcome Negativity Bias[15:15] Letting go of expectations for greater well-being[19:45] What science says about spending money on others[22:00] Why thinking critically about the 5 people you spend the most time with is worth the effort[24:00] Where you should *actually* spend your money for long term happiness Resources mentioned:Box Giver * Want more episodes like this one? Check out #074: How To Live Large By Living With Less.* Watch the extended (and lightly edited) version of this episode on YouTube.* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest. Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

"I have a number of clothing items that don’t fit in boxes on the top of my cupboard. My weight fluctuates so frequently (and I have a newborn) that it seems irresponsible to get rid of things that don’t fit, yet I hate having clutter! Should I keep clothes that don't currently fit? When do I just let it go?" Keeping clothes that don't fit prevents you from accepting your body as it is today. Still, we all do it, as our "skinny" clothes encourage us to hold onto past glories of thinness and youth.On this short and sweet episode I'm answering a listener's question about best practices for regarding storing clothing items that don't fit our bodies right now.Here's a preview:[5:00] Challenging 3 commonly held beliefs about size and worth[7:00] The real problems with keeping clothes that don't fit in your closet[11:40] Considering a future reality (not a future fantasy)[15:00] 3 steps to storing clothes that don't currently fit Resources mentioned:Episode #195: Minimalist Mindset Shifts Toward Body Acceptance * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content

There's no way around it: more stuff means more sedentarism.Products of convenience move on our behalf, and our kids are moving their bodies less than any other generation in human history. Our culture–and the items the market produces to support our ways of life—dissuade self-sufficiency, and so creating a movement-rich life for our health and for the planet's may often feel like an uphill battle.This week I speak with author and biomechanist Katy Bowman. Katy offers tangible ways to reclaim the movement opportunities that have been lost to the conveniences associated with modern living. Here's a preview:[7:30] The relationship between carbon footprints, pleasure, and movement lost[16:00] How to become more tolerant of movement in the house[19:15] Ways to engage kids who don't consider themselves "outdoorsy"[22:45] Multitasking versus stacking: What's the difference (and why does it matter?)[25:20] 2 steps listeners can take right now to reclaim movement opportunities that have been lost to convenience Resources mentioned: Grow Wild: The Whole-Child, Whole-Family, Nature-Rich Guide to Moving More Katy on Instagram Save The Earth book series Watch the extended version of this interview on Youtube  * Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.