When it comes to our closets, the most sustainable practice is to wear what we already own. Donating clothes contributes to textile pollution; as such, it’s prudent to wear + re-wear our garments until they’re thoroughly worn out. But what if we have a closetful of items we simply aren’t wearing? If we’re being honest, what if we have a wardrobe comprised of outfits we’ll never wear again? Amanda Warfield is a capsule wardrobe expert who argues that the...

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The post 072: Why We Keep Clothes We Don’t Wear (+ How to Let Them Go) appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Conscious consumers are so much more than review-checkers. They don’t have their credit card information saved on Amazon. They’re not swayed by “deals” or “sales”, either. Conscious consumers don’t walk the shopping mall for fun + they certainly don’t follow marketplace trends. You’ve heard the term but – still! – its definition remains ambiguous. What is a conscious consumer, exactly? This week, I’m thrilled to identify key traits of intentional shoppers. I show you exactly how you can be one,...

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The post 071: Conscious Consumerism for Real People appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

    Did you know? The average American kitchen holds a whopping 1,019 items. Yet professional chefs argue that fully functioning kitchens demand *just* 16 items. No need to spend an arm + a leg on top of the line models, either: you, too, can whip up delectable meals with just 16 items that cost under $300 total. This week, I’m dabbling in the concepts of minimalists kitchens + minimalist cooking with simplicity wellness coach Mirley Guerra Graf. Mirley believes that...

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The post 070: The Basics of Minimalist Kitchens + Minimalist Cooking appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Freshly baked artisanal breads, still warm from the oven. Imported cheeses in original packaging. Untouched organic berries. Did you know? You can find all this + more in your local dumpster. Cameron Macleish first learned about the food waste epidemic as a broke college student. These days, he dumpster dives and – with his mom’s help – cooks delectable meals with his finds to push back against both food waste + food insecurity. While Cameron neither wants nor expects us to dumpster...

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The post 069: For Dumpster Diving Skeptics appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Have you scheduled self-care into your days lately? I get it: We’re all busy. When we must cut something, we almost always cut the tasks that rejuvenate ourselves from our schedules first. I believe that self-care is less about time-intensive, expensive spa treatments (although if they light you up, go for ’em!).  Instead, self-care is a collection of little habits that promote healthy + peaceful existences. On today’s episode, we get some serious self-care bang out of *just* 5 minutes. Liann Hughes is...

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The post 068: Self-care for Busy People appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  So you’ve slashed into the trash your household produces. (That’s great!) But what about when you’re out + about? Are you conscious of garbage when you’re on-the-go? The truth is this: Strategic handbags go a *long way* toward low-waste or zero-waste living. It’s easier than it sounds, too: I carry everything I need for eating out, doing errands + stopping anywhere spontaneous in my medium-sized shoulder bag. On today’s episode I divulge the ten items I keep with me at...

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The post 067: 10 Handbag Essentials for On-the-Go Sustainability appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Have you ever embarked on a dry month? Would you consider one? This week we explore the space where minimalism, intentional living + sobriety collide. My guest this week is blogger Kim Miller. Through the lenses of #winemom + motherhood drinking culture, Kim + I examine the idea that clutter isn’t *just* physical stuff. Clutter is old ideas + habits that don’t serve us. Clutter is anything that takes us out of the moment + away from our best selves, too. Kim...

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The post 066: How a Dry Month Complements Mental Minimalism appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Ever find yourself questioning the air quality in your home?  How about your water? Many of us have completed personal detoxes to eliminate internal toxins from our bodies. But how many of us tackle the toxins that reside in our homes? Toxins are everywhere, even in the cleanest of living spaces. As such, indoor air quality is typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Worst of all? Abundant toxins can + do lead to health problems. There is good news, +...

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The post 065: Your Guide to a Total Home Detox appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Let me guess: You like the *idea* of thrifting as a means of preserving both your hard-earned money + the planet. But in practice, things get muddled. Who has the time, energy or desire to sift through mounds of less-than-ideal garments in search of a genuine find? Here’s the good news: These days, it’s easier than ever to shop secondhand. My guest this week is Lauren Spraggins. She’s a fashion reseller who searches for, cleans, mends + presses secondhand items....

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The post 064: How to Shop Secondhand the 21st Century Way appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Humans are sick + are getting sicker. So is planet Earth.  Our health as a species is intricately linked to the health of our planet. Indeed, perhaps the most concerning aspect of greenhouse gases, polluted oceans + shrinking ecosystems is that – ultimately – we have manufactured an environment unfit for human life. My guest this week is Dr. Stephen Hussey. He’s a chiropractor, health coach + author who’s on the podcast to outline concrete action steps for reclaiming our...

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The post 063: Why We’re Sick + How to get Healthy (Hint: It Has to do with the Planet) appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Zero-waste living is easier than you think. The secret? It all starts at the supermarket. Take home less plastic. On today’s episode I’m divulging my 5 tricks that can be implemented by absolutely anyone on his or her next shopping trip. ** This episode offers a tiny taste of what I’m teaching in 14 Days to a Zero-Waste Kitchen. Registration officially opens today! I hope you’ll join me for guided, one-on-one instruction + more content just like this. ** * Access this...

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The post 062: 5 Ways to Take Home Less Plastic from the Supermarket appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  It happens to all of us. We embark on a decluttering endeavor – a whole house purge, even – only to lose steam halfway through. Indeed, it’s as if the motivation to finish vanishes into thin air. We’re enticed by benefits of a minimalist home, including less stress, more free time + fewer items to clean. The problem is, though, that the act of decluttering induces stress, sucks up free time + requires hours of work. On this week’s...

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The post 061: 5 Steps to Staying Motivated when Decluttering Gets Hard appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

So you know fast fashion is bad. (Really bad, in fact.) But you’ve got a closet full of cheap, trendy items + you have no idea how to create a more ethical wardrobe. How can you avoid eco-burnout + cultivate sustainability in your closet? That’s the question Cait Bagby is answering today. Cait is a fellow blogger, ethical influencer + self-described fashion maximalist who’s offering her two cents on creating a wardrobe to feel good about. Enjoy! * Access this week’s...

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The post 060: Is it ever OK to Buy Fast Fashion? appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“But I might need it someday.” “But shouldn’t I save it for my kids?” “But it was a gift from my great-aunt Bertha!” Over the past 2 years, I’ve been fortunate to chat with *many* minimalists. In these chats + interviews, I’ve learned one thing: In the throes of tidying, we all push through the Exact. Same. Concerns. Today I’m bringing 5 decluttering roadblocks into the light + addressing them one by one. Then I’m following them up with practical tips...

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The post 059: 5 Decluttering Roadblocks (+ How to Get Over Them) appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Have yourself a disorganized household? No judgement here. I’ve got one, too. June Doran is a blogger, homeschooler + mom of 5 who argues that, if you want to get tidy, the answer *isn’t* to purchase additional bins + baskets. Indeed, the best way to organize a disorganized family is simple, painless + free. * Get early bird access (+ a 20% discount!) on ’14-Days to a Zero-Waste Kitchen’ here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest!

The post 058: How to Organize a Disorganized Family appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Changing well-ingrained habits is tough. Why is that? When it comes to sustainability, many of us hit an eco-plateau. We successfully accomplish the easiest swaps (reusable coffee mug; cloth tote bags) but quickly find ourselves stuck as we attempt to conquer more intermediate tasks. Chloe Lepeltier has graciously offered 3 incremental tweaks we can all tackle to crank up our eco-friendly efforts. Even better? You can decide to accomplish them right now. Enjoy!  * Access this week’s Show Notes here. * Get...

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The post 057: Replace Bad Habits with Better Ones (3 ideas!) appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

If I asked you what’s most important in life, I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t hesitate. Family, of course! But are you in the habit of regularly showing them that they are, in fact, your VIPs? It happens more than we’d like to admit. Even though we’re conscious that our families are our Number Ones – and even though we know we should be prioritizing them over the dishes, the vacuuming + whatever else – it’s often really hard to...

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The post 056: Why You Should Use the Fine China on a Wednesday appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

For many, eating is easy.  Supermarkets abound with everything our stomachs desire; as such, we’re forever just a few dollars away from food that’s prepped, packaged + ready to eat.  But what if we had to actually *work* for sustenance? This week’s guest argues that, when it comes to our meals, a little difficulty would benefit both our bodies + our planet.  Today I’m chatting with Rob Greenfield. He’s an adventurer, activist + humanitarian who embarks on extreme adventures to...

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The post 055: Eating as Resistance appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Love to travel? Me too. Before kids I proudly globetrotted. By air, of course! But these days, I know better. On this week’s episode I’m getting personal with Evelina Utterdahl. She describes herself as a ‘happily homeless’ professional traveller. Eve’s special because she vows to never travel by airplane again; this week, Eve tells us why. Not ready to give up flying forever? Eve also divulges her best tips for eco-friendly wandering in both the air + abroad, too. Enjoy! *...

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The post 054: The Beauty in the (Eco-Friendly) Journey appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Have you chosen your New Years Resolution yet? I’m here to help! If you’re looking for an eco-friendly New Years Resolution, I’ve got you covered. On this week’s mini-episode I’m offering up my 2019 Resolution; I’m making it easy as pie for you to join me, too. Enjoy! * Access this week’s Show Notes here. * Get ready for a financial reset! Sign up for our (obviously free!) No-Spend Challenge here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest!

The post 053: Eco-Friendly New Years Resolutions (+ How You Can Join Me!) appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Have you ever stood in front of your closet, hands on hips, furrowed brow, wondering How. On. Earth. you have a closet full of stuff yet nothing to wear? Me too.  The answer to this all-to-common conundrum doesn’t lie in purchasing more clothes. In fact, this week’s guest advocates for owning a *smaller* wardrobe.   My guest this week is Julia Mooney. She has garnered national attention for wearing the same gray dress for 69 consecutive work days (+ counting!)....

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The post 052: The Case for a Smaller Wardrobe appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Did you know? Americans have ridiculous amounts of stuff (about 300,000 items, on average!). Yet when people cite the important things in life, it’s family + relationships they mention, not their stuff.  So why is it the holidays are often about gifts, decorations + clutter, clutter, clutter? On this week’s episode, Joshua Becker encourages us to re-center ourselves around the true meaning of the holidays. He offers his best tips for decluttering during the most wonderful time of the year, too....

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The post 051: How to Handle Holiday Clutter with Joshua Becker appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Today’s perfect for celebrating. That’s because in just one year, this podcast has grown to 50 episodes + a staggering 100 THOUSAND downloads.  First, we look back at where we’ve been as  I offer a behind-the-scenes tour, so to speak, of the podcast. Next, we look ahead to what’s next for our sustainable minimalists community.  To help celebrate, 13 previous podcast guests have generously offered to come back on the show. They’re here to share their best eco-friendly + minimalist tricks...

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The post 050: Celebrating Major Milestones with Familiar Faces appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

The holidays are all about overabundance. We buy too much, consume too much and – despite our best efforts – spend far too much money. There’s a solution, + it’s this: A No-Spend Challenge, together with fellow sustainable minimalists. January is the perfect month to hibernate, so to speak. It’s just the right time to tackle that project you’ve been meaning to get to in your home, explore the wonder of recreational activities that don’t cost a cent + recenter yourself with gratitude for...

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The post 049: The Why, How + When of a No-Spend Challenge appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 048: The Zero-Waste Swaps that Save Serious Cash appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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,...

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The post 047: 5 (Unexpected!) Benefits of Minimalism appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 046: Sweet Simplicity during the Holidays appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 045: Self-Care + Successful Mornings appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 044: Meat-Free Motivation appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 043: Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 042: Green Cleaning Made Easy appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  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...

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The post 041: Secrets of a Professional Organizer appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 040: Mindfulness for Modern Families appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 039: Finding Time for your ‘Why’ appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 038: What’s for Dinner? appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 037: When Sustainability + Imagination Collide appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 036: Minimalism for Home, Head + Heart appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 035: How To Preserve Food Like a Pro appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  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...

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The post 034: 9 Things You’re Recycling Wrong appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 033: Thrifting 101 appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 032: How to Recreate the ‘Vacation Sensation’ appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 031: The Art of Saying ‘No’ appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  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:  –...

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The post 030: Pet Parenting Done Right appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 029: Is Sustainability Unmanly? appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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 (+...

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The post 028: The Low-Waste Parenting Rulebook appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 027: 5 Super Easy Clothing Repairs (No Sewing Machine Required!) appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  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 +...

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The post 026: The (Inconvenient) Relationship between Clutter + Anxiety appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Ever 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...

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The post 025: NOT Keeping Up with the Joneses appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

  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...

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The post 024: Wedding Season Done Right appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 023: Minimalism + The Mental Load appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 022: Debunking KonMari Myths appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 021: Low-Waste on a Low Budget appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 020: Zero-Waste Baby Steps appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 019: Tiny Home, Gigantic Life with Emily Gerde appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 018: 10-Minute Tidying Tricks appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

“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...

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The post 017: Financial Freedom + Minimalism appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 016: Earth Day, Every Day appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 015: The Sustainable Entertaining Checklist appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

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...

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The post 014: Get Supermarket Savvy appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Want to reduce junk mail and spam without added stress? Want to tune out commercials and robo calls so that you can live a quieter, simpler life? Me too. Marketers + advertisers are pros at making us feel as though we need items we don’t already have. Their Noise shows up in our mailboxes and inboxes and on our television sets and cell phones. The Noise is catchy slogans. Promotions. Pretty people. Glitz; faux Glamour. The Noise is junk ads and...

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The post 013: The How + Why of Turning off ‘The Noise’ appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

A listener wrote in with this common query: Is it possible to be a minimalist with kids? The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Yes, and here’s how. This week, I’m delighted to propose 11 action steps to ensure that – when it comes to minimalism + families – both survive. * Access this week’s show notes (+ take the 60-second programming survey!) here. * Let’s be friends! Get daily eco-friendly, minimalist tips from yours truly on Facebook and Instagram.

The post 012: The Naked Truth about Kids + Clutter appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Back by popular demand! This week, we declutter the tough stuff. We tackle 10 items in our homes that are sentimental, oversized and just plain obscure; best of all, we keep it out of the landfills. Accompanying this episode is a FREE PRINTABLE (with clickable links!) to help you responsibly minimize nearly every item in your home. * Access this week’s show notes (+ grab the free printable!) here. * Want more episodes like this one? Be sure to listen to...

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The post 011: Declutter (+ Donate!) the Tough Stuff appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

We don’t need half the name brand products the beauty industry tells us we need. We don’t need their plastic packaging, toxic ingredients and hefty price tags, either. When it comes to sustainability, frugality and holistic health, making DIY personal care products at home is the only choice. It’s quick and easy, too. On this week’s episode, I give you everything you need to replace 6 commercial beauty products with all-natural, homemade ones. We’re making Lip Balm, Deodorant, Non-Petroleum Jelly, Hand...

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The post 010: The Complete Beauty Products Template appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Did you know? Most expired medications shouldn’t be flushed. And nail polish? It’s considered a hazardous household waste and should never be tossed in the trash. Bathrooms are havens for clutter. They’re hideaways for pesky plastic, too. If you’ve been wanting to declutter and make more sustainable your bathrooms, this episode is for you. Because first we responsibly minimize the clutter. Then we organize smart and – finally – we get serious about creating eco-friendly sanctuaries out of our bathrooms....

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The post 009: How to Create a Sustainable Minimalist’s Bathroom appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

When it comes to toys, less is more. Researchers agree: time and time again, studies find that children are more imaginative and focused when surrounded by fewer toys. This year, I’m throwing my daughter a party that’s heavy on fun and light on gifts. It’s a No-Presents Birthday. As parents, it’s our job to fight back against the culture of consumerism that surrounds us. It’s on us to say enough is enough, because our kids have neither the wisdom nor...

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The post 008: How to Host a No-Presents Birthday appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Knickknacks. Tchotchkes. Doohickeys. I removed them all from my home, and three things happened.  This week, I’m excited to divulge the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ behind my decor decluttering. I also reveal three big lessons this experiment taught me (some may surprise you!). Access this week’s show notes (+ see actual photos of my decluttered decor!) here.  

The post 007: Declutter your Decor in Under 10 Minutes appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Owning less clothes means there’s less to wash. There’s also less to take care of, less to manage and less to fold. There’s less to put away, too. That’s why your kids need capsule wardrobes. This week, I’m thrilled to divulge my (foolproof!) blueprint to minimize your kids’ closets in ways that are practical, sustainable and incremental. I also offer capsule MASTER LISTS for each season so you know exactly what to keep and what to donate. No kids? Don’t...

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The post 006: The Ultimate Kid’s Capsule Blueprint appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

If your closet’s overflowing with last season’s trends – and if your wardrobe generally leaves you feeling   “meh” – this episode’s for you. Because we’re confronting the fashion industry, then we’re jumping off the fast fashion train. This week, I’m excited to help you simplify and minimize your wardrobe by offering 10 NEW questions to ask before purchasing clothes. Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode, because I’m also giving tips (that actually work!) to extend...

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The post 005: 10 NEW Questions to Ask Before Buying Clothes appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Sustainable minimalists declutter the eco-friendly way. We never ship our stuff to the landfill. On today’s episode I’m giving you ten items to purge guilt-free ( – and in under an hour! –) because I’m also divulging the perfect places to donate them. * Access this week’s show notes here.

The post 004: 10 Things to Toss in Under an Hour appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

Minimalists boast all they’ve discarded, zero-wasters brag about what they’ve repurposed, and sustainable minimalists covet only a few items which are (of course!) incredibly useful. This week, I’m outlining 5 essential kitchen items for BOTH the minimalist AND the aspiring zero-waster. * Access this week’s Show Notes here.

The post 003: Inside a Sustainable Minimalist’s Kitchen appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

The oft-forgotten R’s of living green?  Repair. Repurpose. Reinvent. But if you can’t repair, repurpose or reinvent (+ if you simply must buy!), consider supporting brands dedicated to sustainability. This week, I’m excited to highlight 10 (well-known!) companies committed to sustainability. These companies walk the walk by selling quality products AND upholding eco-friendly practices. * Want more info on the brands highlighted for sustainability? Access this week’s Show Notes here.

The post 002: 10 Eco-Friendly Brands We Love appeared first on Mama Minimalist.

You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village”. This week I’m offering 5 strategies to use your community’s resources in ways that support your existing efforts toward sustainability. * Access this week’s Show Notes here.

The post 001: 5 Ways to (Sustainably!) Energize your Village appeared first on Mama Minimalist.