Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Sustainable in the Suburbs
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25: Redefining Sustainable Living — From Zero Waste to Real-World Resilience with Kristy Halderman | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:57:11 | |
What happens when your life changes completely — but your commitment to living sustainably stays the same? This week, I’m joined by Kristy Halderman, whose sustainability journey has taken her from Washington, DC to Montana — touching nearly every part of sustainable living along the way. From going all-in on zero waste and launching an oat milk business, to working in sustainable investing, and now community-based environmental advocacy, Kristy’s story is a reminder that our definition of sustainability can — and should — evolve over time. We talk about what it’s like to live your values in a place where sustainability isn’t the norm, why accessibility matters more than perfection, and how to keep showing up even when conditions aren’t ideal. Kristy also shares her love of trails, her unexpected passion for beavers, and how journaling helps her stay grounded through eco-anxiety and change. This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply relatable — a reminder that sustainable living doesn’t always look the same everywhere, and that progress still counts, even when it’s quiet.
One Small Shift Go analog. Step away from your screens, pick up a pen, and spend a few minutes journaling — about what’s heavy, what’s working, or what you want to focus on next. Writing by hand can be grounding and clarifying, helping you slow down, ease eco-anxiety, and reconnect with what matters most. Connect with Kristy Related Episodes Ep. 11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women's Personal Finance Ep. 20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 24: 5 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead) | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:25:40 | |
Sustainable living isn’t a straight path — it’s a practice that shifts and changes as we do. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what sustainable living really looks like. I’ve tried just about everything, and while some things worked beautifully (at least for a while), others were total disasters! This episode is a look back at a few of those lessons — the cutlery kits, the trash jars, the guilt, the burnout, and the pressure to both reduce waste and make it all look perfect online. Because sustainable living isn’t about getting it right — it’s about finding what fits your real life. In this personal episode, I’m sharing five common traps we might fall into and why imperfection, flexibility, and community matter so much more than being perfect. It’s a gentle reminder that progress isn’t about what you see online; it’s about showing up, doing what you can, and keeping at it. Takeaways
One Small Shift Before you buy your next “eco” product, PAUSE. Put it in your cart, wait a few days, and see how you feel. You might already have what you need — or realize you didn’t need it at all. Resources 50 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable (blog post) Household Waste Audit Workbook A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 15: The Purposeful You — Sustainable Gardening with Tasha Medve | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:53:29 | |
Food doesn’t come from the grocery store — it comes from the earth. Sustainable gardening is our most direct connection to nature, and one of the most powerful ways we can take climate action right in our own backyards. This week, I’m joined by Tasha Medve, the gardener and creator behind The Purposeful You. Tasha shares her passion for creating a “food oasis” at home, her best tips for beginners, and why gardening is about so much more than summer harvests. From fall crops to companion planting, we talk about the joy, the practicality, and the deeper meaning of growing your own food. We also dig into family life: how to get kids involved in gardening, why it matters to raise eco-conscious kids, and how the garden itself can be the best teacher of all. Takeaways
One Small Shift One of the very first changes Tasha made at home was rethinking single-use disposables like paper towels. By simply moving the paper towels out of sight, she created a habit shift that made low-waste living feel more natural. Stay tuned for us losing our minds over dish cloths! Connect with Tasha The Purposeful You - Instagram The Purposeful Gardner (Book - pre-order now!) DIY Arch - Ideal for Vertical Growing (free printable) Resources What to Use Instead of Paper Towels: 5 Easy Swaps Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 14: Zero Waste Back to School — Simple Ways to Save Money and Reduce Waste | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:29:26 | |
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean a cart full of new stuff. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to get your kids ready for school without wasting money — or creating a mountain of waste. From supplies and clothing to tech and litterless lunches, you’ll hear practical tips for:
We’ll also talk about mindset — how to push back on the marketing pressure that tells us everything “expires” every August, and instead set your family up for a school year that’s lighter on the planet and your wallet. And stick around to the end for this week’s One Small Shift — a simple, doable way to make your child’s school year more sustainable. Resources How to Pack a Zero Waste School Lunch 25 Healthy Snacks for Zero Waste Lunches How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (And Why You Should) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 13: Beeswax Wraps 101 — Plastic-Free Food Storage with Hive to Home | 12 Aug 2025 | 01:01:21 | |
Let your reusables look reused. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m joined by Chelsey Schmuland, the owner and maker behind Hive to Home in Nova Scotia. Chelsey creates beautiful handmade beeswax wraps as a sustainable, renewable alternative to plastic food storage — but that’s just the beginning. She’s also a backyard chicken keeper, bread baker, waste diversion enthusiast, and all-around eco-nerd in the best possible way. We talk about what inspired her to start Hive to Home, how her wraps are made, creative ways to use them, and why preventing food waste is one of the most powerful climate actions we can take in our own kitchens. Along the way, we also get into composting, connecting with nature, and the joy of using what you already have.
One Small Shift Pause the scroll! Slow down and notice how you feel less overwhelmed, and feel less compelled to consume. Connect with Chelsey @ Hive to Home Hive to Home - Beeswax Wrap Care Resources A Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20 to save 20%) Plastic Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 12: How to Quit Using Amazon — and Why You Should | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:18:09 | |
We know it’s a problem, we just don’t know how to stop. Here’s how to start... In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about how to quit Amazon — or at least drastically reduce your reliance on it — in a way that’s actually doable. We dig into the real costs of convenience, from environmental harm to the engineered scarcity of Amazon’s business model. But more importantly, I’ll walk you through how my family has shifted away from using Amazon — and how you can, too. The goal isn’t to overhaul your shopping habits overnight. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and finding new ways to shop that feel better for you, your wallet, and the world. Takeaways
One Small Shift Try a “pause rule” for online shopping — only place orders on a set day each week (or month) and let your cart sit until then. You might be surprised how many things you no longer want or need. Resources
Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women’s Personal Finance | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:06:04 | |
Money choices are climate action too. This week, Regina Moore and Angela Rozmyn from Women’s Personal Finance join me for a thoughtful, honest conversation about the overlap between money, sustainability, and community care. We talk about spending in alignment with your values, why “enoughness” can be such a powerful mindset shift, and how boycotts and intentional choices can be forms of protest. We also explore the role community plays — not just in sharing resources, but in building resilience and pushing back on the systems that encourage overconsumption. It’s a conversation that invites you to look at your own financial choices through a new lens and see how small, intentional shifts can add up to something bigger. Takeaways
Resources The Serviceberry - Robin Wall Kimmerer Connect with Women's Personal Finance Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 10: How to Refill in Your Own Containers for a Plastic-Free Pantry | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:21:14 | |
Bringing your own containers to refill shops, markets, or even cafés is one of the easiest ways to cut down on single‑use packaging. It saves money, keeps your pantry organized, and helps shift the way we think about consumption. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to make refilling feel like second nature as a sustainable living practice. You’ll hear practical tips for overcoming barriers to refilling (including how to choose the right containers and understanding store policies), how small mindset shifts can lead to refill at scale, and plenty of encouragement to get started where you are. Takeaways
One Small Shift Resources Household Waste Audit Workbook (FREE download) Plastic-Free Pantry: How to Refill Your Own Containers (Blog) Plastic-Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste (Blog) “Reusable containers safe during Covid‑19 pandemic, say experts” — The Guardian, June 22, 2020 Zero Waste Chef (Website) The Zero Waste Chef Cookbook - Anne-Marie Bonneau Bulk Barn - Reusable Container Program Reusable produce and bulk bags Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 9: From the Land, Not a Lab — Skincare, Sustainability, and Self-Care with Rebecca Ogilvie | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:37:57 | |
This episode is an invitation to slow down — to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with what truly matters. Sarah sits down with Rebecca Ogilvie, founder of The Detour Co., a sustainable skincare brand rooted in care and connection. Together they explore the quiet magic of routines that nourish rather than extract — from sourcing ingredients to creating space for rest in a culture that pushes us to hustle. They talk about the complexities of sustainable packaging, what it means to build a business in alignment with your values, and how self-care can be an act of resistance — and of reverence. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, from nature, or from the systems we’re all trying to change, this conversation is a gentle reminder that every small act of care makes a difference. Takeaways
One Small Shift Let your skincare routine be an act of connection. Whether it’s using a simple balm made with natural ingredients or taking an extra moment to slow down, notice what feels good. What nourishes you? What feels aligned? Resources Connect With Rebecca Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:16:53 | |
The kitchen is one of the biggest sources of household waste — but it’s also one of the easiest places to start making a change. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah shares five practical, affordable, and genuinely useful swaps to help you cut down on plastic and reduce waste at home. From ditching paper towels to upgrading your containers, these swaps are all about progress, not perfection. Check out the links below for Sarah’s go-to reusables and top plastic-free kitchen tips. Whether you're starting from scratch or just looking for a couple of easy wins, this is a great place to begin. Takeaways
One Small Shift: Product Recommendations Cleanings, soap, and laundry tablets Resources A Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20 to save 20%) Plastic Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money How to Clean a Wooden Dish Brush What to Use Instead of Paper Towels: 5 Easy and Sustainable Alternatives Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 7: Rethinking Zero Waste and Building Community Care with April Dickinson | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:48:13 | |
When we talk about sustainability, we often focus on what we’re buying—or not buying. But what if it’s really about something much deeper? In this episode, I’m joined by April Dickinson (@zerowastedork), a thoughtful voice in the zero waste space who thoughtfully challenges the consumer-driven model of sustainability. We talk about the evolution of zero waste living, the role of community care in climate action, and why economic degrowth might be the shift we need. From local connections to global systems, this is a conversation about finding joy, contributing to community, and staying grounded in what really matters. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck trying to "get it right" in your sustainability journey, this episode offers a generous, honest alternative. Takeaways
Resources Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer Doughnut Economics - Kate Raworth Viet Thanh Nguyen (learn more about Expansive Solidarity) Connect with April Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 6: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here. | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:20:39 | |
Climate change feels HUGE — and it is. The problem is urgent and complex. And when you start looking for solutions, it can seem like there’s an endless list of things you should be doing. All of them are important, and that can feel completely overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework I often come back to refocus my efforts: the Climate Action Venn Diagram from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. We’ll talk about how your skills, your joys, and the needs of the world can come together to help you find your own personal starting point — one that feels meaningful, realistic, and sustainable for the long haul. Takeaways
One Small Shift Download a copy of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram worksheet, grab a pencil, and just see what comes up. You might be surprised by how much clarity this one little exercise can bring. Resources How to Find Joy in Climate Action - TED Talk What If We Get It Right? (Website) All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson What If We Get It Right (Book) - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate Action Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 23: Borrow Before You Buy — Sharing, Renting, and the Circular Economy with LEND-IT.CA | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:39:42 | |
Do you really need to own everything? From ladders and camping gear to canning supplies and extra tables, so many of the things cluttering our homes only get used once or twice a year. What if borrowing — instead of buying — became our default? For Circular Economy Month, this episode looks at how sharing, renting, and borrowing can strengthen our communities while cutting down on overconsumption. This week I am joined by Tim Sattler, the founder of LEND-IT.CA, a rental marketplace that connects neighbours and local businesses so people can access what they need without buying new. Tim shares how his small-town upbringing and military experience inspired him to create a platform that makes sustainable choices more convenient. We talk about how borrowing keeps value in our communities, why convenience is key to lasting behaviour change, and how rethinking ownership can make life simpler for families. Takeaways
One Small Shift Before you click “buy now,” pause for a moment. Do you really need to own that item? Could you borrow it from a neighbour or rent it locally instead? Trying before buying is one small shift that keeps money in your community, reduces waste, and helps build a stronger community for all. Connect with Tim Sattler LEND-IT.CA (website) Resources Lend What You Have, Borrow What You Need (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 5: How to Navigate Climate Emotions and Build Community Around You with Jen Knoch | 17 Jun 2025 | 01:05:02 | |
How do we hold the grief, rage, and love that come with caring deeply about the climate crisis and still keep going? In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend Jen Knoch, a Toronto-based sustainability advocate and the creator of the Climate Emotions Retreat, to explore what it looks like to feel these emotions fully, stay rooted in care, and take meaningful action alongside others. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, inspired, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to hold it all alone — and that small acts of tending and care really do matter. Takeaways
One Small Shift Go for a bike ride and notice what’s blooming around you. Books Facing the Climate Emergency – Margaret Klein Salamon Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer The Serviceberry – Robin Wall Kimmerer Ontario Nature Connect with Jen Five Minutes for the Planet (Jen’s Substack) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 4: How to Do a Household Waste Audit | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:14:52 | |
What we throw away tells a story. When we take time to look at what’s going into the bin (and why), we can start making more intentional choices, one small shift at a time. This week on Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’ll guide you through how to do a simple waste audit. It’s a great starting point if you’ve ever wondered where to begin with low-waste living. And it’s a powerful reminder that every small step adds up! Takeaways
One Small Shift This week, just start noticing. Before you download your FREE Household Waste Audit Workbook, just take a short pause when you are about to toss something in the bin. Where did this thing in your hand come from? What else could you do with it? What bin does it really belong in? And what happens to it after it leaves your home? Resources If you’re looking for more ways to reduce waste at home, you might also like these posts: Household Waste Audit Workbook (free printable download) How to Conduct a Waste Audit With Kids How to Prevent Food Waste With Kids Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 3: From Trash to Treasure: Finding Joy in Upcycling (with @SustainablyAmber) | 17 Jun 2025 | 01:00:01 | |
How do you turn “trash” into treasure and find joy in the process? In this conversation with Amber (@sustainablyamber), we explore how upcycling, thrifting, and creative reuse can spark climate action and community connection. You’ll hear how Amber got started, why she’s passionate about helping others value materials, and how everyday acts of making, reusing, and sharing can help us build a more sustainable life. If you’ve ever wondered how to get started with creative reuse or what to do with “stuff,” this episode will leave you inspired to start small — and think big. Takeaways:
One Small Shift: Before you buy new, ask yourself: What could I repurpose or reuse instead? Small choices like using what you have or making gifts by hand help reduce waste and spark creativity. Connect With Amber: Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 2: What Is Plastic Free July? (And Why Zero Waste Isn't the Goal) | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:15:18 | |
Plastic Free July isn’t about perfection — it’s about paying attention. In this episode, Sarah discusses where this global movement came from, why it matters, and how small shifts in your everyday habits can help tackle our plastic problem. This challenge is about so much more than giving up plastic straws or bringing a tote bag to the store. Sarah also talks about her own experience with Plastic Free July over the years, how she approaches it now, and why “zero waste” isn’t the goal — progress is. From systemic change to simple swaps, this is a great place to start if you’re curious about reducing plastic waste in your home and community. Remember: it’s only single-use if you use it once! Plastic Free July is a global initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation. You can learn more and take the official pledge through their website. Takeaways
One Small Shift Choose one single-use item you regularly use — and either find a reusable alternative, or find a way to reuse it at least once before it heads to landfill. Resources Plastic Free July - 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste Plastic-Free Pantry - How to Refill in Your Own Containers 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money @SustainablyAmber - Upcycles & Creative Reuse @Sibster - Low Waste Crafts & DIYs Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 1: Start Where You Are — Welcome to Sustainable in the Suburbs | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:14:17 | |
Can you really be sustainable in the suburbs? In this inaugural episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, host Sarah Robertson-Barnes shares her personal journey and offers practical, relatable ways to embrace eco-friendly living — even amidst the challenges of suburban life. You’ll hear why sustainable living is about small, manageable shifts (not perfection), why the suburbs are an essential part of the climate conversation, and how building community and shared responsibility can make a lasting impact. This episode will encourage you to recognize your existing sustainable practices and inspire you to take actionable steps toward a greener lifestyle — right where you are. Takeaways
One Small Shift This week, take a moment to list four or five things you’re already doing to live more sustainably. Recognizing your existing habits can be a powerful first step — you’re already on this journey! Resources My Plastic Free Life - Beth Terry Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| Trailer: Welcome to Sustainable in the Suburbs | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:01:22 | |
We all care about the planet — but sustainable living can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Welcome to Sustainable in the Suburbs, a podcast for eco-curious individuals and busy families who want to reduce waste, live greener, and build a more sustainable home — without the guilt or pressure to do it all perfectly. I’m your host, Sarah Robertson-Barnes — a sustainability educator, writer, and suburban mum who’s passionate about practical low-waste living. Each week, you’ll get simple tips for reducing food waste, swapping everyday products, thrifting, composting, and building community — plus honest conversations about what sustainable living really looks like in real life. If you’re looking for doable eco-friendly habits for your home and family, you’re in the right place. Start where you are. Use what you have. Live a little greener. Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 22: From Refills to Resilience — Simple, Real-Life Sustainable Living with Julie Darrell | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:56:14 | |
What if stepping into a refill shop for the first time could change the way you see your whole community? This week, I’m joined by Julie Darrell, owner and founder of Bring Your Own Long Beach. Since 2017, Julie has been helping her community cut down on single-use plastics, rethink consumption, and find approachable ways to live more sustainably. We talk about what really happens inside a refill shop — from the first-time nerves to the “aha” moment when you realize how easy and empowering refilling can be. Julie also shares what it’s like raising teens in a low-waste household, how she’s built community through local partnerships, and what keeps her grounded through the ups and downs of running a values-based business. It’s a conversation about small steps, local action, and the quiet power of community care — a reminder that systems change starts with the choices we make every day. Takeaways
Connect With Julie BYO Long Beach (Website) Bring Your Own Long Beach (Instagram) BYO Long Beach (Instagram) Resources Algalita Marine Research and Education How to Refill in Your Own Containers (Blog post) How to Have a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids (Blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 21: Zero Waste Halloween — Eco-Friendly Tips for Costumes, Candy, and Pumpkins | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:22:00 | |
Halloween is supposed to be spooky, but the real horror might just be the mountain of waste it leaves behind. Costumes that only last one night, piles of plastic candy wrappers, cheap décor that lasts one season, and millions of pumpkins sent straight to landfill. It’s expensive and wasteful — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to celebrate Halloween in a way that’s festive, affordable, and low waste. You’ll hear ideas for costumes, candy, decorations, and pumpkins that cut back on trash while still keeping the spirit of Halloween. And as always, it’s about picking what feels doable for you — practical, budget-friendly shifts that reduce waste without losing what you love about the season. Takeaways
Resources Zero Waste Halloween (blog post) What to Do With Your Pumpkin After Halloween (blog post) Seasonal Decor - Making a Trash Pumpkin (blog post) Ethical Candy to Try This Halloween (Fairtrade America) Pumpkin Parades (City of Toronto) TerraCycle - Halloween Treat Wrappers Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:07:12 | |
What if noticing a chickadee, or spending Sunday offline, could change the way you see your neighbourhood — and yourself? This week, I’m joined by Matt Howard, a wildlife biologist, writer, and engaging voice on how we connect with the natural world. Matt has worked everywhere from a tiny island in Alaska to California wind farms, and he now brings that deep ecological knowledge into everyday conversations about birds, frogs, and even the gear we think we need to enjoy the outdoors. We talk about everything from chickadee calls and suburban bird feeders to wildlife road crossings, community science, and why stories matter just as much as data. Matt also shares how his “Log Cabin Sundays” digital detox practice has shifted his perspective, and what it means to navigate being a middle-aged “influencer” in the sustainability space. This conversation is both funny and hopeful — a reminder that connecting with nature doesn’t have to be complicated, and that the choices we make in our own backyards and communities really do matter. Takeaways
One Small Shift Matt suggests making your next outdoor adventure a little greener by choosing secondhand gear. Whether it’s borrowing from a friend, checking a thrift shop, or repurposing what you already have, enjoying nature doesn’t have to come with new stuff. Connect With Matt Patreon - Howie's Everything Club Resources Merlin Bird ID (app) Safe Nesting Materials for Birds (blog post) Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America - Leila Philip (book) Silent Spring - Rachel Carson (book) No New Things - Ashlee Piper (book) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 19: Slow, Conscious, and Local — Sustainable Travel with Renee de Ronde | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:51:49 | |
What if travel could be a form of care — for the planet, for ourselves, and for each other? This week, I’m joined by Renee de Ronde, the creator behind Conscious Compass, where she shares slow, nature-led travel experiences rooted in beauty, intention, and connection. We talk about everything from glamping and family road trips to Canadian landscapes and creator community — and what it really means to travel consciously in today’s world. Renee’s storytelling is gentle and grounded, and her photography will make you want to pack up and head straight for the forest (after you refill your reusable water bottle, of course). This conversation is a thoughtful look at how we experience place, why local adventures matter, and how slowing down can bring us closer to the things that actually make travel meaningful. Takeaways
One Small Shift Renee shares how buying less (and buying more intentionally) helped shift her relationship with both travel and sustainability. It's not about doing without — it's about doing with care. Connect with Renee Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 18: Connecting Communities Through Green Spaces with Carolyn Scotchmer | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:23:58 | |
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Green spaces strengthen our neighbourhoods, connecting us to nature and to each other. In this episode, I’m joined by Carolyn Scotchmer, Executive Director of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF). Carolyn has spent more than a decade supporting community development through urban greening and community gardening initiatives across Canada. Today, she leads TD FEF’s national granting programs — including TD Tree Days, which for the past 15 years has brought families, volunteers, municipalities, not-for-profits, and Indigenous communities together to plant over half a million trees and help create healthier, more connected neighbourhoods. Takeaways
Resources TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 17: How to Raise Eco-Friendly Kids — Sustainable Living Tips for Parents with Talayna Zacharias | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:49:37 | |
Is it possible to raise kids who care about the planet — without adding more to your already overflowing plate? In this episode, I’m joined by Talayna Zacharias, a sustainability educator and content creator based in Alberta, to talk about what it really means to raise eco-conscious kids in a culture that pushes convenience and consumption. We dig into parenting with sustainability at the core, how to model care and connection through small, everyday actions, and why curiosity, nature, and imperfection are essential tools in raising eco-conscious kids. Talayna also walks us through the full 7 R’s of sustainability — and we share a few laughs about when reusing becomes… hoarding. Takeaways
Whether you’re just starting your low-waste journey or looking to deepen your family’s connection to the Earth, this is a practical, grounding conversation that will leave you feeling encouraged and ready to take your next small step. One Small Shift Create a “reuse bin” at home so your kids can access repurposed materials for crafts, projects, and creative play — a simple way to normalize secondhand and reduce waste while having fun. Connect with Talayna Resources 10 Tips for Going Zero Waste with Kids How to Do a Trash Audit with Kids No Mow May Explained: Skip the Mower, Feed the Bees, and Help the Planet Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 16: Sustainable Living with Kids — How to Save Money and Reduce Waste with Jessica Nakamura | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:40:55 | |
From cloth diapers and thrifted toys to birthday party overload, this is what sustainable living with small kids actually looks like — the joys, the trade-offs, and what makes it doable. This week, I’m joined by Jessica Nakamura — a local realtor, mom of three (including twin toddlers), and self-described “kinda eco mom.” We sat down in my living room (sharing a mic in a DIY pillow fort) to talk about what sustainable living with kids really looks like in the thick of suburban parenting. Jessica shares the eco-friendly tips and small shifts that have worked for her family — from cloth diapering and gift-free birthdays to secondhand shopping and passing baby "essentials" between friends — and how she’s learned to let go of perfection along the way. We also talk about frugal living, budget-friendly sustainability, the reality of overconsumption, and what it means to lead by example without being the “boring mom.” This one’s full of laughs, honesty, and real talk about raising kids, building community, and living a little greener — even when life is loud, messy, and on a budget. Takeaways
One Small Shift Jessica encourages us to pause before clicking “buy” — and consider borrowing, thrifting, or reaching out to your local library or Buy Nothing group instead. Connect With Jessica Resources Zero Waste Birthday Parties for Kids Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Kids Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 26: Holiday Food Waste — Simple Ways to Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Celebrate Sustainably | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:20:16 | |
Festive food and drink are an important part of celebrating the holidays, but food waste shouldn’t be. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes shares simple, sustainable ways to reduce food waste, save money, and plan mindful, eco-friendly holiday meals. From meal planning and low-waste hosting tips, to getting kids involved in the kitchen, you’ll learn how to plan for enough, use what you have, and enjoy the season without overspending or overbuying. This episode is full of practical tips and real-life inspiration to help your family live a little greener — one meal at a time. Takeaways
One Small Shift Resources How to Reduce Food Waste Over the Holidays (blog post) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post + free download) A Beginners Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 27: Finding Joy in Creative Reuse — Sustainable Crafting for Every Season with Sibia Torres Padilla | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:36:59 | |
What if the things we already have — the scraps, the leaves, the little bits most people throw away — are exactly where creativity begins? This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes talks with Sibia Torres Padilla, the artist and author behind @sibster and Charming Woodland Crafts: 50 Fun and Easy Projects Made from Natural and Recycled Materials. Sibia shares how her upbringing shaped her creativity and resourcefulness, and how those early lessons in “making do” evolved into a lifelong love of turning the everyday into something meaningful. Together, they explore the beauty of creative reuse, the emotional connections formed through making, and how crafting with kids can nurture imagination and mindfulness — especially during the busy holiday season. They also talk about the realities of navigating online fame, what it felt like to publish her first book, and why creating something by hand can be such a powerful act of hope. Takeaways
One Small Shift Look at what’s already in your home — paper scraps, jars, pinecones, fabric bits — and see what could become something new. Start with one small, handmade project and let the process be the point. Connect with Sibia Resources Charming Woodland Crafts: 50 Fun and Easy Projects Made from Natural and Recycled Materials (buy Sibia’s book!) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post) Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas (blog post) Seasonal Decor: How to Make Dried Orange Slices (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 28: Is It Okay to Give Secondhand Gifts? Why Thrifted Gifts Are the Most Eco-Friendly Choice | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:29:28 | |
Some of the most meaningful gifts we give (and receive) aren’t new. They’re secondhand. And yet… so many of us still hesitate. In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes digs into the cultural stigma around secondhand gifts, why it lingers, and why it’s slowly shifting. This episode explores what makes a gift meaningful in the first place — and why secondhand gifts, whether thrifted, vintage, or passed down, often hold the most heart. Sarah shares listener stories, practical ideas, and her own real-life secondhand wins — all to help you rethink what gifting can look like this season. Whether you’re new to the idea of secondhand gifting or already a Buy Nothing pro, this conversation offers encouragement, inspiration, and lots of doable takeaways. Takeaways
One Small Shift This year, choose to give one secondhand gift. Let gifting be less about “new” and more about meaning. Resources Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Kids (blog post) How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (blog post) A Very Big List of Sustainable Canadian Brands (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 29: Sustainable Holidays with Kids — Minimalism, Presence, and Doing Less with Stephanie Seferian | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:46:14 | |
If the holidays seem to get louder and more overwhelming every year, you’re not imagining it. From endless ads to the pressure to make everything “magical,” it’s easy to get swept into a season that feels more stressful than joyful. And for parents trying to have a more sustainable holiday with kids, the noise can make it hard to stay grounded in what really matters. This week, I’m joined by Stephanie Seferian, host of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and author of Sustainable Minimalism. Stephanie brings such a thoughtful, grounded perspective to what it means to step back from the holiday frenzy and reclaim a season rooted in connection rather than consumption. We talk about why less often feels harder than more, how cultural messaging around holiday magic drives emotional spending, and what it looks like to model enoughness for our kids. Stephanie also shares practical ideas for secondhand gifts, simple homemade traditions, and creating a mindful holiday season that actually feels good. Takeaways
One Small Shift Stephanie suggests buying for fewer people. A smaller list means less pressure, less waste, and more room for the parts of the holidays that actually matter. Connect With Stephanie Sustainable Minimalism (book) Sustainable Minimalists (podcast) Is It Okay To Give Secondhand Gifts (episode & blog post) How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (blog post) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 30: Sustainable Gift Wrapping — How to Use What You Have and Cut Holiday Waste | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:32:36 | |
Every holiday season, those beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree inevitably results in a giant pile of very fancy garbage in five minutes flat. In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes looks at something most of us keep meaning to do better with next year… gift wrapping. From the confusing rules around what’s actually recyclable to the Pinterest pressure of “perfect” presentation, this episode explores why wrapping creates so much waste — and what we can do instead. Sarah walks through simple, low-waste wrapping ideas using things you already have at home, as well as what kids learn from watching us wrap, and how a few small shifts can make your holiday wrapping a little easier and a lot less expensive. Whether you love wrapping gifts or dread it every year, this episode offers practical, accessible ideas to help you reduce waste, save money, and make the season feel more intentional. Takeaways
One Small Shift Take five minutes to look around your home and see what you already have that could be used for wrapping this year — paper bags, fabric scraps, jars, twine, whatever’s on hand. Start there, and let the rest follow. Resources Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas How to Clean Pine Cones for Crafting How to Wrap Gifts with Cloth (video) Zero Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas (Pinterest) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 31: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't) in Sustainable Living — Lessons From a Year of Podcasting | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:18:17 | |
After releasing 31 episodes — something I am frankly amazed at — I wanted to take a few minutes to look back on this first year of Sustainable in the Suburbs. What’s worked, what’s been harder than expected, and what I’ve learned along the way. In this short solo episode, I reflect on how the podcast has shaped my own thinking around sustainable living, why some conversations have resonated more than others, and how this show has slowly become a deeper, more community-focused part of my work. I also share the five episodes you’ve returned to most — a mix of topics that says a lot about what we’re collectively navigating right now. Finally, I invite you into what comes next. As I start planning for 2026, I’d genuinely love to hear what you want more of — the questions you’re sitting with, the topics you want explored, and the conversations that would support you where you are right now. Takeaways
Top Five Episodes of 2025
Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 32: Overstimulation, Overconsumption, and the Pressure to Do More with Gillian Gabryluk | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:51:35 | |
If the week between Christmas and New Year’s leaves you feeling overstimulated, scattered, or unsure how to move forward without just adding more pressure, you’re not alone. After a season filled with noise, expectations, and stuff, it can be hard to find your footing — especially when the cultural message is already shifting toward doing more, fixing more, and buying more in January. This week, I’m joined by Gillian Gabryluk, founder of Sileo Health & Wellness and host of the Be Still and Live podcast. Gillian shares a grounded perspective to what it looks like to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and move into the new year with intention rather than urgency. We talk about overstimulation, the myth that “more” will make us feel better, and why there’s nothing we can add to cart that will fix the feeling of overwhelm. Gillian explains why stillness is a form of strength, and offers gentle, practical ways families can create calmer rhythms at home, especially during winter. This conversation is a reminder that sustainable living often begins long before the recycling bin — with clarity, values, and learning to want less. Takeaways
One Small Shift Gillian suggests practicing the pause — especially when the urge to scroll, shop, or add something new shows up. Often, the calm we’re looking for is already available once we slow down enough to notice it. Connect With Gillian Resources How to Create Eco-Friendly Holiday Traditions (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 33: Fewer, Better Things — How to Reduce Kitchen Clutter and Waste with Sasha Mazzuca | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:51:59 | |
Our homes are full of things we barely notice until they start to feel heavy. Duplicate pantry items, forgotten gadgets, drawers that are full of junk... And suddenly, everyday life feels harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I’m joined by Sasha Mazzuca, founder of Disch and a professional organizer, for a thoughtful conversation about our relationship to stuff — and how choosing fewer, better things can make daily life feel calmer, more functional, and more sustainable. Sasha shares how years of organizing clients’ kitchens led her to a surprisingly universal problem: the towel drawer. From there, she walks us through how thoughtful design, simple systems, and well-made tools can reduce clutter, decision fatigue, and waste — without requiring a full lifestyle overhaul. We talk about why eco-friendly products don’t have to be boring or expensive, how paper towels quietly add up in both cost and resources, and why the kitchen is often the easiest place to start building more sustainable habits. This conversation is especially timely for anyone feeling the pull to declutter, reset, or simplify — without chasing perfection. Takeaways
One Small Shift Sasha suggests starting with one drawer — especially the towel drawer. Choosing tools that actually work, fit neatly, and get used every day can reduce clutter, waste, and mental load far more than we expect. Connect With Sasha / Disch Resources What To Use Instead of Paper Towels (blog post) 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money (blog post) A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (e-book - use code PODCAST20) 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps (previous episode) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 34: How to Quit Using Paper Towels (and What to Use Instead) | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:27:09 | |
Paper towels are one of those everyday items most of us don’t think twice about — until we do. They’re convenient, familiar, and deeply embedded in our kitchen routines. But when you slow down and look at what goes into making something designed to be used once and thrown away, it becomes worth questioning. In this solo episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about how to quit (or significantly reduce) paper towel use in a way that’s practical, flexible, and rooted in real life. I share how paper towels quietly disappeared from our home years ago, why they’re so easy to overuse, and what actually works instead. We dig into the environmental and financial cost of paper towels, how ideas about cleanliness and convenience shape our habits, and why changing what’s within reach can naturally change behaviour. I also walk through realistic reusable alternatives, storage and laundry concerns, edge cases where disposables still make sense, and what to do if you already have paper towels at home. The focus is on choosing reusables where they make sense, and how small changes add up over time in everyday life. Takeaways
One Small Shift Take the paper towel roll off your counter and put it somewhere else — under the sink, in a cupboard, or the pantry. Just notice what you reach for instead over the next week or two. Related Episodes 8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living 11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women's Personal Finance 33: Fewer, Better Things — How to Reduce Kitchen Clutter and Waste Resources What to Use Instead of Paper Towels (all my favourite products) How to Knit a Dish Cloth (free PDF pattern) 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money (blog post) A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 35: Rethinking Sustainable Fashion, Consumption, and Personal Style with Sabs Katz | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:58:33 | |
This episode touches on sustainable fashion — but it’s not only about fashion. It’s a conversation about how we think about clothes, how we relate to what we already own, and how everyday decisions around getting dressed connect to consumption, care, and creativity. I’m joined by Sabs Katz, the creator of Sustainable Sabs and a cofounder of Intersectional Environmentalist, for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about personal style, overconsumption, and what it looks like to slow down without turning sustainability into a rulebook. We talk about clothing as memory and legacy, why reducing consumption matters more than chasing “better” products, and how practices like mending, swaps, and intentional limits can actually make style clearer — not more restrictive. This episode is for anyone who wears clothes — which is all of us. Takeaways
One Small Shift Connect With Sabs Resources Intersectional Environmentalist Drive to Target - poems by Hayley DeRoche How to Host a Clothing Swap (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 36: How to Host a Clothing Swap — Sharing Clothes & Building Community | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:25:15 | |
We all have clothes we don’t wear. Pieces that might fit again someday, that were expensive, or that feel too nice to just drop into a donation bin. When those clothes start piling up, donation often becomes the default solution. And once those bags are gone from the trunk, the buying cycle begins again. In this episode, I’m taking a closer look at that pattern, and at what it might look like to slow down not just how we buy clothes, but how we let them go. We’re talking about clothing swaps — how they work in real life, why they’re such a powerful (and often overlooked) tool for sustainable living, and how sharing clothes within our existing circles can keep clothing in use closer to home, while also building connection and community. Takeaways
One Small Shift Try it! If you have host energy, host a clothing swap — start small, keep it simple, and see what happens. And if hosting feels like too much, say YES to attending one. Resources How to Host a Clothing Swap (blog post) Ep. 35: Rethinking Sustainable Fashion with Sabs Katz Consumed - Aja Barber (book) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 37: Sustainable Decluttering — Why Letting Go Isn’t Neutral | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:21:21 | |
Donation dumps are basically reverse shopping hauls. Decluttering is often framed as an end point — clear it out, drop it off, move on. But what if the way we let things go quietly trains how we bring new things in? In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m exploring the relationship between decluttering, donation, and sustainable living — and why donation isn’t bad, but also isn’t neutral. We talk about mindful decluttering, overwhelmed donation systems, and how slowing down the letting-go process can shape more intentional habits around both acquiring and discarding things. This conversation sits at the intersection of sustainable decluttering, minimalism, and organization, and asks what becomes possible when we stay present through the full life cycle of our stuff, instead of treating decluttering as the end of the story. Takeaways
One Small Shift Look into your community-based options. That might mean joining a Buy Nothing group, checking what local organizations actually need, or learning where items are most likely to stay in use — and letting that guide how you let things go. Resources Sustainable Decluttering – An Eco-Friendly Approach to Letting Things Go (blog) How to Host a Clothing Swap (podcast episode) Fewer, Better Things - How to Reduce Kitchen Clutter (podcast episode) Sustainable Minimalism - Stefanie Marie Seferian (book) No New Things - Ashlee Piper (book) The Story of Stuff - Annie Leonard (book) Consumed - Aja Barber (book) Aja Barber (Patreon) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 38: Things I Don’t Buy Anymore — Eco-Frugal Shifts That Reduce Waste and Save Money | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:22:00 | |
Buying less is one of the most powerful forms of climate action we have. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the things I’ve stopped buying over the last ten years of sustainable living. This shift into eco-frugal living happened gradually, beginning with using up what I already had, doing periodic waste audits to see what we were consistently throwing way, and getting very clear on how and where to spend our money. Because truly, the most sustainable thing you can buy is nothing. Takeaways
One Small Shift Instead of focusing on what you might stop buying next, try making a short list of things you already don’t buy anymore — and notice what made that possible. Resources Household Waste Audit Workbook (free download) A Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) How to Quit Using Amazon (blog post and podcast episode) 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money (blog post) How to Pack a Zero Waste School Lunch (blog post) 3 Ways to Have a Zero Waste Period (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 39: Sustainable Home Renovations — Materials, Waste, and Designing Homes For Life with Brittany Steptoe Wright | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:54:44 | |
We talk a lot on this show about the small daily habits inside our homes. But every so often, the choices get bigger. Renovations bring in materials, demolition, budgets, trades, and long-term decisions all at once. They shape how a home functions — and how it holds up — for years. In this episode, I’m joined by Brittany Steptoe Wright, Founder and Principal of BSW Design and COO of Steptoe Carpentry, for a practical and thoughtful conversation about what sustainable design actually looks like inside real projects with real budgets. If you’re planning a renovation — or simply thinking about your home with a longer lens — this conversation offers a steady framework for building and living in a way that lasts. Takeaways
One Small Shift Take care of your things — loved things last! Maintain them. Repair them. Clean them properly. Loved things last — and extending the life of what’s already in your home is one of the simplest and most meaningful sustainability decisions you can make. Connect With Brit Resources Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 40: How to Host a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids (Eco-Friendly Ideas That Save You Money) | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:24:25 | |
I can’t be the only one who has complicated feelings about goody bags… right? Kids' birthday parties have quietly escalated. The venues. The décor. The goody bags. The expectation that every year has to be a little bigger than the last. But most kids don’t actually need all of that. In this episode, I’m sharing how we’ve kept birthday parties simple, low waste, and still genuinely fun — from smaller guest lists to reusable decorations, bulk food, experience gifts, and activities that don’t end up in the trash. If you’re looking for practical, eco-friendly birthday party ideas that feel realistic for busy families, this episode walks through exactly how we do it. Related Episodes Ep. 16: Sustainable Living with Kids with Jessica Nakamura Ep. 22: Simple, Real-Life Sustainable Living with Julie Darrell Ep. 23: Borrow Before You Buy with LEND-IT.CA Ep. 26: Holiday Food Waste — Simple Ways to Reduce Waste and Save Money Resources How to Have a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids (blog post) Should You Give Secondhand Gifts (blog post) Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Kids (blog post) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 41: Behind the Scenes — Sustainability on Film Sets with Erin Karpluk | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:01:56 | |
What does sustainability look like in a fast-moving industry like film and television? In this episode, Canadian actress Erin Karpluk shares how growing up in Jasper shaped her connection to nature, how the 2024 wildfires impacted her community, and how those experiences inform the way she approaches sustainability — both personally and professionally. We talk about eco-friendly habits, secondhand fashion, sustainable travel, and what waste and sustainability look like behind the scenes on film sets. This is a conversation about environmental awareness, resilience, and the small shifts that can influence culture at work. Takeaways
Connect With Erin Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 42: RECYCLED - Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here. | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:21:40 | |
This episode originally aired in the very first month of Sustainable in the Suburbs. I’m revisiting it now because this idea remains one of the clearest ways to find your place in climate action — and sometimes returning to the foundation is exactly what helps us feel re-energized. Climate change feels HUGE — and it is. The problem is urgent and complex. And when you start looking for solutions, it can seem like there’s an endless list of things you should be doing. All of them are important, and that can feel completely overwhelming. But meaningful climate action doesn’t happen because one person does everything. It happens when many people each find their place — in their homes, their neighbourhoods, and their communities. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework I often come back to refocus my efforts: the Climate Action Venn Diagram from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. We’ll talk about how your skills, your joys, and the needs of the world can come together to help you find your own personal starting point — one that feels meaningful, realistic, and sustainable for the long haul. Takeaways
One Small Shift Download a copy of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram worksheet, grab a pencil, and just see what comes up. You might be surprised by how much clarity this one little exercise can bring. Resources How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate Action How to Find Joy in Climate Action (TED Talk) What If We Get It Right? (website) All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson (book) What If We Get It Right - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (book) Related Epiosdes Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 43: Making Sustainable Living Accessible in the Suburbs with Laura Newton of Kind Matter | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:47:16 | |
What does sustainable living actually look like in the suburbs — in places designed around cars, convenience, and big box shopping? Laura Newton is the founder of The Kind Matter Company, a Canadian eco-boutique and refill store focused on low waste living, eco friendly products, and non-toxic household essentials. What began as a personal search for safer products after her daughter developed severe allergies has grown into a retail business built around making sustainable living more accessible for everyday families. Kind Matter now has multiple locations across Ontario, including a flagship store in Mississauga’s Heartland Town Centre — a typical suburban shopping plaza where refillable products, Canadian brands, and plastic-free options sit alongside everyday errands. This conversation explores how refill stores and low waste shopping fit into suburban life, what customers are actually looking for, and how eco friendly products become part of real, everyday routines — without requiring a complete lifestyle overhaul. Takeaways
Connect With Laura Products Mentioned Notice Hair Co. (see in store) Routine Cream (see in store) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 45: Food Waste Is Costing You — How to Spend Less on Groceries with Chelsey Schmuland | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:07:30 | |
You’re not just wasting food — you’re throwing money in the trash. This week I’m joined by returning guest Chelsey Schmuland, and we’re digging into one of the most overlooked ways to save money on groceries: reducing food waste. Chelsey is the maker behind Hive to Home, where she creates handmade beeswax wraps as a reusable alternative to plastic food storage. She’s also a grocery budgeting queen and food rescue enthusiast. We talk about how much food we’re actually wasting (and what that costs), how food rescue apps can dramatically transform your grocery budget, and why proper storage makes a bigger difference than you might think. If you’re trying to spend less, waste less, and make your kitchen work better for you — this episode is packed with strategies you can start using right away. Takeaways
One Small Shift Before you shop this week, check the reduced section or a food rescue app first — and build one meal around what you find. Connect with Chelsey Resources A Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) How to Prevent Food Waste with Kids How to Use Beeswax Wraps (and Keep Food Fresh Without Plastic) Flashfood (use code is SUST7K8EA for $5 off) Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 44: How to Start Birding in Your Backyard (and Help Birds During Nesting Season) | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
Spring is when the birds get loud again. You hear them before you see them — in the morning, in the trees, and in the background of your day. If you’ve ever thought about getting into birding, this is a really natural place to start — right outside your door. In this episode, we’re talking about how to start birding in your own backyard, how to identify common birds by sight and sound, what’s happening during nesting season, and how to support birds in ways that genuinely help. There’s a lot of advice out there this time of year — and not all of it is as helpful as it sounds. So we’ll also walk through what to avoid, common bird hazards in suburban spaces, and simple ways to support backyard biodiversity and habitat. Takeaways
One Small Shift Resources: Safe Nesting Materials for Birds (blog post) Merlin Bird ID Related Episodes: Ep. 18: Connecting Communities Through Green Spaces with Carolyn Scotchmer Ep. 20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard Ep. 25: Redefining Sustainable Living — From Zero Waste to Real-World Resilience Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 46: How to Understand Climate Change (and Talk About It With Your Kids) with Brittany Jefferson | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:04:28 | |
We spend a lot of time talking about climate change — but not nearly enough time understanding it. Most of us were never really taught how to understand it, especially in a way that connects it to history, systems, power, and the everyday decisions we’re making. This week, I’m joined by Brittany Jefferson, an educator and founder of EJ EDU, to talk about climate literacy — what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we think about everything from education to environmental justice. We talk about why climate can’t just live in science class, what’s missing from how it’s typically taught, and how understanding the bigger picture can change the way we approach sustainability. We also bring this into everyday life — from raising kids and navigating climate anxiety to having conversations at home and taking local climate action. Takeaways
One Small Shift Download the Climate Venn Diagram. It’s a simple but powerful way to figure out where your skills, your interests, and the needs of the world overlap — and where you can focus your time and energy. Connect with Brittany Resources All We Can Save – Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (book) Related Episodes Ep. 7: Rethinking Zero Waste with April Dickinson Ep. 42: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? The Climate Venn Diagram Can Help Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 47: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps That Save You Money and Reduce Waste | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:24:15 | |
Bathroom swaps are one of the most common entry points into sustainable living — but they can also be one of the most overwhelming. There are so many products, so many recommendations, and so much pressure to replace everything all at once. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about what it actually looks like to approach sustainable bathroom swaps in a way that’s doable, practical, and budget-friendly. The focus is on using what you already have, reducing repeat purchases, and making changes that actually stick in real life. We dig into how much waste is coming from the bathroom, why so many of these items are designed to be used and replaced quickly, and how shifting your approach can naturally reduce both waste and spending over time. I also walk through what has (and hasn’t) worked in my own routine — from bar soap and toothpaste to deodorant and other everyday products — and why simplifying your routine can often be more impactful than swapping everything out. Takeaways
One Small Shift Take an inventory of what you already have in your bathroom and focus on finishing those products first. From there, you can make more intentional choices about what you actually want to replace (and what you don’t). Resources Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps (blog post) Related Episodes 4: How to Do a Household Waste Audit 8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living 9: Skincare, Sustainability, and Self-Care with Rebecca Ogilvie 10: How to Refill in Your Own Containers for a Plastic-Free Pantry 22: From Refills to Resilience — Simple, Real-Life Sustainable Living with Julie Darrell 38: Things I Don’t Buy Anymore — Eco-Frugal Shifts That Reduce Waste and Save Money Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 48: Overwhelmed by Sustainable Living Advice? Start Here (with Alexa Pavan) | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:00:23 | |
Sustainability advice is everywhere — and even when you care, even when you’re trying to pay attention, it can be hard to know what actually matters. In this episode, I’m joined by Alexa Pavan of Go Green With Alexa, a climate communicator and copywriter who’s focused on making sustainability more understandable, more approachable, and a lot more connected to real life. We talk about what it looks like to move through all of that information — how to figure out what’s credible, what’s actually helpful, and how to take those bigger ideas and bring them into your day-to-day life. From composting and food waste to media literacy and community action, this conversation is about finding your footing in a space that can feel overwhelming and remembering that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated to matter. Takeaways
One Small Shift Start paying attention to what’s around you. Get curious about the life cycle of an object near you. Building awareness is the first step toward making more intentional choices. Connect With Alexa Resources Household Waste Audit Workbook (free resource) How to Prevent Food Waste With Kids (blog post) 11 Ways to Reuse Food Scraps (blog post) Related Episodes 24: 5 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead) 45: Food Waste Is Costing You — How to Spend Less on Groceries with Chelsey Schmuland 46: How to Understand Climate Change (and Talk About It With Your Kids) with Brittany Jefferson Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||
| 49: Less Stuff, Less Stress — Sustainable Living with Kids (In Real Life) | 12 May 2026 | 00:24:19 | |
In this episode, I’m talking about what sustainable living with kids actually looks like in real life. Not the Instagram version — the real version. The conversations, the habits, the overwhelm, the convenience culture, and the small shifts that slowly become part of how your family moves through the world. Takeaways
One Small Shift Resources 10 Tips for Going Zero With Kids How to Do a Trash Audit With Kids How to Prevent Food Waste With Kids How to Pack a Zero Waste School Lunch Related Episodes Ep. 16: Sustainable Living with Kids — Save Money and Reduce Waste with Jessica Nakamura Ep. 17: How to Raise Eco-Friendly Kids with Talayna Zacharias Ep. 22: From Refills to Resilience — Simple, Real-Life Sustainable Living with Julie Darrell Ep. 32: Overstimulation, Overconsumption, and the Pressure to Do More with Gillian Gabryluk Ep. 40 – How to Host a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids Ep. 46: How to Talk to Kids About Climate Change with Brittany Jefferson Connect With Me Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener. | |||