Explore every episode of the podcast Sustainable in the Suburbs
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |||
| 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! 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: Can You Be 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||