In this episode, I'm talking with Jessie Stokes, owner of the Tiny Yellow Bungalow zero waste shop and blog. Jessie is also the author and creator of the Zero Waste Vegan Cookbook. Together, Jessie and I have an honest conversation about what happens when your values have to shift, how to navigate the guilt, and also wondering if our small efforts really make a difference. Transcript coming soon. You can learn more about Jessie here: https://www.tinyyellowbungalow.com/  Support the...

Secondhand shopping with tweens can be a whole different experience. You may start receiving pushback or asks for particular brands or character-type clothing.  In this episode, I'm sharing 10 tips for navigating shopping for tweens who are more opinionated about their clothing - and may be against secondhand items.  Resources: Episode 6: Thrifting Tips for Kids Clothes and Gear with Addie FisherEpisode 8: Capsule Wardrobes for Kids (Sustainable/Ethical) with Erin of My Green ClosetThredUP...

In today's episode, I'm reviewing the book Spit That Out! The Overly Informed Parent's Guide to Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Environmental Guilt by Paige Wolf. I shared what I like and dislike about the book to help you determine whether it's one you want to read or not. You can find the full transcript here.  Support the showLet's connect! Email me: [email protected] Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or...

In part two of my story of how we downsized by half and moved five hours away to a small town where we knew no one, I'm sharing about how we are working to establish new roots. I'm sharing how we're working to build our community in many different ways, things we've learned, and some of the challenges we've faced. If you haven't had a chance to listen to part one (episode 30), listen to that episode first as it will provide some good context to what I'm sharing in this episode.  Find the...

We're back! It's season 3, and we're approaching the third anniversary of the pod. In this episode, I'm sharing my family's story of why we uprooted our lives, downsized our belongings by half, and moved five hours away to a small town where we knew no one.  It's the story of how I got to where I am right now, early 2023. This story starts in fall of 2021.  Link to transcript Support the showLet's connect! Email me: [email protected] Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) ...

TW: Suicide, mental health crisis Full transcript Have you heard of 988? It's a new mental health, substance abuse, emotional crisis, and suicide helpline launching July 16, 2022. In this episode, I talk about what the new helpline is, who it's for, share key points about it, and also some challenges that have come up (and what you can do to help). If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal or in a mental, emotional, or substance abuse crisis, please call 1-800-273-8255 or visit the...

In today's episode, I'm talking all about the fallout of SCOTUS overturning Roe vs. Wade. I'm sharing how access to reproductive rights and choice is directly linked to how we approach the climate crisis, as well as many tips on how to raise kids who are feminists, or, who value equality. I share -my definition of feminism, and why it goes beyond burning bras -how women's rights are also climate action -how we can encourage our kids to value equality -why we can't all be equal, unless we're...

Full episode transcript What's your sustainability personality quiz See all episodes mentioned in this episode here. General tips -Use what you have -Wait -Buy Nothing Group -Buy secondhand  -Toy swap/Clothes swap -Book library -Toy library -Reduce commitments -Prioritize time outside (picnics, parks, music events, etc) -Walk/bike/skate to places -Upcycle clothing (pants/shorts, long sleeves to tanks) -Reduce convenience items -Start a garden  Specific swaps Eat me now fridge...

Jess Purcell of Thoughtfully Sustainable (episode 5) and Jen Panaro of Honestly Modern (episode 11) are back to talk about two new projects they've been working on. Find the full written episode transcript here. The first is a new book for everyone raising an eco-minimalist called "How to Raise a Global Citizen: For the parents of children who will save the world", which is a multi-author compilation of resources, amazing content, and tips from parent bloggers around the world. Their...

Looking for ways to enjoy a more eco-friendly Easter with kids? In this episode, I dive into all types of eco-swaps and resources to help you do just that. A zero-waste Easter? Here you come. Find the full episode transcript here.   Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast): Wooden eggs on Etsy Paper eggs on EarthHero (get 10% off using code 'LauraD10' at checkout) ThredUP (use the link to get $10...

Today I'm speaking with the incredibly Dr. Artika Tyner - the founder of the Minnesota-based organization 'Planting People, Growing Justice'. Its mission is to raise awareness about illiteracy in kids and how that contributes to the cradle to prison pipeline. They also work to increase representation in books and toys. Full episode transcript Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gPwH8QEUo)

In today's episode, I'm talking with fellow eco-minimalist parent Linda Yin. She's an enthusiastic minimalist (her words), and has found her sustainability land in the form of safe lawn advocacy for all kids and living beings. In this episode, we have a fantastic conversation about what it means to be a minimalist as a parent, how it changes after having kids, how it looks different for everyone, and more. Then, we jump into Linda's sustainability lane: safe lawns, where we talk about the...

Got food waste? Over 30-40% of all food is wasted. Yet, we have people in our own communities and elsewhere that are going hungry. We know composting is important, but reducing food waste first is the goal. However, when we throw kids into the mix, it can feel completely out of our control and overwhelming. In this episode, I'm talking with Alison Mountford of ends & stems - a professional chef who has a focus on helping busy families get food on the table without the stress, drama,...

Valentine's Day with kids can be hard to navigate, because on one hand, we want our kids to be able to participate in the card exchange and other activities at school or daycare. But, the traditional activities can cause a lot of waste. So what do we do? This quick episode focuses mainly on the card exchanges that happen at schools, between friends, and at daycares. I share tips on how to rethink your Valentine's Day activities, as well as give specific, eco-friendly exchange...

The pod is back for another season, and this episode is a quick recap of where we started and where we are going. It's also a mushy two minutes of gratitude and appreciation and excitement for you being here. Subscribe to ensure you never miss and episode! NEW for season two....TRANSCRIPTS! Click here for the transcript for this episode. Let's connect! Email me: [email protected] Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or...

In this bonus episode - I review the top five episodes of 2021 (season one), and share four things you can do in 2022 to help you and your kids manage your mind, body, community, and planet.  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gPwH8QEUo)

In this episode, I'm talking about a topic that everyone is talking about (just not to each other). And that topic is how to tell someone: "no gifts, please".  As we move into the holiday season, many people are wondering how they can broach the topic of not exchanging gifts without offending their friends/family.  The good news is that it can be easier than you think.  In this episode, I talk about: Why some people may be insistent on giftsWhy you may not want to exchange gifts10 tips for...

Americans spend BILLIONs of dollars a year on Halloween celebrations. The amount of waste that goes into the items we buy is a lot. Not to mention, expensive! I even give lots of ideas to the common question: what do I hand out to trick or treaters that's eco-friendly and low waste? This episode talks about how to have an eco-friendly Halloween with kids. Here are the questions I answer and topics covered: -frightening Halloween statistics-what to give trick-or-treaters (non-candy and...

In this episode, I'm talking with Lindsay Short of Simply Sustainable Parenting. Lindsay and I cover a variety of topics, but the meat of the episode is focused on something I think many of us struggle with - setting boundaries.  Here are the questions we answer and topics covered: Lindsay’s definition of sustainability (and how it’s different than the traditional meaning)How mindfulness and mental health play into the sustainability movementHow we can incorporate mindfulness, mental...

Research shows that kids who are overscheduled don't eat as well, sleep as well, or make friends as well as kids who aren't overscheduled. Additionally, overscheduling kids when they're younger can lead to things like anxiety, depression, and hamper their ability to solve problems and make good decisions. As parents/guardians, we are probably well-intentioned by signing our kids up for all the things. But it can not only be detrimental to their wellbeing, but ours too. Here are the...

The future of our planet can sometimes feel very bleak - especially for those of us who have kids. Oftentimes we find ourselves asking what their future will look like, how much weight will they have to carry, and what will become of our society. My guest today is Stacy C. Bauer - mom, teacher, and author. Stacy had the idea in 2020 to write a book about inspiring kids making change today. She set out to find 20 kids for one book and ended up with 84 kids and seven books. I talk with...

You know science is important, but do you really know why? How does incorporating science for kids at home help with living sustainably? And what about kids who don't have access to good science learning? In this episode, I'm talking with Medinah Eatman, or, Science Teacher Mom. We answer the questions above, and lots, lots more.  Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover: Medinah's experience being on the show ‘George in the Jungle’ on NBCWhat STEM is, and why is it important...

Artificial light pollution at night - what is it? Why is it a problem - especially for us and our kids? In this week's episode, I'm talking with Caitlin Johnson, founder of the Twin Cities (Minnesota) chapter of the International Dark Sky Organization. Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover: What is light pollution (specifically artificial light pollution at night)?Why is artificial light pollution at night bad?How does light pollution affect humans? What about pollinators,...

Single-use plastic and kids. They seem to go hand and hand, right?  During the month of July, millions around the world partake in a challenge called 'Plastic Free July'. But reducing plastic can be daunting and overwhelming. And what if I told you it may not all be bad? This episode covers:  What is plastic free July?Is all plastic bad?What’s the problem with straw bans and plastic bag bans?Tips for reducing single use plasticSome of my favorite places to shop plastic free (and find...