There's convenience, and then there's *excessive* convenience. While some modern conveniences are indeed necessary and needed, the excessive ones can be detrimental to ourselves and society as a whole. Items and services of convenience are often substitutes for supportive culture and connection. On today's show historian Jennifer Newton and I discuss how culture - and specifically excessively convenient, disposable culture - perpetuates itself; we also muse on what to do if the prevailing culture no longer "fits". Here's a preview: [5:00] How'd we get here? A brief history of the Convenience Industrial Complex in America [10:00] Weak ties, strong ties, and 3 ways convenience culture reduces social connection [23:00] The average American watches 4 hours of TV a day. What are the cultural implications? [35:00] Passive and active ways to fight back against excessive convenience Resources mentioned: Sustain Initiative Substack -- Join our (free!) community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube. Say hello! [email protected]. Our Sponsors: * Check out Puro Air : getpuroair.com * Thank you to Equilibria! Use code SUSTAINABLE for 15% off sitewide: http://www.myeq.com * Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy