11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women’s Personal Finance
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.TakeawaysThe concept of “enoughness” and how it reduces overconsumption.Why value‑aligned spending matters and how to start thinking differently about your purchases.How money is tied to values, systems, and power.How boycotts and not spending can be powerful forms of protest.The role of community care and sharing in financial and climate resilience.One Small ShiftRegina: Go through your fridge and pantry each week, repurpose what you have, and reduce food waste.Angela: Have a real conversation with a neighbour — get to know them, exchange contact info, and start building that local network of care.ResourcesThe Serviceberry - Robin Wall KimmererConsumed - Aja BarberConnect with Women's Personal FinanceWebsiteCommunitiesNewsletterInstagramThreadsFacebookTikTokSupport the showConnect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show 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.
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10: How to Refill in Your Own Containers for a Plastic-Free Pantry
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.TakeawaysWhy refilling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste.How a plastic‑free pantry can make life simpler and more organized.The money‑saving perks of bulk shopping.What mindset shifts often happen when you start refilling.Where to look for refill opportunities beyond zero‑waste stores.How to advocate for refill options everywhere.One Small ShiftPick one item you buy regularly — coffee, rice, snacks — and look for a place to refill it in your own container. That single change can make a surprising difference.ResourcesHousehold 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, 2020Zero Waste Chef (Website)The Zero Waste Chef Cookbook - Anne-Marie BonneauBulk Barn - Reusable Container ProgramStasher BagReusable produce and bulk bagsSupport the showConnect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show 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.
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8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living
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.TakeawaysWhy the climate action begins at the kitchen table.5 practical, affordable swaps that actually reduce wastes.Simple, low-waste tips for daily life.How every small shift adds up (without overhauling your home).One Small Shift:Pick just one thing to swap this week. Whether it’s replacing paper towels, trying out a reusable bag, or mixing up a batch of DIY cleaner — it all counts!Product RecommendationsSwedish dish clothsUnpaper towelsStasher bagsBeeswax wrapsWooden dish brushCleanings, soap, and laundry tabletsResourcesA Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20 to save 20%)Plastic Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You MoneyHow to Clean a Wooden Dish BrushWhat to Use Instead of Paper Towels: 5 Easy and Sustainable AlternativesSupport the showConnect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show 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.
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7: Rethinking Zero Waste and Building Community Care (with April Dickinson)
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.TakeawaysWhy zero waste is about more than personal consumption.The problem of perfectionism and shame in sustainability spaces.Shifting from individual action to collective community care.The importance of local networks: community fridges, Buy Nothing groups, and mutual aid.Understanding who benefits and who is burdened by our systems.The concept of degrowth and why infinite growth isn’t sustainable.ResourcesBraiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall KimmererDoughnut Economics - Kate RaworthViet Thanh Nguyen (learn more about Expansive Solidarity)Connect with AprilInstagramStorygraphSupport the showConnect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show 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.
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6: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here.
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.TakeawaysThe Climate Venn Diagram helps identify a meaningful starting point for climate action by looking at what brings you joy, what you’re good at, and what the world needs.Sustainable living isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing something that feels right for you.Joy is a powerful motivator in climate work and there are countless ways to contribute your skills.Building habits that feel good and fit your life helps make climate action sustainable for the long term.One Small ShiftDownload 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.ResourcesClimate Action Venn DiagramHow to Find Joy in Climate Action - TED TalkWhat If We Get It Right? (Website)All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. WilkinsonWhat If We Get It Right (Book) - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate ActionSupport the showConnect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show 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.
Want to waste less, save more, and make your home a little more eco-friendly? Sustainable in the Suburbs is your go-to podcast for practical, judgment-free tips and real-life stories to help you build sustainable habits that actually stick.Hosted by Sarah Robertson-Barnes — a suburban soccer mum, sustainability educator, and founder of the blog Sustainable in the Suburbs — this weekly show brings doable advice, honest conversations, and actionable ideas to help you waste less, spend smarter, and live more sustainably at home.Because sustainable living doesn’t have to be perfect to matter — and you don’t have to do it all to make a big impact. Start where you are, use what you have, and live a little greener.
Österreich