Raising Eco Minimalists

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 showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 referral link (use this link and receive $10 off your first order)Poshmark referral link (use this link and receive $10 off your first order)Mercari referral link (use this link and receive $10 off your first order) Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 full transcript here.  Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

TW: Suicide, mental health crisisFull transcriptHave 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's chat option.ResourcesWhat's your sustainability personality? SAMSHA - 988 FAQsSome states are struggling to prepare for calls to the 988 mental health crisis lineLet's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify  Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 all equal-how we can process the heavy news with kidsFind the full transcript here. Let's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify  Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

Full episode transcriptWhat's your sustainability personality quizSee 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 swapsEat me now fridge sectionHand soapUnpaper towels, napkins, tissuesAloe vera plantReusable strawsReusable popsicle moldsReusable water bottleDIY cleanerLet's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify  Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 second joint venture is their website Raising Global Kidizens which acts as a resource for those raising responsible global citizens. Raising Global Kidizens provides content that aligns with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to create an equitable world for all.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Coloring posterWhere to find Jen and Jess:Jen: Honestly Modern & WasteWellJess: Thoughtfully Sustainable Let's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 transcriptSupport the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 work she's doing to bring awareness to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that companies like TruGreen put on lawns. Linda shares the harmful effects these chemicals can have on us, and ways to make change through conversation with others. This is a jam-packed episode, but Linda is so relatable, and I absolutely enjoyed our conversation together. Where you can find Linda:Petition WebsiteLet's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 options. Complete episode transcript. Let's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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, and overwhelm, with the added bonus of reducing food waste. Yes, even if you have CHOOSEY eaters!Complete episode transcript. Here are the questions we answer and topics covered:Issue with food wasteHow to tackle home-packed school lunchesWays we can talk to kids about food wasteHow to incorporate reducing food waste into your family valuesHow to address food waste at home with choosy eatersHow to avoid making separate meals for kids who don’t like what’s being servedHow to get dinner on the table for your family with less stress and less drama and less food wasteResources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):Bento BoxEpisode 11 - How to compost at home with kidsFamily values episodes (Ep 17 with Lindsay & Episode 2 with Stephanie)Gardening with kids ep. 4Where to find Alison & ends & stems:ends & stemsrecipe finderInstagramLet's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 how to say "no gifts, please" (or at least offer a compromise)Resources:10 ways to graciously tell someone: ‘no gifts, please’ (with actual examples)A Minimalist and Zero Waste Advent Calendar (with 58 Kindness, Traditions, and Activity-Based, Non-Candy Ideas)What is a fiver party and how to throw one (includes a party invitation wording guide)Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 candy ideas)-the Teal Pumpkin Project-what to do with all those candy wrappers-what to do with leftover Halloween candy-eco friendly Halloween costumes-where to rent Halloween costumes-how to keep pumpkin carving eco-friendly-what to do with your pumpkin after HalloweenResources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):-teal pumpkin map-terra cycle candy wrapper recycling box-Kidizen App-ToyCycle-Rent-a-Romper-HalloweenCostumes.com-Episode Six with Addie on Thrifting Kids Items-Episode 11 with Jen on Composting with Kids-ShareWasteBuy Nothing Project GroupFreecycle.orgNextdoor Facebook MarketplaceLet's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community GroupSupport the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 health, and sustainability into our familyHow to create a family mission statement (and what it is)How we can set boundaries for ourselvesHow we can set boundaries for our kids How we can teach our kids to set boundaries for themselves How to address pushback from others in regards to boundaries What a simple playroom is and how to maintain itSome benefits of having fewer toys for kidsResources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):Mission statement worksheetEpisode 2 with Stephanie Sefarian Boundary setting around gift giving workshopConscious parenting book clubWhere to find Lindsay:InstagramBlogLet's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community GroupBecome a podcast member (and help support the show!)Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 questions we answer and topics covered:How overscheduling can be a detriment to our kids (and us)What research shows about this topicWhy we may overscheduleFive ways to stop overscheduling Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):Free workshop: Seeds for changeEpisode 2: Eco Minimalism and Kids with Stephanie Sefarian The Overscheduled Child by Alvin Rosenfeld, MDThe Hurried Child by David Elkind Let's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community GroupBecome a podcast member (and help support the show!)Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

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 Stacy about these inspiring kids which left me filled with hope for not only our future but for my son as well. Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover:What is a young changemakerWhy representation is important in children’s booksCharacteristics that are common amongst young changemakers Kids' concerns about the futureWhy kids are great at making changeHow can we support kids who want to be young changemakersHow can we encourage and empower kids to be young changemakersTips for decluttering with kidsResources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):Young Changemakers Kickstarter CampaignCami and Wyatt BooksYoung Changemakers Facebook group#kidsinspiringothers#inspiringkids#kidshelpingpeopleWhere to find Stacy:WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookYoung Changemakers Facebook page Let's connect!Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.comBlog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community GroupBecome a podcast member (and help support the show!)Support the showLet's connect!Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids. Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew) Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog) Support the Show Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify