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We all have clothes we don’t wear. Pieces that might fit again someday, that were expensive, or that feel too nice to just drop into a donation bin. When those clothes start piling up, donation often becomes the default solution. And once those bags are gone from the trunk, the buying cycle begins again. In this episode, I’m taking a closer look at that pattern, and at what it might look like to slow down not just how we buy clothes, but how we let them go. We’re talking about clothing swaps — how they work in real life, why they’re such a powerful (and often overlooked) tool for sustainable living, and how sharing clothes within our existing circles can keep clothing in use closer to home, while also building connection and community. Takeaways How donation has become part of the buying cycle (and why that matters)How clothing swaps keep clothes in use locallyWhy letting go of clothing is emotional (and how swaps create a softer landing)How to actually host a swapWhy planning for leftovers is just as important as planning the swap itselfHow sharing clothes can quietly build connection and communityOne Small Shift Try it! If you have host energy, host a clothing swap — start small, keep it simple, and see what happens. And if hosting feels like too much, say YES to attending one. Resources How to Host a Clothing Swap (blog post) Ep. 35: Rethinking Sustainable Fashion with Sabs Katz Clotheshorse Podcast Consumed - Aja Barber (book) Aja Barber - Patreon Support the show Connect 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.

This episode touches on sustainable fashion — but it’s not only about fashion. It’s a conversation about how we think about clothes, how we relate to what we already own, and how everyday decisions around getting dressed connect to consumption, care, and creativity. I’m joined by Sabs Katz, the creator of Sustainable Sabs and a cofounder of Intersectional Environmentalist, for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about personal style, overconsumption, and what it looks like to slow down without turning sustainability into a rulebook. We talk about clothing as memory and legacy, why reducing consumption matters more than chasing “better” products, and how practices like mending, swaps, and intentional limits can actually make style clearer — not more restrictive. This episode is for anyone who wears clothes — which is all of us. Takeaways Why fashion can be such a complicated entry point into sustainabilityWhat “sustainable fashion” can look like in real lifeClothing as memory, inheritance, and careReducing consumption without rigidityMending, swaps, and community-based alternativesFinding creativity outside of constant trendsSome excellent challenges to curb your consumption and recharge your creativityOne Small Shift Pause before buying something new. Save it, sit with it, and see how you feel about it a week later. Connect With Sabs Instagram Website Substack Resources Intersectional Environmentalist Indyx Hot or Cool Institute Drive to Target - poems by Hayley DeRoche Pattie Gonia How to Host a Clothing Swap (blog post) Support the show Connect 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.

Paper towels are one of those everyday items most of us don’t think twice about — until we do. They’re convenient, familiar, and deeply embedded in our kitchen routines. But when you slow down and look at what goes into making something designed to be used once and thrown away, it becomes worth questioning. In this solo episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about how to quit (or significantly reduce) paper towel use in a way that’s practical, flexible, and rooted in real life. I share how paper towels quietly disappeared from our home years ago, why they’re so easy to overuse, and what actually works instead. We dig into the environmental and financial cost of paper towels, how ideas about cleanliness and convenience shape our habits, and why changing what’s within reach can naturally change behaviour. I also walk through realistic reusable alternatives, storage and laundry concerns, edge cases where disposables still make sense, and what to do if you already have paper towels at home. The focus is on choosing reusables where they make sense, and how small changes add up over time in everyday life. Takeaways Why paper towels are designed to be overused — and why that’s not a personal failure.The environmental impact of single-use paper products.Practical alternatives to paper towels that work in everyday homes.How small behavioural changes can reduce waste.Why using fewer paper towels still matters, even if you don’t eliminate them entirely.One Small Shift Take the paper towel roll off your counter and put it somewhere else — under the sink, in a cupboard, or the pantry. Just notice what you reach for instead over the next week or two. Related Episodes 8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living 11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women's Personal Finance 33: Fewer, Better Things — How to Reduce Kitchen Clutter and Waste Resources What to Use Instead of Paper Towels (all my favourite products) How to Knit a Dish Cloth (free PDF pattern) 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money (blog post) A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) Support the show Connect 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.

Our homes are full of things we barely notice until they start to feel heavy. Duplicate pantry items, forgotten gadgets, drawers that are full of junk... And suddenly, everyday life feels harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I’m joined by Sasha Mazzuca, founder of Disch and a professional organizer, for a thoughtful conversation about our relationship to stuff — and how choosing fewer, better things can make daily life feel calmer, more functional, and more sustainable. Sasha shares how years of organizing clients’ kitchens led her to a surprisingly universal problem: the towel drawer. From there, she walks us through how thoughtful design, simple systems, and well-made tools can reduce clutter, decision fatigue, and waste — without requiring a full lifestyle overhaul. We talk about why eco-friendly products don’t have to be boring or expensive, how paper towels quietly add up in both cost and resources, and why the kitchen is often the easiest place to start building more sustainable habits. This conversation is especially timely for anyone feeling the pull to declutter, reset, or simplify — without chasing perfection. Takeaways Why clutter often comes from delayed decisions and forgotten duplicatesHow professional organizing intersects with sustainabilityCommon myths about eco-friendly products — including cost and aestheticsWhy the kitchen is a natural gateway to sustainable livingWhy paper towels are one of the easiest places to reduce wasteHow fewer, better-designed tools can support lasting habitsOne Small Shift Sasha suggests starting with one drawer — especially the towel drawer. Choosing tools that actually work, fit neatly, and get used every day can reduce clutter, waste, and mental load far more than we expect. Connect With Sasha / Disch Website Instagram Facebook Resources What To Use Instead of Paper Towels (blog post) 10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money (blog post) A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (e-book - use code PODCAST20) 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps (previous episode) Support the show Connect 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.

If the week between Christmas and New Year’s leaves you feeling overstimulated, scattered, or unsure how to move forward without just adding more pressure, you’re not alone. After a season filled with noise, expectations, and stuff, it can be hard to find your footing — especially when the cultural message is already shifting toward doing more, fixing more, and buying more in January. This week, I’m joined by Gillian Gabryluk, founder of Sileo Health & Wellness and host of the Be Still and Live podcast. Gillian shares a grounded perspective to what it looks like to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and move into the new year with intention rather than urgency. We talk about overstimulation, the myth that “more” will make us feel better, and why there’s nothing we can add to cart that will fix the feeling of overwhelm. Gillian explains why stillness is a form of strength, and offers gentle, practical ways families can create calmer rhythms at home, especially during winter. This conversation is a reminder that sustainable living often begins long before the recycling bin — with clarity, values, and learning to want less. Takeaways Why the constant noise of modern life leaves us feeling overstimulatedHow shopping, scrolling, and clutter become default coping mechanismsWhy “more” — more doing, more buying, more fixing — rarely brings reliefHow winter naturally invites reflection and a slower paceHow values-based living often leads to consuming lessWhy small shifts are more sustainable than big overhaulsOne Small Shift Gillian suggests practicing the pause — especially when the urge to scroll, shop, or add something new shows up. Often, the calm we’re looking for is already available once we slow down enough to notice it. Connect With Gillian Website Instagram Be Still and Live - Podcast Resources How to Create Eco-Friendly Holiday Traditions (blog post) Support the show Connect 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.

After releasing 31 episodes — something I am frankly amazed at — I wanted to take a few minutes to look back on this first year of Sustainable in the Suburbs. What’s worked, what’s been harder than expected, and what I’ve learned along the way. In this short solo episode, I reflect on how the podcast has shaped my own thinking around sustainable living, why some conversations have resonated more than others, and how this show has slowly become a deeper, more community-focused part of my work. I also share the five episodes you’ve returned to most — a mix of topics that says a lot about what we’re collectively navigating right now. Finally, I invite you into what comes next. As I start planning for 2026, I’d genuinely love to hear what you want more of — the questions you’re sitting with, the topics you want explored, and the conversations that would support you where you are right now.  Takeaways Sustainable living works best when it fits into real, everyday life.Slowing down and reflecting can lead to more intentional choices.Community care and connection are central to meaningful climate action.Food waste prevention continues to be one of the most impactful areas to focus on.Intentional spending can support local economies and broader systems change.Top Five Episodes of 2025 Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women’s Personal FinanceHow to Quit Using Amazon — and Why You ShouldHoliday Food Waste — Simple Ways to Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Celebrate SustainablyBeeswax Wraps 101 with Hive to Home5 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)Support the show Connect 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.

Every holiday season, those beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree inevitably results in a giant pile of very fancy garbage in five minutes flat. In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes looks at something most of us keep meaning to do better with next year… gift wrapping. From the confusing rules around what’s actually recyclable to the Pinterest pressure of “perfect” presentation, this episode explores why wrapping creates so much waste — and what we can do instead. Sarah walks through simple, low-waste wrapping ideas using things you already have at home, as well as what kids learn from watching us wrap, and how a few small shifts can make your holiday wrapping a little easier and a lot less expensive.  Whether you love wrapping gifts or dread it every year, this episode offers practical, accessible ideas to help you reduce waste, save money, and make the season feel more intentional. Takeaways Almost ALL wrapping paper is not recyclable, leading to significant waste.The easiest place to start is using what you already have.Reusable wrapping options can make gifts feel special without adding to holiday waste.Practical, everyday items can double as thoughtful and sustainable packaging.Simple, natural touches can elevate gifts while keeping materials out of the trash.Modelling mindful wrapping teaches kids about care, intention, and resourcefulness.One Small Shift Take five minutes to look around your home and see what you already have that could be used for wrapping this year — paper bags, fabric scraps, jars, twine, whatever’s on hand. Start there, and let the rest follow. Resources Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas  How to Clean Pine Cones for Crafting Salt Dough Ornaments Dried Orange Slices How to Wrap Gifts with Cloth (video) Zero Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas (Pinterest) Support the show Connect 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.

If the holidays seem to get louder and more overwhelming every year, you’re not imagining it. From endless ads to the pressure to make everything “magical,” it’s easy to get swept into a season that feels more stressful than joyful. And for parents trying to have a more sustainable holiday with kids, the noise can make it hard to stay grounded in what really matters. This week, I’m joined by Stephanie Seferian, host of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and author of Sustainable Minimalism. Stephanie brings such a thoughtful, grounded perspective to what it means to step back from the holiday frenzy and reclaim a season rooted in connection rather than consumption. We talk about why less often feels harder than more, how cultural messaging around holiday magic drives emotional spending, and what it looks like to model enoughness for our kids. Stephanie also shares practical ideas for secondhand gifts, simple homemade traditions, and creating a mindful holiday season that actually feels good. Takeaways How “holiday magic” messaging fuels emotional and impulse spendingWhat ‘doomspending’ is and why its amplified at this time of yearHow holiday marketing shapes our expectations and buying habitsSecondhand gifts, swaps, and other simple alternatives to buying newModeling “enough” for kids in a season of big expectationsSetting boundaries around marketing, comparison, and the mental loadSlowing down with the season instead of speeding upCreating simple, sustainable holiday traditions that feel goodOne Small Shift Stephanie suggests buying for fewer people. A smaller list means less pressure, less waste, and more room for the parts of the holidays that actually matter. Connect With Stephanie Instagram Website Substack Sustainable Minimalism (book) Sustainable Minimalists (podcast) Resources Sustainability in the Suburbs (Sustainable Minimalists podcast) Is It Okay To Give Secondhand Gifts (episode & blog post) How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (blog post) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post) Support the show Connect 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.

Some of the most meaningful gifts we give (and receive) aren’t new. They’re secondhand. And yet… so many of us still hesitate. In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes digs into the cultural stigma around secondhand gifts, why it lingers, and why it’s slowly shifting. This episode explores what makes a gift meaningful in the first place — and why secondhand gifts, whether thrifted, vintage, or passed down, often hold the most heart. Sarah shares listener stories, practical ideas, and her own real-life secondhand wins — all to help you rethink what gifting can look like this season. Whether you’re new to the idea of secondhand gifting or already a Buy Nothing pro, this conversation offers encouragement, inspiration, and lots of doable takeaways. Takeaways Cultural stigma around secondhand gifting still exists — but it’s shifting.Intention matters more than whether a gift is new or used.Thrifted and pre-loved gifts can dramatically reduce waste and carbon emissions.Creativity thrives when you step outside the “brand new” box.Secondhand gifts often carry memory, story, and connection.Online marketplaces and local thrift shops offer incredible gifting potential.Community spaces like Buy Nothing groups can spark beautiful gifting moments.One Small Shift This year, choose to give one secondhand gift. Let gifting be less about “new” and more about meaning. Resources Is It Okay to Give Secondhand Gifts? (blog post) Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Kids (blog post) How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (blog post) A Very Big List of Sustainable Canadian Brands (blog post) Support the show Connect 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.

What if the things we already have — the scraps, the leaves, the little bits most people throw away — are exactly where creativity begins? This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes talks with Sibia Torres Padilla, the artist and author behind @sibster and Charming Woodland Crafts: 50 Fun and Easy Projects Made from Natural and Recycled Materials. Sibia shares how her upbringing shaped her creativity and resourcefulness, and how those early lessons in “making do” evolved into a lifelong love of turning the everyday into something meaningful. Together, they explore the beauty of creative reuse, the emotional connections formed through making, and how crafting with kids can nurture imagination and mindfulness — especially during the busy holiday season. They also talk about the realities of navigating online fame, what it felt like to publish her first book, and why creating something by hand can be such a powerful act of hope. Takeaways Creativity and sustainability are deeply connected — both begin with what’s already around us.Creative reuse transforms ordinary materials into art and joy.Making things by hand fosters connection with nature and each other.Publishing Charming Woodland Crafts was a dream realized.The holidays offer a chance to create intentionally, not consume endlessly.You don’t need to be “crafty” to make something meaningful.Beauty exists even in what others might see as trash.One Small Shift Look at what’s already in your home — paper scraps, jars, pinecones, fabric bits — and see what could become something new. Start with one small, handmade project and let the process be the point. Connect with Sibia Instagram Facebook Resources Charming Woodland Crafts: 50 Fun and Easy Projects Made from Natural and Recycled Materials (buy Sibia’s book!) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post) Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas (blog post) Seasonal Decor: How to Make Dried Orange Slices (blog post)  Support the show Connect 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.

Festive food and drink are an important part of celebrating the holidays, but food waste shouldn’t be.  In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes shares simple, sustainable ways to reduce food waste, save money, and plan mindful, eco-friendly holiday meals. From meal planning and low-waste hosting tips,  to getting kids involved in the kitchen, you’ll learn how to plan for enough, use what you have, and enjoy the season without overspending or overbuying. This episode is full of practical tips and real-life inspiration to help your family live a little greener — one meal at a time. Takeaways Preventing food waste is one of the easiest ways to save money and cut emissions.Plan meals around what you already have — and plan for enough, not excess.A kitchen audit before shopping helps you save money and stress.Changing the way you host can significantly cut costs and reduce waste.Encourage guests to bring containers for leftovers.Abundance is about gratitude and connection, not “more.”Simple shifts in how we plan and eat can make a real difference for the planet.One Small Shift This week, try planning the old-fashioned way! Sit down with a pen and notebook before the busy season hits, take stock of what’s in your kitchen, and make a simple plan for what you actually need. Resources FoodMesh ReFED How to Reduce Food Waste Over the Holidays (blog post) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post + free download) A Simple Kitchen Audit A Beginners Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) Support the show Connect 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.

What happens when your life changes completely — but your commitment to living sustainably stays the same? This week, I’m joined by Kristy Halderman, whose sustainability journey has taken her from Washington, DC to Montana — touching nearly every part of sustainable living along the way. From going all-in on zero waste and launching an oat milk business, to working in sustainable investing, and now community-based environmental advocacy, Kristy’s story is a reminder that our definition of sustainability can — and should — evolve over time. We talk about what it’s like to live your values in a place where sustainability isn’t the norm, why accessibility matters more than perfection, and how to keep showing up even when conditions aren’t ideal. Kristy also shares her love of trails, her unexpected passion for beavers, and how journaling helps her stay grounded through eco-anxiety and change. This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply relatable — a reminder that sustainable living doesn’t always look the same everywhere, and that progress still counts, even when it’s quiet. Takeaways Sustainable living looks different everywhere — and that’s okayAccess, infrastructure, and community support all shape what’s possibleLow waste is both a personal practice and a systemic issueBuilding a sustainable business brings lessons in balance and resilienceMoney and sustainability are linked — but real change depends on the systems behind themAdvocacy takes many forms — from finance to trail work to quiet persistenceBeavers remind us that resilience and ecosystem health go hand in handCaring for your mental health is part of being a climate advocateOne Small Shift Go analog. Step away from your screens, pick up a pen, and spend a few minutes journaling — about what’s heavy, what’s working, or what you want to focus on next. Writing by hand can be grounding and clarifying, helping you slow down, ease eco-anxiety, and reconnect with what matters most. Connect with Kristy Website Instagram Related Episodes Ep. 11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women's Personal Finance Ep. 20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard Support the show Connect 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.

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 Why buying your way to sustainability won’t work  and what to do insteadThe burnout that comes from trying to “do it all” and how to recover from itHow guilt and shame are built into our systems (and why they don’t lead to change)The difference between looking sustainable and living sustainablyWhy messy, imperfect progress creates the most lasting changeOne 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 How NOT to Go Zero Waste (blog post) 50 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable (blog post) Household Waste Audit Workbook A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen Support the show Connect 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.

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 How a small-town mindset of borrowing and helping neighbours led to the creation of LEND-IT.CAWhy convenience is essential if we want eco-friendly choices to stick.The role of renting in reducing waste, clutter, and costs — especially in suburban homes.How LEND-IT.CA connects individuals and small rental businesses to keep value local.How renting and borrowing locally supports the circular economy.Practical examples of borrowing for family life — from sports equipment and DIY tools to party décor and camping gear.How trying before buying can help families save money and prevent unwanted purchases.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) App Store Google Play Facebook Instagram Resources Lend What You Have, Borrow What You Need (blog post) Circular Innovation Council Support the show Connect 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.

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 Refill shops make low-waste living simple, practical, and community-drivenRefilling can be intimidating at first, but it’s easy and empowering once you trySustainable living doesn’t have to be expensive — it’s about using what you haveTeaching teens about consumption and waste builds lifelong awarenessCommunity partnerships strengthen local action and keep small businesses resilientBurnout is real in sustainability work, but community and purpose help you keep going Plus, possibly the greatest zero waste birthday idea OF ALL TIME!Connect With Julie BYO Long Beach (Website) Bring Your Own Long Beach (Instagram) BYO Long Beach (Instagram) Resources Algalita Marine Research and Education Circular Economy Month How to Refill in Your Own Containers (Blog post) How to Have a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids (Blog post) Support the show Connect 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.