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 okay
• Access, infrastructure, and community support all shape what’s possible
• Low waste is both a personal practice and a systemic issue
• Building a sustainable business brings lessons in balance and resilience
• Money and sustainability are linked — but real change depends on the systems behind them
• Advocacy takes many forms — from finance to trail work to quiet persistence
• Beavers remind us that resilience and ecosystem health go hand in hand
• Caring for your mental health is part of being a climate advocate

One 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.

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Ep. 20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard

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