Sustainable in the Suburbs

33: Fewer, Better Things — How to Reduce Kitchen Clutter and Waste with Sasha Mazzuca


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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 duplicates
  • How professional organizing intersects with sustainability
  • Common myths about eco-friendly products — including cost and aesthetics
  • Why the kitchen is a natural gateway to sustainable living
  • Why paper towels are one of the easiest places to reduce waste
  • How fewer, better-designed tools can support lasting habits

One 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)

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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Sustainable in the SuburbsBy Sarah Robertson-Barnes

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