In which I talk through sustainability, recycling culture in the US / Japan, and my personal little tweaks and pet peeves. Sustainability is an important dimension to minimalism in my book. I hope you enjoy <3 

Hoping that sharing my decluttering frustrations, and what I imagine others experience, will be helpful if you're feeling stuck or unmotivated. I also couldn't help but delve into the flip side, the positives that parallel all those frustrations. 

Today's episode is a long one! I talk through two trips and how I managed the luggage in each: 

1. a month-long to DC with a carry on and a personal items

2. a week-long trip to Munich, Prague and Budapest with only a personal item

I also go over sustainability dilemmas and tips, an outline of what I packed.

*NOT SPONSORED* I've used the leaf shave, a sustainable razor with a pivoting head, for a couple weeks now. I wanted to update you on my experience, especially since this is an investment piece (compared to disposable counterparts). If you are a person who shaves, this is a great swap! 

https://leafshave.com/

As much as I adore A-line dresses and suiting up, I also found the boarding school dress-up environment stressful, financially taxing, and strange - why can't you wear the same dress twice? Today, I want to remind you that you can, and when you do want to reach for a new dress, there are many sustainable and circular options. 

Today, I go far out of my comfort zone to talk about why sleep is minimalist. As a person raised with productivity and hard work-driven values, it took me a while to come around to valuing sleep. I also pepper in some sustainability benefits of sleep. 

Warning: I discuss politics in this episode, so please feel free to skip if that's not something you want to hear right now. BUT if you're interested in hearing about why minimalism and sustainability fundamentally is intertwined with politics, particularly US politics, then this is an episode for you. 

* NOTE: On this podcast I welcome everyone, but tolerate no views that disrespect fundamental human rights or discriminate against any identity. Sending lots of support and love for everyone, especially those fearfully following the US elections right now. 

Today, I talk about my makeup "collection" - it's hardly one because it's eclectic and a lot of it is gifted or second hand, and it's not really what my ideal collection would look like just yet. I hope that talking through my current collection -including brands I use, how I feel about the products, some possible minimal/sustainable alternatives - and how I hope to transition, at best, gives you some ideas and at least is somewhat entertaining. Trying out a longer form, double the time, this time! 

Today, I talk about a second sustainable swap - using rags for Swiffer sheets, instead of purchasing them just to throw away after one use. I touch also on a couple other cleaning tips to keep your space feeling sustainable and dust-free at the same time! 

Sentimental items, whether it be special occasion candles, photos, or formal dresses, is hard - for me, because it feels like I'm saying goodbye to that precious moment, thought, or connection with someone important. In this episode, I talk through ways to reframe the item and move it out of your space to create a lighter load.