Raising Eco Minimalists

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 changemaker
• Why representation is important in children’s books
• Characteristics that are common amongst young changemakers 
• Kids' concerns about the future
• Why kids are great at making change
• How can we support kids who want to be young changemakers
• How can we encourage and empower kids to be young changemakers
• Tips for decluttering with kids

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• Young Changemakers Kickstarter Campaign
• Cami and Wyatt Books
• Young Changemakers Facebook group
• #kidsinspiringothers
  #inspiringkids
  #kidshelpingpeople
  
  
  

Where to find Stacy:

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Young Changemakers Facebook page 

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]

Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)

Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)

Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community Group

Become a podcast member (and help support the show!)

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

You know science is important, but do you really know why? How does incorporating science for kids at home help with living sustainably? And what about kids who don't have access to good science learning?

In this episode, I'm talking with Medinah Eatman, or, Science Teacher Mom. We answer the questions above, and lots, lots more. 


Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover:

• Medinah's experience being on the show ‘George in the Jungle’ on NBC
• What STEM is, and why is it important for our kids?
• Why are STEM/STEAM topics so important when it comes to sustainable living?
• Science for kids at home - how to get them involved 
• How to make science fun and engaging 
• Barriers to learning science and how it affects kids 
• How can we help remove some of those barriers?
• The importance of representation in science
• Community reading events - what are they, and how to host one
• Great additional resources for bringing science to kids 

Even if you think you're not "good" at science, or science-literate, you'll find yourself motivated to start talking about and incorporating science every day - because, surprise! We already use it every day.

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• George in the Jungle episode on NBC
• Subscription Box link
• Donate Choose
• Club Lab Rascals
• Brain Pop

Where to find Medinah:

• Website
• Subscription boxes 
• Instagram

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]

Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)

Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)

Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community Group

Become a podcast member (and help support the show!)

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

Artificial light pollution at night - what is it? Why is it a problem - especially for us and our kids? In this week's episode, I'm talking with Caitlin Johnson, founder of the Twin Cities (Minnesota) chapter of the International Dark Sky Organization.

Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover:

• What is light pollution (specifically artificial light pollution at night)?
• Why is artificial light pollution at night bad?
• How does light pollution affect humans? What about pollinators, birds, bats, and other creatures?
• What can we do to reduce artificial light pollution at night?
• Resources for reducing artificial light pollution at night
• Lights at night and safety: how can we find a balance?
• How can our kids get involved?

I LOVE this episode, because the resources and action items are super easy, absolutely do-able, and for some of them, include things you're already doing (like buying lightbulbs).


Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• Darksky.org 
• Project Drawdown
• Episode 5 with Jess Purcell
• National Geographic
• Bell Museum of Natural History
• Dark Sky Sanctuary 
• Dark sky approved light fixtures 
• Take back the night
• Nextdoor
• American Natural History Museum
• Audubon Society
• Bee Lab
• Pollinator Friendly Yards
• Find a chapter (for Dark Sky International)

Where to find Caitlin: 

• Instagram (personal, sewing, and low waste)
• Twin Cities Dark Sky Association Chapter
• Instagram (Twin Cities Dark Sky Chapter)

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

Single-use plastic and kids. They seem to go hand and hand, right?  During the month of July, millions around the world partake in a challenge called 'Plastic Free July'. But reducing plastic can be daunting and overwhelming. And what if I told you it may not all be bad?

This episode covers: 

• What is plastic free July?
• Is all plastic bad?
• What’s the problem with straw bans and plastic bag bans?
• Tips for reducing single use plastic
• Some of my favorite places to shop plastic free (and find sustainable and ethical businesses)
• Ways to reduce single-use plastic with kids
• My favorite plastic-free swaps for kids

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• Episode 10 with Jen Gale
• Plastic Free July .org
• Plastic is not the enemy, our mindset is
• NPR interview
• What is eco-minimalism ep 1
• Making sustainability sustainable class
• Tiny Yellow Bungalow
• Tare Market
• Bestowed Essentials
• Hippie Haven Shop
• Ethical and Sustainable places to shop
• Akua Resource guide
• Sarah Robertson Barnes
• Science Teacher Mom
• Thoughtfully Sustainable (episode 5)
• Dental Lace
• Buy Nothing Project Group
• Freecycle.org
• Nextdoor 
• Facebook Marketplace

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

Have you ever wondered how to compost at home? Or maybe you've thought about it but feel overwhelmed.

Maybe you're already a composter but  interested in learning about other methods, or how to get kids involved.

In this episode, I'm talking with Jen Panaro of Honestly Modern, who I refer to as the composting guru. Jen walks us through anything and everything composting - making it a perfect episode if you're brand new or a seasoned composter. The resources she provides are extensive, and I'm confident no matter where you are in your journey, you'll walk away with some new knowledge.
 


Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover:

• What composting is
• How to start composting & how to do it at home
• How it works (in easy to understand ways)
• Why it’s important not to send food to the landfill
• Different type of composting systems (plus pros and cons of each)
• What about pests? Are they bad?
• What’s the best option for composting in an apartment?
• How to compost with kids
• How to get kids involved with the process (including activities and resources)
• Life lessons kids can learn from composting
• What to do if you feel overwhelmed
• How to start your own compost pickup business in your area

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• FoodCycler 
• Lomi
• ShareWaste
• Subpod
• Episode four - how to garden with kids
• Jess Purcell - Thoughtfully Sustainable - Episode 5
• Thoughtfully Sustainable compost sorting activity
• Bring your Trash to Life series 
• Facebook gardening groups
• NextDoor
• Buy Nothing
• Life Lessons Kids Can Learn from Composting
• Family values - Episod

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

You may know the name Jen Gale, or recognize the 'Sustainable(ish) name. Well, this episode I'm excited to share my interview with Jen where we talk about all things eco-parenting!

Jen's book The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting came out in May of 2021, and after I read it, I knew it was a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to have kids, who has kids, or who has kids in their lives. There are great tips not only for green parenting, but that are applicable even if you don't have kids.



Here's what we talk about:

• What a buy nothing year is, and how to do one
• The the concept of "having less children is the most eco-friendly", and our thoughts on that
• An eco committee and what it is
• How to introduce big topics like the climate crisis to kids
• How to address a reluctant family/partner/roommate
• A ta-da list, and how it can help us on our sustainable living journey
• What a reusable party pack for kids birthday party is, and how to create one

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

1. Octonauts
2. Related: 30 Shows, Movies, and Documentaries for Young Kids about Earth
3. Related: Plogging: What it is and how it can help the earth and your anxiety
4. How bad are bananas book
5. Wild Tribe Hero books
6. Episode 5 with Jess Purcell
7. Sustainab(lish) episode on party packs 
8. Party kit network

Where to find Jen Gale:

-The Sustainable(ish) guide

-The Sustainable(ish) guide to Green Parenting

-Sustainable(ish) podcast

-Sustainable(ish) website 

-Knackered Moms Eco Club

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]

Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)

Instagram (

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

 Have you ever heard of a fiver party? What is it? How do you throw a fiver party?

It may surprise you that this up and coming trend is somewhat controversial!

In this episode, I cover:

• What is a fiver party
• How are fiver parties different than regular parties
• How to explain a fiver party
• Is a fiver party right for me / my kids birthday?
• Are fiver parties tacky?
• What to do if you're worried your kid will be disappointed
• Fiver party invite wording

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

1. Fiver party guide
2. Episode Two: Eco minimalism and kids
3. Etsy - Fiver Party invite templates

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]

Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)

Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)

Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community Group

Become a podcast member (and help support the show!)

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• 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 Erin of My Green Closet all about kids capsule wardrobes. 

We discuss and answer questions such as:

• What is a capsule wardrobe?
• How many items are in a kids capsule wardrobe?
• What items do I need?
• How can I reduce my children's wardrobe
• Benefits of a capsule wardrobe for kids
• The difference between an adult and kids capsule wardrobe 
• Do you need a capsule wardrobe for each season?
• What NOT to include in an capsule wardrobe 
• How to spot greenwashing in kids clothing brands

It's an episode that's jam-packed with info and resources, and one you won't want to miss! 



Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• Episode 006 with Addie of Old World New 
• Buy Nothing Project Group
• Freecycle.org
• Parade Organics
• mini mioche
• pact
• beya made
• jackalo
• rent a romper

Where to find Erin:

• My Green Closet website 
• My Green Closet YouTube

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]

Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)

Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)

Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community Group

Become a podcast member (and help support the show!)

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify

In this episode, I'm sharing 14 ways my husband and I work to help my son manage anxiety. These tips can be used for kids and many are applicable to adults too.

These tips are ones we personally use in our home. I am not a medical professional, nor should this be taken as medical advice. This episode should also not be used to diagnose any type of mental illness. If you have questions or concerns about this, please check with your primary doctor (or your child's).

These are just tips that have helped our child with his anxiety that we wanted to share in case they can help you too.

If you or a child you know are in a crisis, please contact the free, 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting 'HOME' to 741741.


Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):


Books:

-The What if Monster

-A little spot of anxiety

-Anxious Ninja

-Calm Ninja

Meditations on Insight Timer: 

-Sleep Friend Meditation for Children

-Anxiety Relief for Kids

-A Kid Shaped Pool: Bedtime Practice 

Shows: 

-Daniel Tiger

Tools:

-Stuff to chew on (dino toy and Taggies blankets) 

-Weighted blanket (LUNA)

-Journal, coloring, or a puzzle 

-54321 grounding exercise (name 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste)

Deep breathing (check Insight Timer for guided breathing exercises, or pretend you are blowing up a balloon in your belly)

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]
Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
Instagram @raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog
Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community Group Become a podcast member and help support the show!

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• 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 thrifting queen Addie Fisher of Old World New. Addie and I are talking about all things thrifting and kids, including:

• Why thrift?
• How thrifting is not a new concept
• The rise in popularity of thrifting
• How thrifting can help support your local community
• Thrifting tips and resources for kids items

Answer questions such as:

• What should I look for in thrift shopping kids clothes and gear?
• What should you not buy at thrift stores?
• How do you disinfect clothes/gear from a thrift store?
• And more!

Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• Buy Nothing Project
• Blog post/video: How I thrifted 90% of my wardrobe
• Beya Made
• Counter Culture cleaner
• ThredUP
• ToyCycle (get 20% off a regular priced item using code 'ReduceRenew' at checkout)
• Poshmark
• Mercari
• Facebook Marketplace
• Blog post: 10 ways to graciously tell someone: 'no gifts, please' (with actual examples)

Hashtags:

• #sustainablelivingtips
• #secondhandfirst
• #thriftstorefinds

Where to find Addie:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest

Let's connect!

Email me: [email protected]
Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
Instagram @raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog
Facebook Raising Eco Minimalist Community Group Become a podcast member and help support the show!

Support the show

Let's connect!

Sign up and receive the eco-activity book with over 15 activities for kids.

Email me: [email protected]

• Blog (Reduce, Reuse, Renew)
• Instagram (@raisingecominimalistspodcast or @reducereuserenewblog)
• Support the Show

Leave a review on Apple and/or Spotify