8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living
The kitchen is one of the biggest sources of household waste — but it’s also one of the easiest places to start making a change. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah shares five practical, affordable, and genuinely useful swaps to help you cut down on plastic and reduce waste at home. From ditching paper towels to upgrading your containers, these swaps are all about progress, not perfection. Check out the links below for Sarah’s go-to reusables and top plastic-free kitchen tips.Whether you're starting from scratch or just looking for a couple of easy wins, this is a great place to begin.TakeawaysWhy the climate action begins at the kitchen table.5 practical, affordable swaps that actually reduce wastes.Simple, low-waste tips for daily life.How every small shift adds up (without overhauling your home).One Small Shift:Pick just one thing to swap this week. Whether it’s replacing paper towels, trying out a reusable bag, or mixing up a batch of DIY cleaner — it all counts!Product RecommendationsSwedish dish clothsUnpaper towelsStasher bagsBeeswax wrapsWooden dish brushCleanings, soap, and laundry tabletsResourcesA Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20 to save 20%)Plastic Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You MoneyHow to Clean a Wooden Dish BrushWhat to Use Instead of Paper Towels: 5 Easy and Sustainable AlternativesSupport the showConnect 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.
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7: Rethinking Zero Waste and Building Community Care (with April Dickinson)
When we talk about sustainability, we often focus on what we’re buying—or not buying. But what if it’s really about something much deeper?In this episode, I’m joined by April Dickinson (@zerowastedork), a thoughtful voice in the zero waste space who thoughtfully challenges the consumer-driven model of sustainability. We talk about the evolution of zero waste living, the role of community care in climate action, and why economic degrowth might be the shift we need. From local connections to global systems, this is a conversation about finding joy, contributing to community, and staying grounded in what really matters.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck trying to "get it right" in your sustainability journey, this episode offers a generous, honest alternative.TakeawaysWhy zero waste is about more than personal consumption.The problem of perfectionism and shame in sustainability spaces.Shifting from individual action to collective community care.The importance of local networks: community fridges, Buy Nothing groups, and mutual aid.Understanding who benefits and who is burdened by our systems.The concept of degrowth and why infinite growth isn’t sustainable.ResourcesBraiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall KimmererDoughnut Economics - Kate RaworthViet Thanh Nguyen (learn more about Expansive Solidarity)Connect with AprilInstagramStorygraphSupport the showConnect 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.
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6: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here.
Climate change feels HUGE — and it is. The problem is urgent and complex. And when you start looking for solutions, it can seem like there’s an endless list of things you should be doing. All of them are important, and that can feel completely overwhelming.In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework I often come back to refocus my efforts: the Climate Action Venn Diagram from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. We’ll talk about how your skills, your joys, and the needs of the world can come together to help you find your own personal starting point — one that feels meaningful, realistic, and sustainable for the long haul.TakeawaysThe Climate Venn Diagram helps identify a meaningful starting point for climate action by looking at what brings you joy, what you’re good at, and what the world needs.Sustainable living isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing something that feels right for you.Joy is a powerful motivator in climate work and there are countless ways to contribute your skills.Building habits that feel good and fit your life helps make climate action sustainable for the long term.One Small ShiftDownload a copy of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram worksheet, grab a pencil, and just see what comes up. You might be surprised by how much clarity this one little exercise can bring.ResourcesClimate Action Venn DiagramHow to Find Joy in Climate Action - TED TalkWhat If We Get It Right? (Website)All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. WilkinsonWhat If We Get It Right (Book) - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate ActionSupport the showConnect 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.
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3: From Trash to Treasure: Finding Joy in Upcycling (with @SustainablyAmber)
How do you turn “trash” into treasure and find joy in the process?In this conversation with Amber (@sustainablyamber), we explore how upcycling, thrifting, and creative reuse can spark climate action and community connection.You’ll hear how Amber got started, why she’s passionate about helping others value materials, and how everyday acts of making, reusing, and sharing can help us build a more sustainable life.If you’ve ever wondered how to get started with creative reuse or what to do with “stuff,” this episode will leave you inspired to start small — and think big.Takeaways:Creativity can be a powerful part of climate action.Upcycling is about rethinking the potential of everyday items.Thrifting, reuse stores, and community sharing build resourcefulness.DIY gifts and projects foster joy and connection.Gardening and growing food deepen our appreciation for nature.Small shifts, like reusing what you already have, are forms of activism.One Small Shift:Before you buy new, ask yourself: What could I repurpose or reuse instead? Small choices like using what you have or making gifts by hand help reduce waste and spark creativity.Connect With Amber:Sustainably Amber - BlogInstagramSupport the showConnect 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.
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2: What Is Plastic Free July? (And Why Zero Waste Isn't the Goal)
Plastic Free July isn’t about perfection — it’s about paying attention. In this episode, Sarah discusses where this global movement came from, why it matters, and how small shifts in your everyday habits can help tackle our plastic problem.This challenge is about so much more than giving up plastic straws or bringing a tote bag to the store. Sarah also talks about her own experience with Plastic Free July over the years, how she approaches it now, and why “zero waste” isn’t the goal — progress is.From systemic change to simple swaps, this is a great place to start if you’re curious about reducing plastic waste in your home and community. Remember: it’s only single-use if you use it once!TakeawaysYour individual actions to reduce plastic really do matter. Plastic Free July started as a small local initiative and now has millions of participants every year - small changes add up to a BIG impact! It's not about being perfect, but thinking about what we can refuse and reuse.“Zero waste is more than a plastic bag.” ~ Polly Barks “It's only single-use if you use it once!” ~ Sarah Robertson-BarnesOne Small Shift Choose one single-use item you regularly use — and either find a reusable alternative, or find a way to reuse it at least once before it heads to landfill.ResourcesPlastic Free July - 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic WasteHow NOT To Go Zero WastePlastic-Free Pantry - How to Refill in Your Own Containers10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money@SustainablyAmber - Upcycles & Creative Reuse@Sibster - Low Waste Crafts & DIYsSupport the showConnect 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.
Want to waste less, save more, and make your home a little more eco-friendly? Sustainable in the Suburbs is your go-to podcast for practical, judgment-free tips and real-life stories to help you build sustainable habits that actually stick.Hosted by Sarah Robertson-Barnes — a suburban soccer mum, sustainability educator, and founder of the blog Sustainable in the Suburbs — this weekly show brings doable advice, honest conversations, and actionable ideas to help you waste less, spend smarter, and live more sustainably at home.Because sustainable living doesn’t have to be perfect to matter — and you don’t have to do it all to make a big impact. Start where you are, use what you have, and live a little greener.
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