13: Beeswax Wraps 101 - Plastic-Free Food Storage with Hive to Home
Let your reusables look reused.In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m joined by Chelsey Schmuland, the owner and maker behind Hive to Home in Nova Scotia. Chelsey creates beautiful handmade beeswax wraps as a sustainable, renewable alternative to plastic food storage — but that’s just the beginning. She’s also a backyard chicken keeper, bread baker, waste diversion enthusiast, and all-around eco-nerd in the best possible way.We talk about what inspired her to start Hive to Home, how her wraps are made, creative ways to use them, and why preventing food waste is one of the most powerful climate actions we can take in our own kitchens. Along the way, we also get into composting, connecting with nature, and the joy of using what you already have.TakeawaysSustainable living can start with small, manageable changes.Beeswax wraps are a practical, reusable alternative to plastic food storage.How to use beeswax wraps for food storage and beyond!Understanding food waste’s impact on climate change is crucial — Canadian households waste $1300 worth of food per year, and 63% of it could have been eaten.Food waste prevention tips including meal planning, proper (and plastic free storage), and using food rescue apps to save money and keep food out of the landfill.Composting is a rewarding way to manage scraps and close the loop.Community and shared interests are key to strengthening sustainability efforts.One Small ShiftyfytrytrConnect with Chelsey @ Hive to HomeHive to Home - ShopHive to Home - InstagramHive to Home - Beeswax Wrap CareResourcesA 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 Money1000 Hours OutsideSupport 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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12: How to Quit Using Amazon — and Why You Should
We know it’s a problem, we just don’t know how to stop. Here’s how to start...In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about how to quit Amazon — or at least drastically reduce your reliance on it — in a way that’s actually doable.We dig into the real costs of convenience, from environmental harm to the engineered scarcity of Amazon’s business model. But more importantly, I’ll walk you through how my family has shifted away from using Amazon — and how you can, too.The goal isn’t to overhaul your shopping habits overnight. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and finding new ways to shop that feel better for you, your wallet, and the world.TakeawaysWhy reducing your Amazon use isn’t about guilt or going without — it’s about spending in ways that feel better for you, your values, and your community.The real cost of convenience: how Amazon’s business model fuels overconsumption and the plastic waste crisis.What “free shipping” really means — and why small businesses can’t compete.Practical ways to untangle from Amazon without making life harder.The three mindset shifts that helped me: Pause, Buy Local, and Shop Secondhand.Small, intentional changes away from Amazon support your local economy, reduce waste, and align with the kind of world you want to help build.One Small ShiftTry a “pause rule” for online shopping — only place orders on a set day each week (or month) and let your cart sit until then. You might be surprised how many things you no longer want or need.ResourcesBuy Less, Buy Better: My Favourite Canadian BrandsPlastic-Free Pantry: How to Refill in BulkFacebook MarketplaceBuy Nothing ProjectPoshmark (invite code SUSTAINABLESRB)DePopThreadUpKijiji LEND-IT.CASupport 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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11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women’s Personal Finance
Money choices are climate action too.This week, Regina Moore and Angela Rozmyn from Women’s Personal Finance join me for a thoughtful, honest conversation about the overlap between money, sustainability, and community care.We talk about spending in alignment with your values, why “enoughness” can be such a powerful mindset shift, and how boycotts and intentional choices can be forms of protest. We also explore the role community plays — not just in sharing resources, but in building resilience and pushing back on the systems that encourage overconsumption.It’s a conversation that invites you to look at your own financial choices through a new lens and see how small, intentional shifts can add up to something bigger.TakeawaysThe concept of “enoughness” and how it reduces overconsumption.Why value‑aligned spending matters and how to start thinking differently about your purchases.How money is tied to values, systems, and power.How boycotts and not spending can be powerful forms of protest.The role of community care and sharing in financial and climate resilience.One Small ShiftRegina: Go through your fridge and pantry each week, repurpose what you have, and reduce food waste.Angela: Have a real conversation with a neighbour — get to know them, exchange contact info, and start building that local network of care.ResourcesThe Serviceberry - Robin Wall KimmererConsumed - Aja BarberConnect with Women's Personal FinanceWebsiteCommunitiesNewsletterInstagramThreadsFacebookTikTokSupport 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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10: How to Refill in Your Own Containers for a Plastic-Free Pantry
Bringing your own containers to refill shops, markets, or even cafés is one of the easiest ways to cut down on single‑use packaging. It saves money, keeps your pantry organized, and helps shift the way we think about consumption.In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to make refilling feel like second nature as a sustainable living practice. You’ll hear practical tips for overcoming barriers to refilling (including how to choose the right containers and understanding store policies), how small mindset shifts can lead to refill at scale, and plenty of encouragement to get started where you are.TakeawaysWhy refilling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste.How a plastic‑free pantry can make life simpler and more organized.The money‑saving perks of bulk shopping.What mindset shifts often happen when you start refilling.Where to look for refill opportunities beyond zero‑waste stores.How to advocate for refill options everywhere.One Small ShiftPick one item you buy regularly — coffee, rice, snacks — and look for a place to refill it in your own container. That single change can make a surprising difference.ResourcesHousehold Waste Audit Workbook (FREE download)Plastic-Free Pantry: How to Refill Your Own Containers (Blog)Plastic-Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste (Blog)“Reusable containers safe during Covid‑19 pandemic, say experts” — The Guardian, June 22, 2020Zero Waste Chef (Website)The Zero Waste Chef Cookbook - Anne-Marie BonneauBulk Barn - Reusable Container ProgramStasher BagReusable produce and bulk bagsSupport 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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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.
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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