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How Sustainable Minimalists Do Summer

How Sustainable Minimalists Do Summer

Vacationing has a bad reputation as being decidedly un-eco friendly, and that's because air travel, oversized hotel chains, and human impact on delicate ecosystems have a collective detrimental impact on the planet. There is good news: It is entirely possible to travel green by incorporating a few tweaks into your next vacation. Inside: 10 ways to embrace sustainable travel without sacrificing fun.

 

Summer is all about living the simple life, with extended bedtimes, spur-of-the-moment jaunts, and a general commitment to squeezing out every last frills-free moment in the sunshine.

But thanks to unnecessary purchases, chemical-laden sunscreen and bug repellent, and unsustainable vacations that create excessive carbon emissions, our summer celebrations may harm the planet.

The good news is it’s entirely possible to enjoy a simple and eco-friendly summer. On this week’s episode we are discussing practical ways to tweak our summer choices so that we enjoy the best season of the year with intention.

Here’s a preview of today’s episode:

[2:20] Sustainable swimwear and sunglass ideas

[8:20] The importance of reef-safe sunscreen

[13:25] The bug repellent conundrum

[19:20] Green vacation tips for intentional travelers

 

Happy listening!

Highly-rated sustainable swimsuit brands include:

Reef-Safe sunscreens are:

Tinted mineral sunscreens (that don’t leave the white glow) are:

Alternatives to Deet bug repellent include:

 

* This week’s episode is sponsored by Oregon State University Ecampus.

* Access this week’s Show Notes here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.

 

Conventional sunscreen overflows with chemicals that are harmful to both human and the planet's health. Inside: identifying what reef-safe sunscreen is, exactly, why we should all be wearing it (even if we don't go to the beach!), and where to purchase brands that don't break the bank.

 

Need a new swimsuit just in time for summer, but don't want to add more synthetic (Read: petrochemical) fibers into the waste stream? The good news it is entirely possible to be eco-friendly with our sunglass and swimwear purchases. Inside: practical tips and brand suggestions for purchasing ethically, plus ideas for maintenance that extend the lives of your purchases.

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Living Seasonally, Not Commercially

What is the "holiday season", really?

Savvy marketers have inserted gingerbread lattes, blow up lawn decor, and lots of gifts as synonymous with December. But we aren't in some made-up season of buying; instead, we are approaching the Winter Solstice. And when nature is our guide, living seasonally is less about shopping hauls and more about existing in pace with the changing seasons.

In a world where we can buy just about anything, it takes intention to live in alignment with nature. On today's show Bailey Van Tassel offers suggestions for weaving what's outside your front door — not what's in Target! — into your seasonal celebrations.

Here's a preview:

[11:00] Transitioning from commercialized seasonal living to interacting with nature at your feet

[15:00] The ways in which nature's pace complements modern life (if, of course, we allow it)

[19:30] Minimalists, unite! Don't buy more ultra-trendy seasonal stuff; do this instead

[25:00] Slow down your life by making your family traditions crave-able

[33:00] Connections between seasons of a year and seasons of a life

 

Resources mentioned:

 

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Hello there, I’m Stephanie. I live a crazy, beautiful life as a full-time wife, blogger + mother to two spirited daughters. I’m on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living so as to greater enjoy life’s sweeter moments.

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