October 28, 2025
24: 5 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)
Sustainable in the SuburbsAbout this episode
Sustainable living isn’t a straight path — it’s a practice that shifts and changes as we do. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what sustainable living really looks like. I’ve tried just about everything, and while some things worked beautifully (at least for a while), others were total disasters! This episode is a look back at a few of those lessons — the cutlery kits, the trash jars, the guilt, the burnout, and the pressure to both reduce waste and make it all look perfect online. Because sustainable living isn’t about getting it right — it’s about finding what fits your real life. In this personal episode, I’m sharing five common traps we might fall into and why imperfection, flexibility, and community matter so much more than being perfect. It’s a gentle reminder that progress isn’t about what you see online; it’s about showing up, doing what you can, and keeping at it. Takeaways Why buying your way to sustainability won’t work and what to do instead The burnout that comes from trying to “do it all” and how to recover from it How guilt and shame are built into our systems (and why they don’t lead to change) The difference between looking sustainable and living sustainably Why messy, imperfect progress creates the most lasting change One Small Shift Before you buy your next “eco” product, PAUSE. Put it in your cart, wait a few days, and see how you feel. You might already have what you need — or realize you didn’t need it at all. Resources How NOT to Go Zero Waste (blog post) 50 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable (blog post) Household Waste Audit Workbook A Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen Support the show Connect 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.