Stephanie Marie Seferian's Blog, page 17

Slow Progress Is Still Progress

Low waste living sounds great in theory, but in practice? Thanks to life’s obstacles, it’s much harder to commit for the long-haul. Add children into the equation and intentionally creating less trash can feel like a daily, uphill slog.

On today’s show I speak with blogger and life coach Rebekah Lara about recommitting to your low waste goals despite waning motivation.

Here’s a preview:

[3:30] An excuse, or a legitimate barrier?

[10:30] Imperfection vs. perfection in the low-waste community

[17:...

Living On Purpose

Welcome to Living On Purpose week!

Living on purpose isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about rising up and becoming the best version of you. But amidst the chaotic rush of our days it’s easy to get caught up in the “doing”. And when we hyper-focus on doing, we often neglect the important and intentional act of reflection.

Today best-selling author Tanya Dalton brings us both cutting-edge research and practical inspiration to help you find the unhurried purpose that’s hidden in your days.

St...

Fantasy v. Reality

We Americans are notorious for making our unwanted stuff someone else’s problem. Part of the reason has to do with our desire to be altruistic: We tell ourselves we’re helping the less fortunate when we pass on our perfectly decent items.

But the reality is much bleaker: Both our recently-decluttered donations and our down-and-dirty trash create problems for the people and places that get stuck with our stuff.

 

Here’s a preview of what we’re discussing today:

[3:00] The literal mountain of clot...

In Defense Of Homemaking

Our culture’s messaging angles household labor as unimportant and uninspiring. And while work within the home is largely undervalued, the sad reality is that the chores, cooking, laundry, and everything else simply must get done.

Here’s something that’s not often discussed: there’s a quiet joy to be found in tending to the home. Today I speak with podcaster and homemaker extraordinaire Lisa Bass about the underappreciated value an excellent homemaker brings to their family.

 

Here’s a preview:

[...

De-Influenced

Chances are we’ve all been influenced to buy something at least once before. But the rise of influencer marketing is a different beast that has fundamentally altered the way brands sell to consumers.

On today’s show I suggest 5 ways to be influenced less.

Here’s a preview of the tips we’re discussing today:

[13:00] Think of influencers not as friends but as salespeople

[15:00]  Look for these FTC disclosures

[18:00] Know thyself by decluttering

[21:00] Raise the buying bar

[25:00] It’s not a dea...

Decluttering Through Grief

After losing a loved one, deciding what to do with their possessions is a complicated process. We humans tend to attach sentiment to physical things; it’s no surprise, then, that many of us find ourselves suffering over not just the loss of life but also over the perceived loss of memories embedded within their belongings.

Today’s conversation offers insight into decluttering through grief. Krista St. Germain is a Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert; she’s also a widow who believes that while...

Terracycle: Recycling The Unrecyclable?

“I wish you would do a podcast on TerraCycle . They have been in the news about not truly recycling the items they collect [and] their boxes are expensive. Am I wasting my money?” 

 

Here’s a preview:

[3:30] The Number One difference between TerraCycle’s sponsored waste program and zero waste boxes

[7:00] Have you seen the that cool infinity logo on products? Here’s what it means

[13:30] What happened to Loop?

[19:00] Two ‘gotcha’ moments and a lawsuit

 

Further reading:

9 Items You’re Recycling...

The Decor Trend Bandwagon

Furniture and decor trends can be tempting. But trends peak then inevitably decline; after just a few years, our choices re: side lamps, accent chairs and everything in between often become (gasp!) outdated.

It’s true: hopping on and off the trend bandwagon can leave us broke and wasteful. On today’s show interior designer Betsy Helmuth first offers this spring’s biggest decor trends, then together we make them eco-conscious.

Here’s a preview of the spring decor trends we’re tweaking today:

[4:3...

Junk Culture

Goody bags, Easter baskets, and other junk culture opportunities: Revisiting the cheap plastic toys conundrum.

Here’s a preview:

[3:00] Everybody hates goody bags, so why are we still giving them?

[8:00] The history of gifting: 4 reasons why humans are wired to give gifts

[20:00] Words of encouragement for listeners reluctant to go against the grain

[27:00] 5 things to consider re: hosting a no-present birthday

 

Resources mentioned:

Episode #253: Everything Eco-Minimalist BirthdaysEpisode #8:...

Edit Your Life

Life is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.

Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today’s show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t.

 

Here’s a preview:

[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention

[9...