Author: Sarah Robertson-Barnes

How to start birding in your backyard.

Ep. 44: How to Start Birding in Your Backyard (and Help Birds During Nesting Season)

Learn how to start birding in your backyard this spring, using simple tools and everyday observation. This episode explores nesting season, how to identify birds, and how to support them in ways that actually help. A practical, beginner-friendly guide to noticing and caring for the birds around you.

Making Sustainable Living Accessible in the Suburbs with Laura Newton of Kind Matter

Ep. 43: Sustainable Living in the Suburbs with Laura Newton of Kind Matter

What does sustainable living actually look like in the suburbs — in places designed around cars, convenience, and big box shopping? Laura Newton is the founder of The Kind Matter Company, a Canadian eco-boutique and refill store focused on low waste living, eco friendly products, and non-toxic household essentials. What began as a personal search for…

Eri Karpluk

Ep. 41: Behind the Scenes — Sustainability on Film Sets with Erin Karpluk

What does sustainability look like on film sets? In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, actress Erin Karpluk shares how growing up in Jasper, experiencing the 2024 wildfires, and working in a fast-moving industry shaped her approach to waste, travel, and everyday eco-friendly habits — and how small workplace shifts can influence culture over time.

Several children celebrating at an eco-friendly birthday party for kids with reusable party favors and decorations.

Ep. 40 – How to Host a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids (Eco-Friendly Ideas That Save You Money)

Navigating kids’ birthday parties doesn’t have to be overwhelming! This episode of the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast offers a practical approach to simpler celebrations with creative, eco-friendly ideas. Learn how to keep parties fun and meaningful without the pressure to always outdo the last, making family celebrations enjoyable for everyone!

Brittany Steptoe Wright, BSW Design, Steptoe Carpentry

Ep. 39: Sustainable Home Renovation — How to Reduce Waste and Choose Materials That Last with Brittany Steptoe Wright

In this episode of the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast, Brittany Steptoe Wright discusses sustainable renovation practices, highlighting the importance of durability over trends and how maintenance extends the life of our belongings. The conversation emphasizes the practical aspects of sustainable design, waste management, and the value of antique pieces in creating lasting, functional homes.

Things I Don't Buy Anymore - Eco-Frugal Living

Ep. 38: Things I Don’t Buy Anymore (Eco-Frugal Living to Reduce Waste and Save Money)

Buying less is a powerful climate action! In this episode of the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast, I chat about my decade-long journey into sustainable living and the stuff I’ve quit buying. It’s all about using what you have, doing waste audits, and realizing that not buying anything is the best choice for the environment.

A person is decluttering their closet, putting unwanted clothing in a cardboard box for donation.

Ep. 37: Sustainable Decluttering — Why Letting Go Isn’t Neutral

In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, we talk about the importance of mindful decluttering and donation practices. By recognizing that decluttering is part of the buying cycle, we can create healthier habits around possessions. Embracing community-based solutions and slowing down the decluttering process will also help us break up with buying things we don’t need.

How to host a clothing swap. A pile of clothing is neatly folded beside a reusable cotton tote with a green recycling symbol printed on it.

Ep. 36: How to Host a Clothing Swap — Sharing Clothes & Building Community

In this episode, we explore the cycle of buying and donating clothes, emphasizing the value of clothing swaps. These swaps not only promote sustainable living by keeping garments in use locally but also foster community connections. Consider hosting or attending a swap to embrace this encouraging approach to fashion!

Sabs Katz, founder of Sustainable Sabs, on sustainable fashion, personal style, and overconsumption.

Ep. 35: Rethinking Sustainable Fashion, Consumption, and Personal Style with Sabs Katz

This episode explores the profound connection between sustainable fashion and our relationship with clothing. Featuring Sabs Katz, the discussion highlights reducing consumption through creativity, mending, and community swaps. It encourages thoughtful dressing and prioritizing connection over trend-chasing, inspiring a mindful approach to personal style for everyone.