Earlier this week, we shared part one of this conversation, all about how to buy better and consume less. And I really hope it sparked some new ideas for you so far. I realize that sometimes all of this stuff can feel a bit overwhelming (same for me, too), like, “what impact could I really make in the grand scheme of things?” Well actually, Sian shows us… quite a bit.
Now, if you haven’t heard part one, go back and listen to that one first. But if you’re ready to continue on, let’s pick back up here with my conversation with author Sian Conway-Wood as she simplifies how to buy better and consume less.
It’s time to simplify… Here’s how.
Contents
My special guest today is Sian Conway-Wood and she’s simplifying how to buy better + consume less.
We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:
- In a world so eager to sell us magic pills and quick solutions to all of our “problems”, Sian shares why we should even consider buying better and consuming less right now – What impact one person can actually make on this global dilemma
- What she means mean by “greenwashing” and how to spot it when you shop next
- How to assess your shopping habits and start making simple, positive changes to buy better and consume less
- Where to find resources to borrow and share items in your local community
- …and ultimately, why she believes it’s toxic to shop in order to feel confident, sexy, or soothed. (don’t worry, we all do it) – What’s a better solution?
All this month, we’ve been focused on the topic of re-emergence. And I dare say this conversation applies as well. Who we are is determined by how we live our life. What we buy, consume, and the 1000 daily choices we must make, big or small.
I’m starting to make better choices.
Do I really need those individually plastic-wrapped potatoes or could I buy them in a 5lb bundle with less packaging? Do I really need a $5 shirt or could I pause and re-consider how much the factory workers were paid on a t-shirt so severely discounted like that? Do I really need to own every power tool under the sun?
I hope today’s conversation with Sian has you asking these questions as well.
Q: Are you ready to learn how to buy better + consume less? If yes, this one is for you.
It’s time to #DoTheThing!
<What’s catching my eye this week>
- What is Greenwashing and how do you spot it? – Carlyann Edwards – Business News Daily
- Video: Conscious Consumerism – does it make a difference? – Roundtable
- 50 powerful questions to help you reflect – The Institute of You
- Gain clarity in 90 minutes: Mary is offering 1-1 brainstorming sessions for those looking to get unstuck as the world reopens, post pandemic
My challenge for you this week:
How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and to help you buy better + consume less? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and tag @thesimplifiers on Instagram for added accountability and support!
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Book: Buy Better Consume Less: Create Real Environmental Change – Sian Conway-Wood
Book: The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level – Gay Hendricks
Resource: Give & get free stuff, borrow & lend household items, and shop homemade – all directly from your community – OLIO app
Resource: Buy less and share more. It makes us all richer and the planet cleaner. The world’s gift economy platform – The Buy Nothing Project
Resource: Got a broken appliance? Join these free meeting places, they’re all about repairing things (together) – Repair Café
Resource: Reduce food waste, save the planet – purchase surplus food from bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores – Too Good to Go app
Resource: One of the best public libraries in the world – you can check-out a ukelele, a cake pan, thousands of DVDs, audiobooks, paper books and they even have a maker space and printing press too! – Frisco Public Library
Podcast: How to understand what your customer wants, featuring Melina Palmer – The Simplifiers Podcast
Podcast: How to squash your limiting self-beliefs – The Simplifiers Podcast
Get Unstuck with The Simplifiers Morning Prompts
We’ve got a free resource we’d love to share with you!
Now more than ever, I’m finding 7-minutes of journaling is helping me calm my mind and get centered every morning.
So, start your day off right, download The Simplifiers Morning Prompts.
It’s a free daily worksheet that helps you laser-focus in on what needs to get done today, what could trip you up and how you’re going to stay on track. 5 questions, 7 minutes… this worksheet will help you SIMPLIFY!
About Sian Conway-Wood
Sian Conway-Wood – She is an ethical marketing and communications strategist, founder of #EthicalHour and author of the book “Buy Better Consume Less”. She works with ambitious cause-driven startups, charities, NGOs, CEOs, political parties and lobby groups to create change through the power of communications.
Sian first started sharing her journey into more sustainable living online in 2016, and in 2018 she was named the UK’s Green & Eco Influencer of the Year, and UK Influencer of the Year again in 2020.
Where Sian hangs out online:
Website: ethicalhour.co.uk
Twitter: @SianEConway
Twitter: @EthicalHour
Instagram: @EthicalHour
Sian’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Jo Salter – She founded ‘Where Does It Come From?’ in 2013, helping consumers discover the story behind your clothing – eco-friendly, fair trade, and natural. Many are concerned that the clothes we buy are not being created ethically, and may be indirectly helping to sustain cruel labor practices and contributing to the world’s pollution problems. She and her team provide answers to these questions to unlock a fashion garment’s creation story. She is also the host of the ‘Where Does It Come From?’ podcast.
Watch the video version of the episode
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Episode sponsored by…
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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MOREDisclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links because we wholeheartedly believe in the products, books and courses featured on the podcast. Therefore, we get compensated when you click on the links above and decide to purchase these items, which helps us continue to serve and support you. We share only the very best resources with our listeners and hope you find great value in them, as well.
