Envisioning: Zero Waste

A discussion on envisioning a zero-waste world.

What would life be like if we created no trash? No packages to throw away, everything that can be recycled is.  What would the grocery store look like?  How about fast food restaurants? How would…

Simple Living: An Interview with Joel Zaslofsky

Podcaster and community organizer Joel Zaslofsky talks about simple living.

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingWhat is simple living and why are so many folks ditching the traditional American dream in pursuit of it?  Joel Zaslofsky of Smart and Simple Matters podcast joins me, Jenise, for a chat on the topic.

Joel shares about his transition from “working in the money industry purely for money” to embracing a simpler, more intentional life. He shares a bit about his average day now compared to then; his podcast, Smart and Simple Matters; and SimpleREV which helps people connect in-person about slowing down, being grateful, and nerding out about the simple life.

Making the Switch

For Joel, the switch wasn’t easy.  But learning that he was about to become a dad for the first time, kick-started him along the path.  How many of us began to feel the urge to make these changes when we became parents?  I know that becoming a mom was a real turning point for me.  But the journey to living a life that is mostly congruent with what my heart is saying, took a lot longer in my case.

And what is simple living all about?  Well according to Joel it’s, “homesteading, sustainability, meditation, mindfulness, minimalism, yoga, transition towns, tiny houses, slow food, slow parenting and more.

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingAn Intentional Life

“I think the thread that runs through it for all these people is they want to live a more intentional life; they want to be more grateful; they want to see the world as an abundant place as opposed to a scarce place; they want to show compassion and patience and kindness,” says Joel, “..but for me its about loving the concept of enough.”

Intentional living – that sums it up for me too, Joel.  What a pleasure it was to meet this kindred spirit.  I think you will agree.

For a few ideas on steps you can take toward a more simple, intentional life, check out these 7 Steps to Start You on the Path to Simple Living.

 

Art From Recycled Materials – SLP23

Art from Recycled Materials with Joan Green

Introducing Joan

Joan Green, owner of Artlabs, shares much about her work in a conversation with Marianne.  She creates art using clean recyclables which have a great chance to end up in the trash. Also many things found in nature become part of her creations. More importantly, she provides art spaces where she leads adults and children alike on a journey to turn trash into treasure. Joan Green

 

Joan was kind enough to compile a resource list with links to the organizations she mentioned in the Podcast and to send pictures to give a better idea what can be used – the sky and one’s imagination is the limit. Her web site is www.greenartlabs.com and her Facebook page is Green Art Labs.

Art Material Resource List

Algalita – Capt Charles Moore’s organization. He discovered the Pacific Garbage Patch and has done extensive research on plastic ocean pollution.
www.algalita.org

reInterpret – A local non-profit in Santee that collects and distributes reusable materials to the community. A great resource for artists and teachers.
www.reinterpret.org

Art Form – A local non-profit in Normal Heights that collects and distributes reusable materials to the community. A great resource for artists and teachers.
www.artformsandiego.org

Trash for Teaching – Collects and distributes reusable materials in LA.assortment
www.t4t.org

Art From Scrap – Collects and distributes reusable materials in Santa Barbara
www.exploreecology.org

SCRAP – Collects and distributes reusable materials in Portland.
www.scrappdx.org

Green Eco Services – A San Diego organization that blogs about sustainability. The founder collects beach trash and redistributes the reusable materials to artists via Craigslist.
www.greenecoservices.com

Remida – Part of the municipal waste stream in Reggio Emilia, Italy that collects and distributes reusable materials.
www.remida.org

Remida Day – The celebration of reusable materials in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
http://remida.reggiochildrenfoundation.org/remida-day/?lang=en

children art classroomGreenArtLabs logo hirezbag from coffee bags

Permaculture Women’s Convergence -SLP 22

Exploring the whys and hows of a Women's Permaculture Convergence

Jenise and Marianne are talking about the upcoming Women’s Permaculture Convergence in San Diego. We are introducing speakers and topics such as water harvesting, art from recycled materials, the business side of Permaculture, using Social Media to grow the business, inoculating logs with mushrooms and more.

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Even though this is a local event, all the information can be applied to your area as well. In fact, one of our intentions is to inspire you to gather like minded people in your area and organize a convergence, conference or however you want to call your gathering around the topics of Permaculture, Sustainable Living or a subject dear to your heart.

In fact, we are putting a resource guide together for you to help you get started organizing. Send us a request along with your best email address and it will be yours.

Join the Sustainable Living Geeks!