Episode 274

How to Transition to a Plant Based Diet Part One

As you could likely guess, humanity is now faced with a long list of challenges that many would consider unsolvable. In addition to that there are so many opposing opinions about how to solve these issues, that most people suffer from information overload, feel completely helpless, and are convinced that their individual action makes no difference whatsoever. 

In my opinion if we want to solve some of our toughest issues, instead of taking direct action, we need to address the source of the problem. In other words, we need to think upstream. And that is one of the many reasons that a plant based diet makes the most sense. 

For the next several episodes I am going to talk about the advantages of this diet plan and what it can do for our health and our planet. 

Social media came rolling into our lives and promised a new way to communicate, make new friends, promote your business, and keep in touch with family. But years into this social frenzy, experts are now discovering that this trend actually has a significant down side. 

That being said, just like most things, there are ways to use this technology to your advantage instead of allowing your life to run by an algorithm. 

So join me for episode 273 Life Without Social Media Part Three.

Our modern lives are full of trade offs, many of which are the result of our choice of short-term convenience. From the foods we eat, the recreation we choose, the employment we take on, all are based on convenience. 

While some of these examples may be obvious, other things such as the internet and social media are far more subtle in their detrimental affects on our lives. So join me for episode 272 Life Without Social Media Part Two

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living  Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E272 Life Without Social Media Part Two. 

Yet with the advent of the internet and especially social media, we are constantly bombarded with news feeds, friends, messages, posts, and everything else that fragments our attention and distracts us from what is going on right in front of us. Few things have influenced our culture and behavior more than the internet and social media. 

Granted, there are many advantages to our technology. However, we are only beginning to understand the detrimental affect on our culture, daily behavior and even our mental health. 

So please join me for E271 Life Without Social Media. 

You may not realize that this is the direct result of globalization. Many of our goods and services are dependent on a long supply chain that we cannot understand much less control. 

In my opinion this is extremely poor planning. Would it not be better to keep our resources local instead of global? Would we not have much better control over those resources? 

That is the subject for this week so join me for Local First, Build Your Life Around Place, Not Convenience.

Episode 269

A 12 Month Plan for Sovereign Living Part Two

Most certainly we have all at one point in time come to the realization that we were tired of someone else telling us what to do. We become weary of someone making decisions that affect our well-being when we have no say in the matter. No where does this come more to the forefront of our lives as when we are teenagers. 

We reach that point where we long to be adults, make our own decisions, go where we want, when we want and do what we want. We want to have ultimate power and responsibility over our lives. We celebrate the day it finally happens when we are adults. We are finally sovereign individuals. But, is this really what happens. So join me for part two of a 12 month plan for sovereign living. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E269, which is part two the the 12 month plan for sovereign living.

Episode 268

A 12 Month Plan for Sovereign Living Part One

As you well know, independence, self sufficiency, and sustainable living are at the heart of much of my life.  I talk about it, write about it, podcast about it and live it everyday. But I also accept the fact that if everyone lived the way I do, our society and economy would simply not work. Furthermore I realize that how and where I live is not possible for most people in our culture.

But what is possible for everyone is what I call sovereign living. This is simply a philosophy of self-ownership, where we take full responsibility for our lives, our values, and our decisions. It is about independence and not dependence. So join me for E268 A 12 month plan for Sovereign Living. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E268 A 12 Month Plan for Sovereign Living. 

Episode 267

The 30 Day Stop the Consumption Challenge Part Two

In last week’s episode I laid the foundation of why and how we shifted to a consumer culture. Although this was a gradual shift, it was also highly planned and organized. The Industrial Revolution was only the beginning. For the first time in human history our societies were able to produce more than we needed to live day-to-day. Then the problem shifted from “Do I need this?” to “How do we sell all this stuff?” 

The challenge we now face is the constant extraction of materials and production of products is pushing planetary boundaries. We are reaching ecological limits and facing resource depletion and environmental damage. Despite this we seem to ignore the need for change. 

So stick around for the 30 Day Stop the Consumption Challenge Part Two. 

Episode 266

The 30 Day Stop the Consumption Challenge Part One

Most everyone alive today has either grown up in or been conditioned to a consumer culture. We constantly purchase more than we need which of course requires the on-going production of more products. This in turn requires the extraction and processing of more resources which results in an enormous detrimental impact on our environment.  

But as usual, I like to ask “How did we get here?” Furthermore, how do we change this part of our culture? Human existence was not always like this, that is a life that is organized around consumption. What most people don’t know is that this shift toward consumption was gradual, structural, and highly engineered. 

But there is a way to change this cycle and it starts with the 30 day stop the consumption challenge.

Episode 265

12 Month Sustainability Action Plan

It is sometimes difficult for me to believe that I have been living at the cabin for 30 years. I often reflect on how I went about building this isolated homestead, how much work it was and just how long it took. But I also commonly think about what I would change if I had it to do over again. 

Most people would look at what I’ve done and think that such a lifestyle is completely out of their reach. However, it is easier than you think. A lot has changed since I first moved there. Technology has improved and so has our knowledge about how best to live sustainably. 

If you do not believe that this is something you can do, then join me for #265 The 12 Month Sustainable Living Action Plan. 

In the last episode we covered the first five out of ten reasons why the reduction of food waste has such a significant positive environment impact. 

Unlike so many other global problems, reducing our food waste is one of the easiest things we can do as individuals. There are ten reasons why food waste is the world’s most solvable environment problem. In the last episode we covered five of those reasons. Now, just for a quick review:

-The solutions already exist. This means we do not need new technology or new science. The solutions are simple, proven, and accessible to everyone. 

-Prevention is far cheaper than clean up. While most solutions for environmental problems focus on managing the damage after it has already happened, prevention of food waste cost less than disposal and the pay back is immediate. 

-Individuals have the real power. While most global environment problems feel distant and abstract, food waste prevention can happen without waiting for governments, corporations and the implementation of new laws. We all participate in our food systems everyday so we have the ability to do something about it today. 

-It reduces multiple environmental impacts at once. Because of the nature of our food systems, waste prevention effect climate change, addresses water scarcity, land degradation and reduces energy consumption all at once. 

-Most wasted food is perfectly edible. Since our food systems are inefficient, risk-averse, and culturally distorted, they are built for waste. The majority of wasted food is actually perfectly edible and we can do something about it. 

But, before we get to the next 5 reasons as to why food waste is the world’s most solvable environmental problem, let’s first talk about the good news story of the week. 

The good news is nothing could be further from the truth. There are a lot of things we do everyday that make a significant difference for a whole list of reasons. One of those things is controlling our food waste. This is far simpler than you think and the best part is that our actions have an immediate impact. 

So join me for E263, Food Waste, The World’s Most Solvable Environmental Problem.

One of my favorite places to live and work is the Caribbean. People seem much less stressed. They have a much slower pace of life and never seem to worry much about getting things accomplished right now. In fact, one of their favorite mottos is “rush slowly.” 

While such a lifestyle may not be for everyone, I do think we can learn a lot or at least gain a new perspective from such a lifestyle. So join me for E262 The Art of Slow Living.

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E262 The Art of Slow Living.

What I have notice over that past couple of years is that trend of what sustainable living focuses on is starting to shift in a good way. As we approach 2026, sustainable living is shifting towards practical, consistent actions rather than perfection, emphasizing local, social, and achievable changes that tend to foster well-being and environmental protection.

So join me for E261 Seven Tips for Sustainable Living in 2026

What always astonishes me is that the countries that are at the top of the list are some of the smallest countries in the world. Those at the bottom of the list are some of the largest and most wealthy countries.

But, as you know, countries are made of people and it is the people that ultimately make the difference. So, what can we all do to help our countries be more green? To find out, join me for E260

Do you ever stop to ask yourself why nothing ever really gets done. 

On the other end of the spectrum, has there ever been a time when someone looked at you and commented about how lucky you were. Meanwhile you are thinking “What I accomplished was not a matter of luck but the result of years of hard work.”

So, what do these two scenarios have in common? If you want to know, then join me for E259, Habits for Sustainable Success: The Little Things Make the Difference. 

There is no doubt that urbanization has reshaped our land, our lifestyles and our resources systems. But, few people comprehend that this lifestyle is profoundly unsustainable. Despite that, more and more people are becoming suburbanites.  

But it is possible to change all that with the right balance and of course intentional living. So join me for E258 How to Transform Our Urban Areas into a Sustainable Metropolis

Episode 257

How to Solve Our Global Challenges in One Generation

Years ago I built this really nice storage shed at the cabin. It is where we store a lot of our extra dry goods and it also houses our chest freezer. But, despite the size of the shed, it is in a perpetual state of disarray.  I have this really bad habit of just closing the door and ignoring it. 

I sometimes think that our world is a lot like my storage shed, in a perpetual state of disarray. And most of us go home at night, close our doors and forget about it. Now this sort of approach of course is not the answer to my storage shed or our global challenges. So join me for E257 How to Solve Our Global Challenges in One Generation. 

But what most people do not realize is that the oceans are not just vast bodies of water. They are literally the foundation of Earth’s life support system, influencing everything from the air we breath to the food we eat and the climate we depend on. 

Yet once again, we are altering the very foundation of a vital ecosystem. So join me for E256 Ocean Acidification-The Silent Threat Beneath the Waves. 

Climate change is a perfect example. The first seminal paper about climate change was published in 1896. We are now seeing the obvious effects of climate change. But, there is another, more subtile looming problem that most of us do not even know it exist. 

So join me for part two of Food Scarcity and the Urban Diet Pressure Loop. 

Furthermore, it is even more difficult to believe that what we eat everyday contributes to food scarcity and hunger. Who would have ever thought about that. 

So join me for episode 254 and learn how the urban-diet pressure loop contributes to food scarcity,  environmental degradation and world hunger.

Despite this, in the coming years we are going to need to produce twice as much food in order to feed our growing population. This creates a serious dilemma. If what we are doing now isn’t working, how can we change our food systems so that we can feed ourselves and not destroy the planet in the process. 

And that is the focus of this episode. So join me for E253 is it possible to feed the world without destroying it? 

Living where and how I do, it is difficult for me to see or even feel the magnitude and effects of deforestation. At the rate we are going, it is estimated that our planet will be devoid of trees in 300 years. And that is the focus of this episode, the magnitude and effects of deforestation and what we can be about it. 

However, there are many other pressing environmental issues that have just as much of a widespread impact. One of the things on this list of pressing issues we face is plastic pollution. However, it is one of the most pervasive, widespread concerns that can actually be solved. In this episode I am going to focus on why this is such a widespread problem and what we can do to fix it. 

At the top of that list is our dependence on fossil fuels. That dependence is directly related to why our ice caps are melting. But, as with most things, there is something we can actually do about it. It may require some modifications to your lifestyle, and perhaps a transition to renewable energy, but it is entirely possible. That is how we go from doom to empowerment. It is truly worth the effort. So join me for episode 250 which focuses on reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. 

But, things are often very different when it comes to a lot of other human shenanigans, such as altering the climate of our planet. One of the most concerning results of this is the melting of the ice caps. While you may think this is of no concern to the average person, the problem is what happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic. 

So join me for E249 The Melting Ice Caps-Why It Matters to All of Us

Such a lifestyle is possible. But just like anything else, if you truly want to live in this way, it takes dedication, focus and, believe it not, a structured lifestyle. The best part, is that all of this can be accomplished while living sustainably and having very little impact on the planet.  

If you want to find out just how you can make this possible then join me for E248 How to Accomplish Anything You Want. 

No matter where you live and what you do, it is possible to produce a certain amount of your own food. Yes it takes time, commitment and maybe a small learning curve, but it is not difficult at all. In this episode, I am going to focus on how we can reverse this trend of dependency on industrial agriculture and why that is so important. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E247 Reversing the Trend: a Home Food Production Action Plan.

Besides the obvious benefits to the environment and health of our planet, a sustainable lifestyle can also be thought of in terms of preventative health care. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise goes a long way toward preventing many of the chronic disease that plaque our modern culture.

So join me for episode 246,  Sustainability as Preventative Care. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E246 Sustainability as Preventative Care. 

But have you ever stopped to think what would happen if things just stopped working the way they do. What if the grid went down for even a week? What if you were unable to get to the supermarket for several weeks. What then??

This is where sustainability and self reliance come into play. So join me for E245 How Sustainability Cultivates Preparedness and Adaptability

So far I have discussed the health benefits of changing how we eat, how to reduce your exposure to toxins, and how sustainable living improves your mental health and emotional well being.

In this episode I am going to give you additional tips on how sustainable living promotes a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and a closer connection with nature. It is the next piece in the puzzle of living a healthier and longer life. 

So join me for episode 244.

Yes I do have chores to do on a regular basis that makes it possible for me to live off grid. However, those chores give me some physical activity which tends to keep me healthy. But this is all part of me living a lifestyle that is in line with my personal values. This reduces my stress. It means I am living with intention which in turn keeps me emotionally healthy. 

So join me for episode 242 The Health Benefits of Sustainable Living Part Three: Mental and Emotional Well-Being

But what most people do not realize is that such a lifestyle is one of the best ways to improve your personal health. Living sustainably changes so many of our daily habits, we get more exercise and we stay on a diet that is nutritionally sound. But, the benefits do not stop there. 

So join me for the part two of the health benefits of sustainable living where I am going to talk about reducing your exposure to toxins. 

Much of my time is spent outside even in the winter. I often have chores to do that requires some sort of physical labor which of course gives me regular exercise 

Many people do not understand why I choose to live the way I do. Albeit different from a more conventional lifestyle, it actually has many health benefits. And that is what I want to explore in the next few episodes, the many benefits of a sustainable lifestyle. So join me for E241 The Health Benefits of a Sustainable Lifestyle Part One. 

Unfortunately, in our modern society fewer and fewer people have the desire or skill to cook at home. Cultural shifts, changes in priorities, and lack of cooking skills compel us to take advantage of convenience foods and take out. If you want to learn how to reverse this trend then stick around the E240 The Slow Death of the Home Cooked Meal.

Unfortunately we are now seeing a global decline in all of our pollinators and it is happening for a variety of reasons.  If this continues, it will have devastating effects on our economy, our food production and global ecosystems. But there are ways to prevent this from happening. There are things each of us can do to help support the wide variety of pollinators. 

So join me for episode 239 Feeding the Future-How to Support Pollinators in Your community.

For example, eventually you have to ask who established so-called “safe levels” of known toxic substances in our food. The list of potential diseases linked to these chemicals is quite long and yet these substances are still widely used. Not to mention the far reaching affects of having these chemicals in our environment. 

If you want to learn a little bit more then stick around for E 338 The Reach of Pesticides is Far Beyond the Field.

While the toxic products mentioned above may be easy to recognize and avoid, one thing we cannot avoid is the air we breath. But unfortunately, that is toxic as well.

So stick around for this week’s episode and learn how to protect yourself from the invisible affects of air pollution. 

However, our world is constantly changing, sometimes over night. Consequently, I think self sufficiency is more important than ever before. The problem is that most people do not know where to begin because our modern culture has deprived us of some very basic skills. 

In this episode I am going to outline 11 ways to become self sufficient and live your life that way you want.

But the challenge we now have is that plastic is becoming the bane of our existence.Because plastic production continues to increase and degradation is long-term, microplastics are virtually everywhere. Furthermore, no one really knows the long-term health affects of exposure because this is a relatively new health concern.  

One thing is for certain, microplastics are not going away any time soon. Our only option may be to limit exposure. So join me for E235 The Dangers of Microplastics and How to Avoid Them

Living off the grid is now becoming an increasingly common choice for a long-term lifestyle. Just like anything else, it has it’s pros and cons but so does living in suburbia. 

One of the questions I most commonly encounter is whether or not it is legal to do so. I’ve certainly heard a read about a number of people that have ran into trouble with local authorities for just trying to live a simple life. 

So join me in this episode where I am going to discuss it it legal to live off the grid. 

Over time we have always favored development over conservation. We have always framed those two choices as an either/or situation. Because of that we are now paying the price of climate change, environmental degradation and widespread pollution. 

We are now faced with a choice. Continue as we have always done or focus on conservation. So join me for episode 233 Why Favoring Development Over Conservation is a False Assumption. 

But this is where our personal resilience comes into play. Our resilience allow us to adapt to change and deal with the unexpected in a healthy way.  But resilience is also directly tied to sustainability. Both concepts are interconnected and often reinforce one another. Both are crucial concepts necessary for balancing our world, our environment and even our day to day lives as well as our personal well being. 

So join me for E 232 where I am going to give you some constructive tips on Building Resilience and Adapting to Change. 

Furthermore, after all this time had all my efforts produced a lifestyle that was truly sustainable and environmentally friendly or would it have been better if I had lived in an urban area. After all, there are pros and cons of everything we do. But if I had it all to do over again, what exactly are the pros, cons, and critical considerations? 

So join me for E 231, where I am going to discuss the finer points of urban versus rural living. 

However, there is no one thing, no magic bullet that will save our planet. It is going to require a complete cultural shift, a complete overhaul of our daily habits right down to what we eat. The challenge is that cultural shifts take time. The good news is that is already underway. 

So, join me for E230 Eleven Sustainability Trends That Will Shape Our Future.

It is unfortunate that more often than not we throw away certain food items as a matter of habit, never realizing we may have been able to repurpose it into something else. By doing so, we are not only missing out on flavorful dishes we are also just being wasteful. 

If you want to learn a few tips on how to stretch your budget, and get a little more creative in your kitchen, then listen to this episode on Nine Flavors You Should Never Pour Down the Drain

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E229 Nine Flavors You Should Never Pour Down the Drain. 

Younger generations in our society also feel the pressure of an unknown future and even experience a certain level of anxiety because they are unsure of what tomorrow will bring. While there may be reason for feeling this way, I want to present a different option, and that is optimistic futurism. So, join me for episode 228. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E228 Optimistic Futurism for the Environment. 

Would it not be easier to do what most other people do and just take full advantage of our modern conveniences and live a life of ease. 

But in many respects this is exactly the attitude that most people have today and that is one of the reasons that the skills required for self sufficiency are slipping away.

If you want to learn how to reverse that, then stick around for some tips on how to level up your self sufficiency. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E226 Seven Not-so-Obvious Strategies to Level Up Your Self Sufficiency.

For most of us we may think of this as a boring diet with few options and perhaps it even conjures up visions of eating a salad every night. While this is far from the truth, a plant based diet is certainly much different from what most of us focus on eating. 

But what if I told you a secret? There is something that you can do to look and feel better than 80% of the people in our society. 

So, if you want to know the connection here then stick around for E226, The Real Scoop on a Plant-Based diet. 

While this all sounds wonderful, what most people do not know is that using the internet actually have a significant impact on the environment. However, for the average consumer, this impact is out of sight, out of mind. 

If you want to learn more about your personal environmental impact by using the internet and how to reduce that impact, then stick around for E225.

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E225, 8 Tips To Reduce Your Environmental Impact While Using the Internet

One thing is certain. Change is always scary. World politics, the climate, price of energy, price of food are all things that change constantly. Advances in technology are also constant. What was top of the line today is obsolete tomorrow. Now we face additional new technology called artificial intelligence. Is this good or bad?  

So join me for E224, Can AI Put Us on the Path to Sustainability? 

What we never stop to realize is that the sun provides a constant steady stream of energy that is not likely to burn out for the next 5 billion years. What that means is that this incredible source of energy is renewable. Yet most of us have the impression that it is still beyond our reach. 

I hope I can change your mind because in this episode I am going to discuss how to incorporate renewable energy in your everyday life. 

However there are multiple healthy homemade alternatives for all of the convenience foods we so frequently consume. With a little practice, you can always have healthy meals with very little prep time which is great when you are having a busy day. Welcome to the world of ready made meals. 

So join me for E222 Ready Made Meals; A Fresh Convenient Approach to Meal Prep. 

As citizen action becomes more frequent, I start to question whether or not we are actually focusing on the right things. While recycling, reducing the use of plastic and planting trees all have their part in the big picture, are such activities just a distraction from what really needs to be done?

So join me for episode 221 Can We Save the Planet by Planting Trees?

Having the personality that I do, I am always questioning everything even if I keep it all to myself? But that is my process of re-evaluation, meaning checking in with myself to make sure I am on the right track. That said, I look at what I have done on the homestead and I wonder whether or not it is possible for other people to do this same type of thing in today’s world. What if I was the one that had to do it all over again. 

So join me for E220 My Homestead Do-Over: How Would I Do Things Differently? 

While its exciting to talk about theses things, for so many people that is exactly where it stops. Nearly 80% of our population now lives in urban areas, and that percentage is increasing every year. If you are one of those people that does not have acreage or you cannot live in a rural area it is still possible to create a small homestead. In todays world, the modern homestead truly needs to be completely redefined. 

So join me for E219 Redefining the Modern Homestead. 

But at that time we were not old enough to even know what we didn’t know. And once we were “all grown up” it doesn’t take long to realize it’s not exactly all it’s cracked up to be. Being an adult comes with responsibilities and financial obligations. As it turns out, doing whatever we want and being self reliant requires money. 

But beyond that, if you want to find out a different path to being self reliant, join me for episode 218. 

But, if that is not an option where could you live and do the same thing? As it turns out, you could actually stay in an urban area. Not only that, it may be easier to have a sustainable life in the city because of the easy availability of resources. 

But how do you choose the best place? So join me for E217 How to Choose a Sustainable Place to Live. 

While location is important for many reasons we also have to consider the impact of our choices on the environment and the planet. Is it better to live in the city or in a more rural area. Which lifestyle has the least impact while also providing a satisfying way to live?  

So join me for E216 The Sustainability Question: Rural vs Urban Living

While our individual choices for how and where we live is a deeply personal thing, we often take for granted the environmental impact our lifestyles have on a day-to-day basis. But there are a few things we can do that will make a significant difference on how each of us influences the future of our planet. 

So join me for E215 Eight Lifestyle Changes With the Biggest Impact

At this point it should be no surprise that plastics have become the bane of our existence. Plastic pollution can now be found on very corner of the planet. Furthermore plastic production will likely double by the year 2050.

So join me for E214 Twelve Single Use Plastics You Can Eliminate From Your Life Right Now

Depending on which study you look at, humanity produces approximately 350 to 430 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. Plastic straws only make up two and a half percent of that total waste. So is the anti-plastic straw parade just another distraction? Or should we actually pay attention to it because this campaign produces something of value. 

So join me for E213 Should We Really Ban Plastic Straws? 

But is this a good or a bad thing? Does it improve how we eat? Does it influence how we take care of ourselves? Are we more or less likely to develop good or bad habits because we have so many choices. Does it make us more or less sustainable? 

So join me for E212 Is Choice Overload the Bane of Our Existence

While globalization has its obvious benefits, there is also a downside. Among many other things, it has a significant environmental impact. It also increases our vulnerability and diminishes our personal security. But like so many other things, it is possible to be proactive  and protect yourself from the detrimental affects. 

So join me for E211 Nine Actions You Can Take to Benefit the Global Community. 

Episode 210

Ten Ways to Grow Your Own Food

As you well know one of my favorite topics is self sufficiency. Most likely this is because I am a strongly independent person and very motivated to take care of myself. I truly do not want to depend too heavily on any societal system to provide me with my personal needs. Additionally I grew up in a rural area where some degree of self sufficiency was necessary. 

But what I see in our society today is that over 80% of us live in urban areas where everything is easy and convenient. We no longer think about all the simple ways in which we can take care of ourselves and produce a little bit of personal security. 

So join me for episode 210 Ten Ways to Grow Your Own Food. 

Modern technology was supposed to make our lives easier. But in many ways our connectedness results in over stimulation and the clear inability to focus. Without knowing it, we have become trapped in a fast-paced, high stress, very impersonal world that always appears to be falling apart.

So join me for E209 Avoiding the Trappings of Modern Society

But what if this was not necessary? What if there was a different way? Have we become so deluded with our modern way of life that we are now trapped? So join me for E208 Why the 30 Year Mortgage is Not Your Friend.

While I do we believe we are beyond the point of easy, I also believe that our climate future has not yet been decided. But what we have to accept is that it is the result of the individual choices of each and everyone of us that got us to this point in the first place. And that is the very reason it is within the grasp of the individual to play a part in the solution. 

So join me for E207 The Most Sustainable Workplace: Your Home

Episode 206

How to Be the Best Version of Yourself

There are many aspects to the concept of sustainability and having a regenerative lifestyle. As you could most likely guess, the planet would be just fine without people. But without people there is no culture and no economy. 

However, our modern economy has largely lead us down the wrong path. Consumerism has both consumed our lives and our planet. As we get closer to a true environmental disaster many people feel helpless to do anything about it. 

But part of a sustainable life is being productive, being mindful of the impact we have and having happy life. The best way to accomplish all of that is to learn how to be the best version of yourself. 

So join me for E206 How to Be the Best Version of Yourself

Episode 205

Rethinking Society: Are You a Consumer or a Citizen?

All the head lines we hear and see these days are about disasters, wars, new diseases, climate change, ecological decline, and anything else that has to do with how the world is coming to an end. And guess what? They are all true. 

Truly we are facing some rather complex global challenges. But despite how difficult it may be for anyone these days to find peace of mind, I have truly found one particular concept that could change our society, our culture, our economies and bring us back from the brink of disaster. But it has to do with rethinking our entire society. 

If you want to learn more, then stick around for E 205 Rethinking Society: Are You a Consumer or a Citizen? 

Episode 204

What Can We Do to Phase Out Fossil Fuels? 

We already know that our planet is in trouble due to the indiscriminate burning of fossil fuels. Climate change is obvious. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Due to warming temperatures Arctic regions are now greening. Shifts in rainfall is even greening massive areas of the Sahara Dessert. 

The answer to all of this is simple. Stop burning fossil fuels. But the implementation of that strategy has far reaching effects on every aspect of our lives and that makes a lot of people very uncomfortable. 

But despite knowing what we need to do, the production and use of fossil fuels in still on the rise. Why is that and what can we do as individuals? 

So join me for episode 204 What Can We Do to Phase Out Fossil Fuels?

It is a nice concept to think of working out everyday, taking a walk in the woods on a regular basis,  cooking more at home, and eating the right foods.

Zero waste, plastic free, supporting sustainable brands all require time, research and even more effort. But who has time for that when when there are unexpected medical bills? And besides, does it all really matter anyway. 

If you want to learn more then join me for episode 203 Is the World Worth Saving? 

Episode 202

Change Yourself and Change the World

By now it should be no surprise that our world is facing significant challenges. Climate change, widespread pollution, forever chemicals, biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline is just the tip of our melting icebergs. 

Numerous people from scientists to scholars and even individuals have been sounding the alarm for decades if not longer. Yet as a whole, we continue to operate as if the world is a place of limitless resources. 

We have long since passed over some planetary boundaries that are important for maintaining the balance that supports life. Nothing less than an total transformation is needed to prevent what could end up being a global disaster. 

If you want to know more then stick around for episode 202 Change Yourself and Change the World.

Over the last year, whenever I sit to review world events, there seems to be yet another food recall in the news. And all of these recalls span a wide variety of products. From Salmonella to E. Coli to Listeria, there seems to always be some sort of pathogen we need to be concerned about. 

With every recall that I read about I simply told myself that I had no reason to be concerned. But it you want to know why, then listen to this episode on food recalls and how to avoid them.

Episode 200

Sustainability Summit 102

After covering quite a variety of topics over the last 100 episodes there are several things that clearly stand out.

Sustainability is about people, planet and profits. It  has a lot to do with being mindful about how you live as well as having the right mindset.  I truly think we humans have a moral obligation to treat our planet well. Yet despite the clear need to reduce our use of fossil fuels, we continue to race for additional non-renewable resources. Additionally, we are still trying to use money and technology to solve our problems and it is not working.  

So join me for the Sustainability Summit 102 where I will high light some very important points regarding our future on this planet. 

Episode 199

Regenerative Living: A Step Beyond Sustainability

After so many years of living at the cabin, installing solar, building the greenhouse, raising chickens and turkeys, and being 100% off the grid, I came to believe that sustainability was the end all be all. Turns out I was wrong. I was missing one very important concept, one vital part of the puzzle to connect all the other pieces to make a complete picture. 

I actually discovered this a couple of years ago during a casual conversation with an architect. He brought up the concept of regenerative living. I was understandably curious as to how that differed from sustainability. 

What I learned is that we should be taking one step beyond sustainability. So join me for episode 199, Regenerative Living: A Step Beyond Sustainability 

E198

Fourteen Things You Can Do to Help Protect Our Biodiversity

Considering all that is going on in our world it is not surprising that the average person feels as if what they do makes no difference. Yet it is the cumulative affect of our individual choices that has produced dramatic changes on our planet. And it is the cumulative affect of our choices that will decide whether humans continue to thrive. 

Of all the things we have altered, the loss of biodiversity is the most concerning. It is the one thing that maintains healthily ecosystems and it is these ecosystems that keeps things in balance. Everyone of us is dependent on the natural world to provide us with what we need yet we are slowly destroying the very foundation that guarantees our survival. 

So join me for E198 Fourteen Things You Can Do to Help Protect Biodiversity. 

But you must understand the choices we make does have an impact on the environment around us. Take those choices times 7 billion people and it affects the entire planet. 

Of course everyone is quick to look to money and technology to save us. By doing so we easily overlook the one important factor that could save all of humanity, and that is biodiversity. 

So join me for episode 197 Biodiversity-Our Strongest Defense Against Climate Change. 

Episode 196

Is Going Organic Better for Your Health?

Colorado is one of those places that has plenty of grocery outlets for the purchase of organic food. Despite this easily available opportunity, for years I refused to buy organic produce because of the cost. I always questioned whether or not it was actually beneficial. 

Furthermore, I questioned whether or not there were added nutritional benefits of going organic. And of course I kept right on doing what I was doing and never bothered to actually look into it. I just never took the time to educate myself on this subject.

Finally I got around to doing my homework. And what really encouraged me was one particular article I read that was published by the Environmental Working Group. 

So join me for E196 which is called Is Going Organic  Better for Your Health? 

Episode 195

How to Live Healthy in a Chemical World

Working as a practicing veterinarian I commonly have to deal with infectious diseases. For the most part it is something benign. Occasionally I have to deal with things that are potentially of great concern for human health. 

One such disease is the Bubonic Plague. It is endemic in the prairie dog population in Colorado. Every now and then people get excited about it then the concern fades away. But, it is always there. 

From my perspective there are so many other things in our world that pose a great threat yet we completely ignore it. One such thing is chemical pollution. I start to question whether it is possible to live healthy in a chemical world. 

So join me for episode 195 How to Live Healthy in a Chemical World. 

Episode 194

A Sustainable Life May Make You Live Longer

Did you know that globally we spend about $170 billion dollars a year on dietary supplements. The cosmetic surgery market is now worth $63 billion annually. We spend nearly $3,000 per year on entertainment. On average we spend 2 to 2 1/2 hours per day on social media. 

We also eat a diet that is high in calories, fat, added sugars, and low in essential nutrients. Sadly nearly 20% of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes is attributed to poor diet. The incidence of multiple chronic diseases among adults is now 27.2 percent with 51.8% now having at least one chronic disease. 

What this means is that ultimately many people live shorter lives than what they could. 

So join me for episode 194 A Sustainable Life May Make You Live Longer. 

And honestly,  many of the things I do these days would not be possible if it were not for modern technology. But the challenge is that technological advancements and all of these time-saving products and gadgets have produced a life of ease and convenience that has actually robbed us of some very important skills. 

Most of us no longer have core skills that used to be considered basic everyday knowledge. Furthermore we have no concept of sustainability. What I want to examine in this episode is the integration of core life skills with sustainable living.

As we continue to see on-going changes in our world directly related to human behavior, we are now told that we should be more conscious about what we eat, what we wear, what and how much we drive, and to even learn to be a minimalist. Such things fall under this big umbrella of conscious consumerism. 

But some experts say that conscious consumerism is just another lie to distract us from what really needs to be done to produce meaningful change. So, join me for E191 where I examine whether or not conscious consumerism is just a lie.  

There is of course a long list of ways to start living a more sustainable life. All you have to do is pick one thing and focus on that until it is a part of your daily life. But if I were to sum things up into one simple concept it would be “become a conscious consumer.” So join me for episode 191 where I am going to discuss how to become a conscious consumer. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E191 Twelve Tips to Becoming a Conscious Consumer. 

But I also think it is the same with going zero waste. We constantly hear talk about a sustainable circular economy but is it all just a dream?  Is going zero waste even achievable for an individual much less an entire society and culture? 

What I want to examine in this episode is whether or not this is an achievable goal or is zero waste just a myth. So join me for episode 189 Dispelling the Myth of Zero Waste. 

Not in My Backyard: A Critical Review of Environmental Racism

Surveys of community needs from around the world show that almost everyone wants the same thing. We all want a safe place to live and even raise a family. We want a healthy, natural environment, access to education, healthy food, housing, clean water, and fair use of land and local resources.

How would you feel if you lived in a community where such things did not exist? You lived in the midst of heavy air pollution, environmental contamination, and lack of basic services. 

And yet these situations are more frequent than most of us recognize. The underlying cause is environmental racism. So join me for episode 188 where we are going to discuss a critical review of environmental racism, what that is, why it exist, and what we can do about it. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E188 which is called Not in My Backyard: A Critical Review of Environmental Racism

Episode 187

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

Inflation is taking a toll on just about everyone. But one of the most common areas where we feel the pinch is in the price of food. Food prices have consistently risen over the last 5 years and are expected to go up by several percentage points in 2024. 

Not only that, if you want to eat healthy and organic, you are going to pay even more at the checkout. To top it off, junk food is manufactured in bulk and full of preservatives to make it shelf stable. Consequently, and on a per-calorie basis, it is typically less expensive than something that is packed with nutrients. 

So how do we reach for something that is sustainable and strike a balance between budget and eating healthy? 

So join me for E187 How to Eat Healthy on a Budget.

If off-grid is what you want there are several realistic ways to make that happen. It truly depends on personal preference and of course your budget. Bottom line is that these days such a lifestyle is not at all unrealistic. But everyone has different reasons as to why they want to give it a try. 

So, if you want to learn about the best reasons to live off grid then stick around for E186. 

What is obvious is that economic growth is directly tied to resource consumption. Both are hand in hand with environmental degradation and climate change. Despite this obvious trend consumerism continues to be deeply ingrained.  

Even though there are communities of people that live simply and offer inspiration for social innovation, the question is whether or not this is possible on a global scale. In this episode I want to examine whether or not we can decouple economic growth from resource consumption. 

So join me for E 185 which is called “Can We Prosper Without Growth?”

From disposable products to planned obsolescence, our wasteful practices have an ever devastating affect on the environment and on our personal financial well being. Virtually all of the disposable products we use can be replaced with something that you buy only once. 

So join me for episode 184 which is called Buy It Once, Buy It For Life. 

But are we really to blame? Or is this the end result of our modern culture? Are we now so comfortable that we feel as if certain life skills don’t even apply any more? Besides, we can always look it up on the internet. 

We are numbly happy to live in our comfort zone yet stepping outside those boundaries is exactly what is needed if we are going to build a sustainable future. And that is the focus of this episode183 Danger: Comfort Zone. 

If I think of something I need at the homestead, if I have time I may browse the internet for the best product and the best price. After all online shopping is a modern convenience that I enjoy just as much as everyone else. 

It is simply a part of our culture now.  However, in the face of building a sustainable future we do have to strike a balance between consumption and ethics. This week I want to dive into a critical few of Amazon Ethics. 

One of the challenges is that due to our current market place, there is an over abundance of choices. Consequently, most consumers tend to purchase from a huge conglomerate because we can easily find everything we need all in one place and it saves us time and money.  

But when it comes to best practices for sustainability, what about the little guy, the small business that cannot possibly compete with an international company? In our rush for convenience are we really making ethical choices? 

In this episode I am going to focus on one company, and that is Walmart. 

But at least we have certain basic skills such as how to drive, where to get food and how to find and pay for the various services needed to meet our daily needs. But what we are taught changes over time because societal norms change. What children are taught today is totally different from 50 years ago.

And one good example is where your food comes from and how it is produced. So, if you want to know some interesting and funny facts, then join me for E180 Is Honey Really Bee Vomit?..and Other Funny Food Facts. 

Episode 179

After Sustainable Habits, What’s Next?

My veterinary career has truly been quite varied. Upon entering veterinary school I only had experience in one hospital. Upon graduation, I was determine to broaden my focus. After years in practice I am happy that I’ve had the opportunity to live in work in multiple different countries. 

The result has been a much broader perspective on the world and a much greater appreciation for other cultures. Lessons learned abroad have been brought back home which in turn has shaped my habits and values. 

I believe that true progress only comes through  growth. But once our habits and values mature into something that is focused more outward, instead of only on ourselves, what is the next step? 

So join me for E179 After Sustainable Habits, What’s Next? 

Episode 178

Sustainable Habits for a Sustainable Habitat

Episode Link;

Sustainable Habits for a Sustainable Habitat

29.5 minutes

Website

adventuresinsustainableliving.com

In the last few episodes I’ve talked a lot about the overcoming the barriers to living more sustainably. And while there is a long list of barriers to overcome, a big part of the challenge is our engrained values and habits. And the big question is how do we change that. 

Many of us tend to blame the condition of the world on our culture, or on big business and government. However, truly meaningful human change starts with the individual. Before we can expect global change, systemic change, or even change at the community level, we must first examine how we need to change. 

In many ways our values and habits are a reflection of our world view. So how do we change this to something more sustainable. 

So join me for E178 Sustainable Habits for a Sustainable Habitat.

Episode 177

A Green Foot Forward: Overcoming the Roadblocks to Sustainable Living Part III

Episode link:

https://www.offgridlivingnews.com/podcasts/adventures-in-sustainable-living/episodes/2148574613

33 minutes

Website:

adventuresinsustainableliving.com

Studies and surveys show that the vast majority of people do care about the environment and what happens to our planet. Yet many of those same people struggle when it comes to making greener choices in their lives. 

One thing is certain. The future of humanity has not yet been decided. But I truly believe we are past the point of easy. We need to change the way we think and live. One other thing is also certain. We can see amazing results by putting one green foot in front of the other and pressing forward with the changes we can implement both individually and collectively. 

In this episode I am going to continue that discussion. So join me for E177 Overcoming the Roadblocks to Sustainable Living Part III. 

In our modern culture, we no longer have to provide for ourselves. You can have anything you want with one click. In fact, ease and convenience is top of the list for most people, not the impact they are having on the planet. 

But when it comes to a sustainable lifestyle convenience is not the king. It is our addiction to  convenience that is one of the common roadblocks to sustainable living. 

So join me for episode 176 where I continue to discuss how to overcome some of the common roadblocks to a sustainable lifestyle.  

Patrick

Episode 175

A Green Foot Forward: Overcoming the Roadblocks to Sustainable Living

If you happen to have in-depth training or knowledge in a particular area it is easy to forget that many others do not have that same expertise. For example, the knowledge I have about the care of animals is second nature to me. Sometimes I forget there are many people who just do not understand the basics. 

But the same holds true when it comes to sustainable living. Such a lifestyle is second nature to me. Yet I see so many people who are interested but do not take the first step. Why is that?  To answer that question I decided to focus the next few episodes on the barriers and roadblocks to leading a sustainable life and how to overcome them. So join me for E 175 The Barriers and Roadblocks to Sustainable Living Part One.

Episode 174

Habits for Success: The Little Things Make a Difference

Have you ever wondered why people spend so much time on social media and then get depressed because they compare and despair? Have you ever wondered why 75% of our population feels that it is important to focus on living a sustainable life but they never take the time or put out the effort to make it happen. 

Has there ever been a time in our life that you risk everything in order to accomplish any one thing? When is the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone? When is the last time you set a big goal and achieved it? Yet such things are common place in the lives of successful people. 

So join me for E174 Habits for Success; the Little Things Make the Difference. 

Episode 173

How to Vote with Your Dollars

You have likely heard me say that our choices make changes. This is because our choices drive the market place. Now you may not think that your individual choices can make a difference. But, it is the cumulative results of the individual choices of the 7.8 billion people on this planet that has gotten us to where we are today. 

One of the easiest things you can do as a consumer is make better choices with the dollars that you spend. From the consumer goods you buy, to where you shop, to your choice of diet, to where you do your banking, there are numerous ways to vote with your dollars. 

So join me for E173 How to Vote with Your Dollars

Patrick

Episode 172

Would We Be Naked Without Synthetic Fabrics?

What exactly is a Spinning Jennie? Have you even heard of it? Few people these days own a sewing machine but surely we all have a concept of what it is and what it does. And even though not all of us have taken a chemistry class, we have some concept of a chemical concoction? But do you know what all of these things have in common? 

Certainly there can be no argument that advances in technology have dramatically changed our lives. New technology affects every single aspect of what we do, how we do it, and even right down to the clothes that we wear. But have you ever given any thought to what your clothes are actually made of. Are they natural, artificial, or synthetic? Do you even know the difference? 

So stay tuned for E Would We Be Naked Without Synthetic Fabrics?

Episode 171

Simple Rules Are All We Need

I so often marvel at the complexity of our society. 

It seems as if things were so much simpler when I was a kid. Even when I first moved to Colorado and was working a construction job, life was pretty simple. Now it seems as if there are rules, rules, rules and so many other things that complicate our lives. And everyone seems to complain about it. 

But are all these rules really necessary or is it simply the result of our complicated society? As it turns out, simple rules lead to complex behavior both in animals and in people.  And that is what I want to explore in this episode. The simple rules that lead to complex behavior and how that relates to sustainability. So join me for E171 Simple Rules Are All We Need. 

Episode 170

The Cost of Convenience

Few people would believe that I lived without running water and electricity for over 15 years. But I can tell you from first hand experience when you live that way it changes how you think. 

But the same is true with our modern conveniences. It changes how we think, or should I say don’t think. We no longer have to put any thought or energy into many of our daily activities. However, for that convenience we do pay a price. 

In our pursuit of over consumption we sacrifice our money, our physical health, our mental health, the environment, and simply the ability to problem solve for ourselves. Many would ask me about the true cost of sustainability. But I would ask “What is the true cost of convenience?” So join me for E170 The Cost of Convenience.

But the question is do the people who live in wealthy countries bear some responsibility for those that are less fortunate? After all, part of the sustainability equation includes people. If we are to truly build a sustainable future we have to include everyone, even the most marginalized populations. 

So join me for episode 169 which is called To Whom Much is Given. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 168

Can We Live Without Trees

How many times per day do you walk by a tree and never give it any thought. It is almost as if we take trees for granted. They have always been there and we never think that there may come a time when they are gone.

From my previous episode you may remember how many trees we use versus how many we plant. It is obvious from those numbers we are consuming this natural resource faster than it can be replenished. And that of course is a problem because sooner or later we are going to run out. 

But trees serve numerous purposes other than their obvious practical and commercial value. Beyond that could we actually live without trees? If you want to know the answer then stay tuned for E168 Can We Live Without Trees?

Episode 167

How to Go Paperless

Most people never realize that paper usage is directly related to a nation’s wealth. The US and most European countries rank the highest in the world for paper usage. And this of course has a significant impact on the environment. Although it is impossible to calculate just how many trees are cut down each year for paper, estimates range between 4 billion and 8 billion. 

Some of that paper usage is due to food packaging and other necessities. But there are ways that we can reduce our paper usage and perhaps even go paperless. As is typically the case, it is a matter of changing our habits. And that is the focus of this episode which is tips and tricks to go paperless. 

So join me for E167 Fourteen Tips to Help You Go Paperless

It is so easy to speak of fair pay and equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, marital status, religious beliefs, disability or political opinions. And yet this is a vital part of sustainability that often gets overlooked and consequently social injustice is deeply threaded in our culture. 

I would contend that not only does social injustice undermine our efforts toward a sustainable future but also the two are completely disconnected in our present society. 

Stay tuned for E166, The Disconnect Between Justice and Sustainability. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Despite the many advantages of having a garden only 1/3 of people on a global basis engage in any sort of gardening activity. Whatever the reason may be, that portion of our global population finds it more convenient to simply purchase what they need. 

But as it turns out, there are some rather disturbing things about our fresh produce that most people just don’t know. If they did, they would likely have a garden.   

So stay tuned  to E165 14 Things You Never Knew About Grocery Story Produce.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I have now met three different people who had numerous health problems, were on multiple medications, and were even given a poor long term prognosis for survival. But instead of accepting what their doctors said they took matters into their own hands. Each of them moved into a rural area, gave up all processed foods, ate only organic, and eliminated all toxic materials from their households. Within a year each one of these people said they were taken off all medications and their physical ailments completely disappeared. 

And if you want to learn more, then join me for E164 How to Detox Your Home. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Part of the challenge in our modern society is that most of us are not taught to think and live independently. Everything we need is easily available and we are completely unsure of what to do if something goes wrong. Consequently, we are loosing our self confidence and that makes us insecure. 

A big part of being sustainable is being self reliant. A secondary benefit to self reliance is self confidence. So join me for E 163 How Self Reliance Builds Self Confidence.

Always remember to live sustainable because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick 

With the majority of our population now living in urban areas, most people have the impression that they cannot have a garden because they do not have a lot of space. If you are one of those people then think again. It is possible to produce a significant amount of you own food in as little as 6 x 8 foot space by having what is called a container garden. 

So stay with me for E162 which is called Tips and Tricks for Container Gardening.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

My success is a matter of growing a lot of things at home, having access to organic game meat,  and being very careful not to waste anything at all. You may think this success is because we live on a homestead. But, many of the things we do can be accomplished no matter where you live. There are numerous ways to be creative including growing  vegetables from scraps that you commonly throw out. 

So join me for E161 Don’t Pitch It Out! Plant It!

Always remember to live sustainable because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But in our modern culture the average person is no longer self reliant nor do they see the need to live that way. But I would contend that despite our modern culture there is even more insecurity than ever because our world changes so rapidly, almost week to week. Consequently,  self reliance is needed more than ever. 

But how did we get away from it? And if it is so necessary, how can we get it back? And that is the subject of this episode. How are we losing our self reliance and how can we get it back. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

That said, there is one societal trend that certainly has my attention. More and more people are making sustainable choices especially when it comes to their food. This is great news of course. But is this a short term cultural change or a foundational shift in perspective. And that is what I want to explore in this episode. So join me for E159 The Rising Demand for Sustainable Food. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

We are now more separated from nature than ever before. The vast majority of us never stop to think about, much less appreciate how every single thing we do is connected to the natural world either directly or indirectly. And yet everyday we go about our business destroying the very thing we depend on. But there is something we can do about it. So join me for One Nature, One Future: the Five Biggest Threats to Our Natural World

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

We are now once again on the verge of a significant cultural transition. It is possible for us to have a green circular economy that is sustainable and we have the technology to back it up. But the fossil fuel industry has something to lose and there are a lot of things they simply don’t want you to know. 

So join me for E157 A Cultural Transition and What the Fossil Fuel Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know. 

Part of the discussion about those changes needs to include the concept of net zero. Think of this in terms of putting back as much as you take out, replacing the resources that you use, minimizing the impact of every aspect of your lives. That is what we have to do to reach net zero. So stay tuned for E156 Ten Steps to Net Zero: Can We Do It? 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E156 which is called Ten Steps to Net Zero: Can We Do It? 

Episode 155

The Nine Planetary Boundaries Part Two

Living on the Brink

Welcome back everyone to the Nine Planetary Boundaries Part Two. In last week’s episode we discussed the nine boundaries that we as humans need to operate within in order to live sustainably and thrive. 

It is becoming painfully obvious that due to our rapid population growth and our insatiable appetite for resources, that we are pushing the limits of what our planet can cope with. We have actually crossed the theoretical barrier for 6 of our nine boundaries. 

That being said, what can we do to avoid a disaster. As it turns out, there are actually a lot of things that we can do. But the question is whether humanity as a global community will respond appropriately. So join me for part two of the nine planetary boundaries which is called Living Beyond the Brink. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 154

Nine Planetary Boundaries: A Safe Operating Space for Humans 

Over the period of 5 decades we have added 4 billion people to our planet. By 2020 our population was 8.5 billion. With the combination of more people and longer lifetimes our absolute numbers continue to rise.

All of these people of course require the use of more resources. We continue to turn forests into farmland, wilderness into wheat fields and prairie into parking lots at an unprecedented rate. It is now becoming painfully obvious that there are limits to essential global resources.

We are now over stepping the planetary boundaries that are vital for our survival and we are pushing the physical limits of our planet. So join me for E154 with is Part One of The Nine Planetary Boundaries. A Safe Operating Space for Humans. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 153

The Road to Seven Billion: Should We Limit Human Population? 

I bet you never really thought of an animal as being a consumer? And yet they are. They graze or hunt on a place, eat and consume what they need or what is available and then they move on. But the key word here is available resources because that is an important factor that keeps a given population in balance.  

It is no secret that humanity is consuming resources at a far greater rate than what can be naturally regenerated. It is also no secret that we are truly at a tipping point. Our population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. But to keep things in balance there has to be an end point. So join me for E153 where I am going to discuss a very controversial topic about limiting the human population.

Always remember  to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 152

 Regenerative Agriculture Explained

Did you ever think that maybe we should have left things alone? Surely you have heard the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

These are the sorts of things I think about and the sorts of questions I ask when I look at many things going on in our modern world. Granted our advances in technology have proven to be to our advantage in many ways. But there is a price to pay for that convenience. 

And such is the case with farming. In last weeks episode I discussed the reason we have factory farming. But at the same time we are destroying the natural foundation of the things we need to survive. This week I am going to take a look at something entirely different, an alternative to factory farming. So join me for E152

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

This week I am going to continue that trend from a completely different angle. What I want to do is take a look at factory meat production, how it came into existence, the pros and cons and, like it or not, why we still need it. So, please join me for an informative discussion which is called Meat Money: Why Do We Still Have Factory Farming? 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 150

Have You Ever Heard a Cow Moo?

Self sufficiency and sustainability are hot topics these days. But when I was growing up in Tennessee and Georgia there were two working farms in my family. We never really spoke about self sufficiency or sustainability because it was simply how we lived day to day. In fact, I have no memory of eating store bought meat until I moved away from home at the age of eighteen. 

Yet in our modern culture, a surprising number of people have no idea where their food actually comes from and how it is produced. Yet this basic knowledge is vital if you want to live a healthy sustainable lifestyle. So in this episode, I am going to explore the reasons why it is important to know the origin of your food. So stayed tuned for E150 which is called Have You Ever Heard a Cow Moo? 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

There are a number of things that have been proven to  increase our happiness and well being and one of those things is gratitude. Taking a little time everyday to make a short list of the things that you are grateful for tends to focus your mind on the positive and away from all the negative things going on in our world. And to be true to that, this episode is called A Time of Gratitude. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E149 which is called A Time of Gratitude. 

Patrick

But if you really start looking, there is plenty of good news all around us. Even today there are exciting new discoveries, encouraging news about the environment and people just doing some good things for others. So this week I want to bring you another strong dose of good cheer. So, stayed tuned for Ten More Stories of Good News About Our World. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E148 which is called Ten More Good Stories About Our World 

That being said, I do not completely ignore the world around me. But when I do pay attention to it seems as if it is always bad news. So, for the next couple of episodes I am going to focus on giving you some good news about what is happing in the world. So stay tuned for E147 which is call Ten Stories of Good News About Our World.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Unfortunately, all of this bad news has an affect on our mental health. Rates of anxiety and depression are increasing and so are the feelings of hopelessness. 

And because of that I am going to devote some time to giving you ways to stay positive. 

So, stayed tuned for E146, which is called Ten Tips to Help You Focus on the Good and Positive Things in Life. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Unknown to most people, these plants serve a vital function for the early Spring pollinators, especially bees. And in our over exuberance to maintain a pretty lawn, we are actually damaging our environment in more than one way. 

In this episode, I am going to discuss how pollinators are a valuable part of our ecosystem, what would happen if they disappear, and what all of us can do to help. So, stayed tuned for E145, The Pillage of the Pollinators.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 144

How to Turn Your Home into a Wildlife Habitat

Even after living on the homestead property for 27 years, 95% of that property remains in its natural state. That was intentional because one of the best things about being there is the wildlife that we see. We not only want the wildlife to come around we encourage them to do so by leaving their habitat unaltered. But not everyone feels that way about their own place.  

In addition to climate change there is one other thing that will dramatically affect our future on this planet. And that is the loss of species diversity.

But, there is something that we can all do to help curb that problem. That is the focus of this episode, how to turn your home into a wildlife habitat. 

Always remember  to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Episode 143

The Need for Wildlife Coexistence 

One of the best things about where we live is the amount of wildlife we encounter. In fact, if we stayed at home most of the time we would see far more wildlife than people. The majority of the time those encounters are benign.

But one thought is always in the forefront of our minds. We live in the middle of the forest which means we actually live in the middle of what many creatures call home. Consequently, we have to be respectful of the neighbors so to speak.  

As our population continues to grow, encounters with wildlife are going to increase. Every time one of those encounters goes bad, it is always the animals that lose. In this episode, I want to focus on responsible wildlife interaction and the need for wildlife coexistence.  

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Global warming is producing some widespread affects many of which we are just starting to understand. The affects in the Arctic have been particularly concerning. Despite that, many people still treat this fact as an opportunity to exploit new resources. 

But why the sudden interest in what was formerly considered a no mans land? How will these changes affect our planet? And how could it affect all of us? 

Stay tuned for E142, The Race for Arctic resources. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

So why is it we are so glued to the news media when 90% of all news reports are negative? Why are we so enamored with social media when so much of it is negative?

Well, today I am here to bring you good news and it is in the form of the Green Country of the Month. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

As I sit here I think about how Colorado has changed since moving here many years ago. But despite those changes I can still come home to peace and quiet. But if I venture past the locked gate that guards our privacy I am quickly reminded of how the world has moved away from sustainability to sustainable stress. Stayed tuned for E140. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I distinctly remember when I first moved onto the property how all my friends and family thought I was crazy. Twenty seven years later I am often curious why so many people are a stranger to what I do. And at the same time I feel as if I am a stranger to what they do.  But at least I am a happy stranger. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

The vast majority of our household waste is related to what we do in the kitchen. But changing that is yet another way that can easily be apart of our green transition. Eating green, energy efficient food preparation, kitchen equipment made from sustainable materials, proper cleaning habits, and eliminating toxic chemicals all play a part in becoming the green gourmet. 

So stay tuned for episode 138 which focuses on simple, straight forward ways to have a sustainable kitchen. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

And yet the one thing about our so called modern lifestyle that never ceases to amaze me is how many toxic substances we are exposed to everyday without our knowledge and without any warning.

Many of the chemicals we are routinely exposed to have never been tested for safe use in humans. And believe it or not, there are actually many toxic substances even in the clothes you wear. And that is the focus of E137 which is called Toxic Textiles: Beware of Your Wardrobe. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

 In my search for articles related to all things sustainable I repeatedly come across is this term bugging out. This term is usually related to some survival or disaster scenario but if you really think about it, it is also closely related to being self sufficient. 

There is a lot of hype around this topic that is simply not true. So in this episode I am going to give you the simple truth about bugging out.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In the face of such widespread hunger and food insecurity there is also a tremendous amount of food that is wasted. In fact, if we were able to recover all the food that is wasted, we could solve hunger on a global scale. But once again, it is out of sight, out of mind. 

In an effort to address this issue, I wanted to focus an episode on how to avoid food waste.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But once I had electricity, I suddenly found myself becoming very conscious of ways to conserve what I was using. After all, the greenest energy is the energy you never use.

So stayed tuned to E134 which is called 35 Tips and Tricks to Save Electricity. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

This year I decided to take a much close look at just how much money I was spending on food. I reviewed my grocery budget over a period of 6 months.  I was completely surprised at what I found and those findings were the motivation for this episode. So the focus of episode 133 is 21 ways to save money at the supermarket.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

Most scientific experts would agree that the biggest threat to our social structure and way of life is climate change. And we hear about this also everyday. But despite all the policy changes and improved technology, the underlying cause as well as the route to successful change rests in the domain of human perceptions, decisions and behavior. Changing these perceptions and behavior to something that favors sustainability is psychology comes into play. So stay tuned for episode 132. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I think a good definition for freedom is the ability to live your life the way you want. In other words, the ability to design a lifestyle that nurtures who you are and what you value. But how is that even possible when life is so complicated? In this thought provoking episode, I am going to give you the simple, but not necessarily easy,  path to personal freedom. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Even in the complex world of today, it is possible to live a simple life. So why is it that humanity defaults to making things complicated. A simpler life is often easier, less expensive, and less stressful. Yet time and time again we reach for complexity. The focus of this episode is not only to examine why we make things so complicated but also to give you ways to keep things simple. And I want to do this because simplicity is actually at the heart of sustainability. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In this episode, I am going to give more practical advice on just how you can cut your cost of living, improve your standard of living, be debt free, and have more personal freedom than you ever thought possible. So stay tuned for E129 where I talk about ten tips for building a cabin on a budget. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Often times I wonder why more people do not choose to live the way I do. Perhaps it is fear of the unknown because it is such a different lifestyle. But if you are at all curious, in this episode I am going to give you 10 ways to test drive the off grid life before you commit. So stay tuned for episode 128. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is you host Patrick and this is E128 which is called Ten Ways to Test Drive the Off Grid Life Before You Commit. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

As you well know, I am a big fan of being as independent and sustainable as possible. A big part of that is managing my own food supply. But most people would consider that to be well beyond their personal abilities. However, it is actually much easier than you think and I am going to give you one easy way to do just that. So stay tuned for how to get started with chickens. 

Every time I witness such events the first thing I think is that such hardship is mostly preventable if you take some simple steps to be prepared. That is why I have had a series of episodes on just that topic. I want to show you just how easy it is to avoid such hardship. 

So stick around for E126 which is called How to Maintain a Safe Water Supply. 

Imagine a scenario where a major storm comes through your area and the utility grid is non-functional for days to weeks. Numerous trees are down and blocking the road. It is impossible to make it to a supermarket. In fact, you cannot even make it out of your driveway.  

How do you think you would manage to cook your meals when your house is completely run off of electricity? 

In this next episode about being prepared, I am going to share with you 14 ways to cook without using your kitchen stove. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But it is my personal opinion that the structure and convenience of our society actually robs us of our personal security. We are so accustomed to having anything we want anytime we want that it tends to produce a false sense of security. We no longer think in terms of keeping extra supplies within easy reach because everything is always just at our finger tips. 

So join me for E124 How to Start Your Food Storage Plan

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

The same is true when it comes to being sustainable. We first have to accept that every single thing we do has some sort of an impact. Once we realize that, then we have to accept that responsibility. After all the choices we make, what we eat, the house we live in, the vehicle that we drive, and how much we travel all makes a difference.

But why is it that more people do not have this mind-set? And that is the topic of E123 Mastering the Sustainability Mindset. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Obviously there are numerous barriers to making this transition. And certainly there will be a lot of resistance due to big business protecting their self interest. However it is completely possible through individual and community action that we can move forward toward a more sustainable future.

And that is the focus of E122, Working Together, the Fastest Way to Our Green Transition. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I think we can all agree that climate change is by far the most profound challenge of our time. It affects us as individuals, it affects businesses, and it affects governments around the globe. No one has been spared of the effects of climate change.

But there is away to halt this process and prevent a true global disaster. It all depends on one concept: decarbonization. But what exactly does that mean and how will it affect our daily lives. And that is the focus of E121, how decarbonizing will affect everyone of us.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

The amount of solar energy that hits the planet Earth in one day is enough the replace all the coal, natural gas, and oil that the entire planet uses in one year. Obviously we have the ability to power the entire world off of renewables but why is that not being done?  And that is the focus of this episode. Why do we not use more renewable energy?

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

We also know that we can no longer have an economic system focused on capital accumulation because this is not sustainable and it allows corporate profits to prevail over the well being of people and the environment. 

While there are obvious benefits to a transition to a green economy, there are also challenges. And that is the focus of episode 119, the challenges of  transitioning to a green economy. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

While this is encouraging, I also think we need to once again pay close attention and not accept things at face value. So many times we get distracted and even deceived by some that appears to be practical and valuable when the underlying truth is that real change is still not happening.

Is this also true when it comes to carbon offsets? Are carbon offsets practical and effective or is it just another scam? So, hang around for episode 117.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Over the last two years our society and indeed the entire world has seen unprecedented changes. Many things have undoubtedly been forced on us without our choice.

And just when it seems things are turning around for the better and there is a small glimmer of hope that people are paying attention to sustainable development, someone is still trying to make a profit.

In my last episode Consumer Beware, I discussed numerous things that we are never told about the products that we commonly purchase and use almost everyday. Following that episode, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss how some companies are positioning themselves to make a profit even as we try to save the planet. It is interesting to note that even big business is starting to pay attention to climate change but not in the way we really want.

So, join me in this episode to learn all the sickening details. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But what if it turns out that some of these theories are true? What if there really was a conspiracy or a major coverup to avoid taking responsibility for their bad deeds. 

While I have never been a person to believe all the conspiracy theories sometimes it is quite obvious we have been mislead about the potential benefits or harmful attributes of a particular product simply for the financial benefit of someone else.  

If you want to learn more and find out how being informed helps you to be more sustainable then listen to E115 which is called Consumer Beware. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

On one such day I was watching an approaching storm and contemplating the fate of humanity. The thought that occurred to me is the changes that truly need to take place to build a sustainable future will likely never happen unless there is a dramatic upheaval.  

Then I realized that all it would really take is for all of us to be a better star thrower.  

If you want to hear about how your individual action makes a big impact, then listen to E114.  

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But the first step is to ask yourself whether or not there is something we can do differently. What can we do as individuals that will have some sort of impact on where our world is going. 

But most of us are hesitant to change because we feel as if our individual action will have little impact. If you really want to know more, then listen to this episode which is call Clean, Green and Simple; Give Veggies a Chance. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I have long believed that a sustainable life leads to more personal security and thus more happiness. But a sustainable life is truly a lifestyle choice. Believe it or not, so is happiness. 

Because our world has changed so rapidly over the past couple of years, I am certain that all of us have experienced  some sort of fear or dread over our future.  That is why I want to start off this year with what I am going to call the Sustainability Happiness Challenge. If you want to learn more about how to be happier and more sustainable stayed tuned for episode 112.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Partially due to this population growth we have been borrowing from the bank of Earth’s resources for over 60 years, which means we are using resources much faster than what the Earth can naturally replenish them. Looking forward at various predictions of what life on Earth is going to be like by the end of this century, the question becomes how are we going to survive.  

If you want to know more listen to this episode called The Way Forward: Redefining Progress and Prosperity. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

It is sad to think that cooking from scratch, or what I call slow food, is becoming a lost art in the average home. Eating fast food is now the norm. If it is not fast food, now we can get the healthy “meal kit” delivered to our own home.

If you want to learn a bit more about the many benefits of cooking at home stay tuned for E110 which is called the Benefits of Slow food.  

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

My homestead has been run entirely off of solar power for the last 6 years and my investment has more than paid for itself. Now I get my electricity for free. But besides that, there are many other valid reasons to use solar power.  

If you want to know the rest of the story, then stay tuned for E109 which is called 15 Reasons to Go Solar 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I must admit that for many years I had my set of excuses for not composting until some friends of ours introduced us to composting with worms. And that is the focus of this episode, an easy way to compost even if you live in an apartment. So stay tuned to E108 which is called composting with worms. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

All along my journey of homestead living I’ve had some marvelous successes. I also have my list of failures and misadventures. I think one of the things that frightens most people are the encounters with wildlife.  And that is the focus of E 107 which is called Adventures with Bears. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Fortunately there are a lot of very smart people that have long since realized this and have found a way to restore the environment to more of a natural state. This is not something that will happen overnight but is a fantastic step forward.

If you want to know more listen to this episode which is called Real World Ecological Recovery.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But I would contend that such progress comes at a rather steep price that we tend to ignore. Besides the environmental consequences what about our moral responsibility?  

Beyond simple eco-friendly living, are we actually morally responsible for making environmentally friendly choices. If you want to know the answer to this questions then listen to this episode on Moral Ecology. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

For hundreds of years this very same weapon has been used to control people and get the upper hand on the battle field. This same weapon is now poised to be the controlling factor for millions of people around the world. 

And this weapon is water. If you want to hear the rest of the story, then stick around for E 104 which is called Mother Nature is Weaponizing Water. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But if our existence on this planet is not beneficial then what exactly is our ultimate fate? Is the extinction of humanity inevitable? If it is what would happen if humanity no longer existed? And if that is our ultimate fate, how can we change that? 

This is a very interesting question. If you want to know the answer then stay tuned for Nature Finds a Way: Life Without Humans. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

Another thing that most people do not know is that due to several factors, there is actually a global shortage of sand. 

A third seemingly unrelated fact is that nearly 65% of the people in the United States are paying on a loan for their home while a significant number of people around the world live in a nice home yet never pay a mortgage. 

If you want to know how these three things are related, then stick around for E102 which is called Building with Nature.  

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

And few people slow down long enough to realize just how much this distracted state of mind affects their quality of life. 

But if we would only take the time to practice mindfulness, it would not only improve our quality of life but also improve our focus on sustainability. If you want to know more, then stay tuned for E101 which is called Mindfulness and Sustainability. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In this episode I want to simply review some of the more popular episodes and hopefully continue to instill in everyone not only the desire to start living more sustainably but also prove that there is an enormous need to do so. I also want to show once again that living sustainably is actually more economical than you think and if you really apply yourself, it is very easy to function well outside of mainstream society and have a very good quality of life. 
 

So, if you want to quick overview of what I have covered in the last 99 episodes, and if you want to know a little bit about what is coming up in the future with this podcast stick around for the Sustainability Summit. 


Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

One day at lunch I walked up the hill as usual only to find that someone had cut a huge swath right through the old growth trees and had started excavation to build a home. I counted the rings on very single stump and found that every tree was over 300 years old.  

What I saw was a good example of what humanity consistently does. We harvest resources year after year with no way to replace what we have taken. This is the focus of Earth Over Shoot Day. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But in order for any of this to be feasible, for any of us to have a stainable future we have to work together. 

Yet we have forgotten how to do this. We have actually lost a lot of our social skills, and even forgotten how to be effective leaders.  But all we really have to do is to look at the animal kingdom in order to learn some important lessons on sustainability and sustainable leadership. 

And that is the focus of this episode, sustainable leadership lessons we can learn from animals. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In this episode I want to get down to some specific actionable tips that you can start doing today. After all this is a lifestyle choice. It will take some time and a lot of hard work. When most people starting thinking about this, they don’t even know where to start. But after this episode you will be well on your way. So stayed tuned to How to Start a Homestead Part Two. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

While this globalization provides many obvious benefits, it actually creates a lot of insecurity. My answer to all of this is that it is time to commit yourself to a lifestyle of your own making. And one of the best ways to do this is to start a homestead. 

The focus of the next few episodes is to give you practical tips on how to become even more independent from this massive infrastructure that we call a global economy. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

In 2018, 89% of greenhouse gas emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels and from industry. Although the use of coal seems to be fading, the use of other fossil fuels are replacing it. So, why are we not pushing the transition to renewables? Is there a problem? Can the entire world actually thrive on renewable energy? 

Always remember to live sustainable because this is now we build a better future.

Patrick

However, as with any other thing we do, spending time outdoors also produces an impact on environmental. From how you travel, to the gear you purchase, how you build a campfire, and disposing of trash it all leaves an environmental footprint.

If you want to spend time outside and still be environmentally friendly, then this is an episode for you.

But there is also rampant disinformation out there concerning climate change. All it takes is a few minutes of research and you can easily find articles that both confirm and deny that this is even happening. Consequently, while there remains to be a level of concern, most people are not sure what to believe. 

In this episode I am going to separate fact from fiction and explain the science of climate change and decide if we are there yet. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

If that is how you feel, you can rest assured that you are not alone. If your concern for the state of the planet has you deeply worried then you may be suffering from eco-anxiety. That is the topic of this episode. Eco-Anxiety and how to cope with it. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Now in this episode I am going to cover several other topics that will help you to be a more sustainable pet owner. And lastly I am going to talk about a couple of very important sustainable practices with pet ownership that most people never even think about. And finally I am going to round out this episode with a discussion on how we can change. 

So stick around for more tips on sustainable pet ownership. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Of all the things we do as humans that affects the planet, we often forget about the dog and the cat. After all, they have to eat, drink water, and when we walk them they leave poop in the environment just like every other animal. Obviously they have an impact on the environment. But, what can we do to be sustainable pet owners? That is the subject I want to cover in the next two episodes.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

That being said, there are many myths and misconceptions about living a sustainable life that keeps people from taking steps in the right direction. And that is the focus of this episode. I want to debunk a few of these myths and misconceptions about living a sustainable life. Then I want to talk about how to make conscious living a little less intimidating. 

Aways remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But our backyard now consists of the entire planet thanks to the affects of globalization. And while this has obvious advantages it has also robbed us of one of the best things in life, which is simplicity. This is the topic I want to discuss in this week’s episode. Due to globalization, is simplicity a thing of the past? 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

You have often heard me say that you’d better choose to live sustainably while it is still choice. Yet in order for us to get on track toward a sustainable future, we need systematic change, bold ideas, and radical rethinking of how we work and how we consume. But how are we going to get there when Americans clearly don’t like to be told what to do?   

If you want to find out then listen to this episode on sustainability trends for 2022.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

It really doesn’t make any of us feel secure when someone else decides when we get electricity and when we don’t. Yet that is what happens when there are rolling blackouts. I don’t think any of us would have ever predicted there would be a shortage of electricity in the United States. Yet that is exactly what is happening.  

If you want to hear more then listen to this episode on What Happened to Our Energy Security?

Always remember to Iive sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In this episode I want to closely examine several aspects of sustainable living and compare costs. At least if I do that then you will know which lifestyle is more expensive.  So stayed tuned for E84 which focuses on the true cost of sustainable living. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E84 which is called The True Cost of Sustainable Living

But it doesn’t start out that way. I got to wondering what I would find if I went upstream? Where does this river come from? 

Well, one day as I was sitting by the creek below my cabin, I got to wondering the same thing. What would I find if I went upstream?  Well, finding the answer to that question created quite an adventure that resulted in a close encounter with a really big bear.

Stay tuned if you want to hear that story and find out why thinking upstream is vital to our sustainability. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Furthermore I sit back and observe this massive machine of civilization that we have created and wonder how it is that we got so far off track. After all focusing on a sustainability does not seem difficult to me.  

But this possibility of a sustainable future is too often clouded by the mighty powers that still insist on building walls and weapons. But I am of the opinion it is time to change our conventional wisdom on such matters.

If you want to enjoy one of the few times that I will make a political statement, then listen to this episode on Walls, Weapons and Wisdom.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

This is exactly how we are addressing climate change and living sustainably. We are simply apathetic for a number of reasons. Despite steady warnings from scientists regarding climate change, we are doing a sum total of nothing. Some believe this is because of optimism bias. 

If you want to hear more about our apathy, optimism bias and learn about fossil of the day, and how to defeat this attitude then stay tuned for E81.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Furthermore we actually produce 13 tons of hazardous waste every second? That amounts to over 400 million tons every year.  Presently there are over 700 man made chemicals that have been found in the human body that are not supposed to be there.  

In this episode I want to talk about common household hazardous wastes, how to handle them and even how to avoid them.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In this episode I am going to talk about how to recycle 6 common household items that most of us never even think about. It may require a little bit more work but it is something that is doable.  

If you want to be in the know, then listen to this episode on Recycling Part Three: Common Household Items and How to Recycle Them. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But is this all just a public performance. Are we just showing off instead of showing up. In this episode I want to discuss performative environmentalism. By doing so, I am going to make you feel bad about some of your green choices. Then I am going to tell you how you can truly make a difference. So stick around for Recycling Part Two: We Need to Ditch Performative Environmentalism.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Since I travel some for work I have the opportunity to live and work in different communities. I consistently work in places where it is almost impossible to find options for recycling. So why is it that recycling is so difficult. Why is it that the United States lags so far behind in the recycling scheme when there are numerous examples around the world of communities that offer us a view into best practices. 

If you want to know the answers to these questions, then listen to this episode on Recycling is Broken. How Do We Fix It? 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But I have often said that when you find yourself in agreement with 90% of the people around you, pack your bags and run the other way as fast as you can. But, so says the guy that has lived off the grid for 25 years. Obviously I am not afraid to step outside the norm and live outside of mainstream  

So if you want to hear the whole story then listen to this episode which is call. How to Thrive Outside of Mainstream. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

The challenge for humanity is that we retain many instincts from our early years on this planet when we were still living in caves.  These early instincts served us well and in many ways guaranteed our very survival. But our present challenge is that these very instincts could now be our downfall.  

If you want to know the whole story, then listen to this episode which is call Can We Change Human Instincts? 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But due to our lifespan we only relate to a human time scale, which is centuries, decades or less. In fact civilization as we know it is thought to have been around for only 6,000 years. Yet the changes that we have made to the planet during that time is the very reason we need projects such as the Great Green Wall. So, it you want to hear about this epoch project, then stayed tuned and listen to this episode which is called Growing the Next World Wonder. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

There are unique challenges to living in a small space. I know this from personal experience. But, there are also numerous ways to make the most of the space that you have and that is the focus of this episode. So, stay tuned for Tips and Tricks for Living in Small Spaces.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In this episode, I am going to discuss all the things about living small that no one tells you. This episode is going to be packed with useful information that will help keep you out of trouble. If living small is something you are interested in doing, then stick around and listen to All The Things No One Tells You About Living Small. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

I have spoken of this before in previous episodes on reducing your carbon footprint and life without plastic. I now want to continue that trend by giving you further options on how to live more sustainably in ways that more or less go against our cultural trend.

In the next few episodes I want to examine the art of living small. So stick around if you want to listen to Part One which is called The Pros and Cons of Living Small.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

In episode one of Life Without Plastic, I covered some valuable tips on what I call the no brainers. This gives you an easy place to start going plastic free. In this episode I want to cover some some additional things you can do. But, these are going to take a little more effort and take some planning. If you want to know more then stay tuned for Life Without Plastic Part Two. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

By far one of the largest challenges we have these days is that of plastic pollution. Plastic is literally everywhere. It fills our oceans, landfills, food, water, and micro plastics have even been found on top of Mount Everest. This is why I want to devote a couple of episodes to not only going plastic free but to give you some options to get you started.  

So stayed tuned for part one of  Life Without Plastic.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Our agriculture systems have truly put us in a predicament. It has long been known that this is the source of our greatest ecological impact. Yet we must continue to produce food to feed a growing world population. But, believe it or not, it is actually our agricultural systems that are at the heart of the solution of the issue of sustainability both economically and socially. 

If you want to learn the solution to this dilemma, then listen to this episode It All Starts at Home/ How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Part III.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

That said, there are three different areas of our Iives where we produce our greatest ecological impact: how we travel, how we live, and what we eat. E66 I covered the topic of how we travel. In this episode, I am going to discuss how we live.  

If you want the whole story then stick around for It All Starts at Home/Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Part II.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Maybe I’ve spent way too much time over the last 3 years examining and dissecting my own life because I’ve gotten to the point to where I think the answer to that question is obvious. But perhaps that is not the case after all. 

As individuals, there are three big areas where we produce our greatest environmental impact. In this three part series called It All Starts at Home I am going to cover each of those areas. So stay tuned if you want to listen to Part I of It All Starts at Home. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

That places us in a conundrum. If we expand our current agricultural activities we continue to destroy the environment that is vital to our survival. Yet if we do not find a way to increase food production, people will essentially starve. 

If you want to listen to the full story, then enjoy this episode on What’s Cookin’ With Synthetic Meat.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But you know, this is really not all that unusual. I can easily point out several different things, small things, that have been a defining point and have changed the course of history. In fact, I believe that we are once again at one of those points in history.

But, if you want to know more, then listen to this episode which is called One Simple Thing Can Change the World

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Although in this episode I want to focus on the basic principles of how to travel with less of an impact, you would be surprised just how many of these tips can actually apply to your daily life. 

If you want to learn more, and hear by tasty advice at the end,  then listen to this episode which is called Twelve Tips for Sustainable Travel. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Now there are a number of reasons for this transition. In fact there are many benefits to move into an urban area.  However, while most people may gain something by such a move, we also loose something in that transition. Most people are already disconnected with the very things that sustain us. And urbanization is widening that gap. 

If you want to learn more then listen to this episode called The Value of Reconnecting with Nature. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick 

Economic opportunity, political freedom, and religious freedom were the initial draw to come to the United States. But in the 20th century immigration was stimulated by globalization. 

Now in the 21st century, there is a completely different reason that people still want to come to the US. So if you want to find out the reason for this, then listen to this episode called Climate Migration Has Begun.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Almost on a daily basis we hear about the affects of climate change: heat waves, droughts and flooding, increased intensity and frequency of storms. These are just some of the more obvious affects of climate change. But there are also a whole host of other less obvious affects of climate change. And that is what I want to discuss in this episode called 12 Unexpected Consequences of Climate Change.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

All of these things are true simply because animals, and even plants, are much more attuned to the environment than the average human. As humans, we have long since mastered the art of manipulating our environment.  But living life according to the weather is far more sustainable. To get the full scoop, then listen to this episode called Life According to the Weather. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Then I moved to Colorado when I was 18 and started working a construction job. And to say I was very poor for many months is an under statement. I was so proud of myself when I finally could spare enough money to actually buy a steak. 

If you want to hear the end of this story, then listen to this episode called Stop Eating C.R.A.P. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

The three pillars of sustainability are economy, society and environment, which can also be translates as  profit, people, and planet. Now I am quite certain that the environment would be just fine without any people.  But, without people there is also no society and no economy. Consequently,  we must address all three pillars to be successful. But what I want to focus on in this episode is the people. 

That said, I do see changes in our society that I find discouraging and sometimes I start to loose my faith in humanity because of it. And that is what I want to discuss in this episode which is called Faith in Humanity.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But as I have gotten older, my views on many things have changed, including what I do around the holidays, how I spend my time, and of course whether or not I lay awake at night waiting for Santa Claus. 

As the Christmas season gets ever closer I really wanted to discuss my personal transition into what I call a sustainable Christmas and mindful gifting. Hopefully, this will encourage you to do the same. So if you want to full story, then listen to this simple yet thought provoking episode on How to Have a Sustainable Christmas. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

Every day over 3,000 tons of paper towel waste is produced in the US alone. But you see to make one ton of paper towels requires 17 trees and 20,000 gallons of fresh water. So, every day we are throwing away 51,000 trees and essentially wasting 60 million gallons of fresh water.  So that amounts to well over 18 millions trees per year and 21.9 billion gallons of water. And remember that is only in the United States. 

But if you look at the condition of things on a global scale, you must know that approximately 80% of the worlds virgin forest have now been destroyed or irreparably degraded. All for the purpose of providing timber, wood and paper products, and  clearing for agriculture. 

If you can change one single habit for the sake of sustainability, giving up disposable paper products, and in particular, paper towels is a fantastic step in the right direction.  

Listen to this full episode and learn about some very environmentally friendly alternative to wasting trees.  

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

Similarly, focusing on your carbon footprint is not what is going to save the planet. Although I discussed the concept of a carbon footprint in E47, there is much more at stake than that.  In fact, the whole topic of carbon footprint is a propaganda sham promoted and popularized by a large oil conglomerate.

If you want the entire story then listen to this episode Your Carbon Footprint is Just a Sham. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

And while I suspect that most people use e-commerce platforms for similar reasons, I really got to wondering if e-commerce is truly our friend or if online shopping is just as harmful to the environment as anything else we do. I was pondering this question after I had unpacked another online order and was sitting in front of my cabin looking at a stack of cardboard boxes. 

In this episode I am going to examine the question Is E-Commerce Killing the Planet? 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

Decreasing meat production and intake would reduce or eliminate the expansion of livestock operations in order to feed a growing population but we would need an alternative protein source.  

There is an overlooked and underrated sustainable alternative to  meat. If you want to know the whole story then listen to this episode on Edible Insects.

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

That being said, in true form to how I like to be, I am not going to teach something that I do not practice myself. That is why I examine my own life on a regular basis and make sure I am practicing what I teach. Consequently, I put myself to the test. I went on a road trip and decided to see if I could do this without producing any waste. 

To learn what I did, then listen to this episode about My Zero Waste Road Trip. 

As you could have easily guessed some countries are far worse than others. Now I am not very politically oriented and rarely do I feel compelled to make any sort of strong political statement. However, something was brought to my attention recently that completely changed my perspective on something. This has to do with everyday life, sustainability, as well as basic human rights.

China has become one of the largest economies in the world as well as one of the largest international traders for consumer goods.  In fact 21% of the consumer goods in the U.S. are "Made in China."  But we seem to ignore the fact that China has a dismal record for sustainability, fair trade, and basic humans rights. So why do we continue to financially support a country that goes against the very things we fight to defend.  

So listen to this episode and learn all about why we should ditch China. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

For example, the other day as I was holding a can of soup I had purchased from the supermarket, I was thinking about all the energy and resources that went into that simple can of soup. Then I asked myself a simple question. 

Is there anything I can do that doesn’t affect the environment in some way? To find out that answer listen to this episode called Your Carbon Footprint Explained.

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

Then we depend on those chemicals in order to make our lives function properly. We are even told it is the right thing to do. Then we use 71 million pounds per year of these chemicals and willingly destroy one of the most valuable untapped resources that we have.

Listen to this episode to find out how to cure the chemical dependency that is so common place that it is often overlooked and completely ignored.

Yet there are so many people in the world that will never have that opportunity nor are they willing to take the risk. Most people would rather view a wild animal in a cage instead of seeing that same animal in the natural world. It is much safer that way. 

That is in fact what most people do when they visit the zoo. You get to see fierce animals up close and not be in danger. Perhaps a day at the zoo also makes people feel better about the preservation of endangered species. 

But is that really what is going on? Is our collection of wild animals about conservation or entertainment. Listen to this episode and find out.

When they returned Gandhi spoke with the boy, who agreed to begin working to eliminate sweets. After thanking Gandhi for his advice, the mother asked him why he did not offer his advice the first time. 

Gandhi replied, “Upon your visit two weeks ago I too was eating sugar.” He then explained he could not speak of or teach her son to not eat sugar if he himself had not taken that journey. 

So what this means is that whatever changes you would like to see in our society has to begin with you. 

The same is true with sustainability. 

Listen to the entire episode to learn how you can convince people to adopt more sustainable habits.  

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

It was his first lesson that when you travel outside your home country, you just cannot expect everything to be the same. But, what if you were sitting in a restaurant in the United States and you asked for a glass of water and the response was “Well, we just don’t have that here.” More than likely, that is exactly what could happen in the near future. Stay tuned to find out why. 

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Yet there is a lot of value in having a simple life. In fact, simplicity tends to push us toward sustainability. And that is the point of this episode. First I want to prove to you how I was guilty of the same thing for many years. Then I want to tell you how I changed that. Then I will give you 10 valuable tips on how you can accomplish the same thing.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

But in the end I truly believe that it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to figure out ways to live differently and in a more responsible manner. After all we live in the age of information.  

And in this age of information, ignorance is a choice. But in many respects the opposite of ignorance is awareness. And a big part of sustainability is a certain level of awareness and learning to make better choices. The simple fact is that as adults we are responsible for everything we choose to do and everything we choose not to do.  And I can tell you this simple concept is in your face almost everyday when you live off the grid and manage many of your own resources.  

Instead of sitting there in your ignorance as you throw away yet another plastic water bottle, why don’t you learn how to do something different.

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

What I want to do in this episode is first define ecotourism, give you some examples of ecotourism activities, and also give you some resources and some companies and organizations that focus on this type of tourism. I want to put these ideas and principles in your mind so that when you travel, you can do so in a responsible manner and in a sustainable and clean manner. In other words, if you want to get away, then make it a clean get away. Make it a green get away. And make a positive impact on the people and the place to which you travel.  

If you happened to listen to episode #19 The True Impact of Fair Trade, then you know that two thirds of the world makes less than the equivalent of $10 USD/day and 10% of those make less that $1.90/day. So think about that in comparison to your present lifestyle when you travel to another country. 

Be nice. Be respectful. Make a positive impact. Always follow the principles of ecotourism and sustainability.  What that means is if you want to get away then you can make it a clean get away. A green get away. 

And remember to always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

What I am talking about here is vampire power. The one thing that we rarely think about yet it is slowly sucking the life out of us and the planet that we live on.  

The average number of internet connected devices is now up to 10 per household. But that does not take into account all of the other electric of electronic devices. Some sources I reviewed stated on average there were as many as 65 devices or other equipment in American homes that are plugged in or permanently connected to electricity. This includes TVs, DVD players, coffee makes, blenders, washer, dryer, refrigerators, smart phones, computers, security cameras, lights, fans, sprinkler systems, routers, and more. 

This idle power makes up almost 23% of the electricity usage in every home. That is a huge waste and has an enormous environmental impact. So, listen to the full episode and find out how you can do your part to change all this.  

Remember to always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

Well, the easiest and simplest place to start is right in your own kitchen. Making you home kitchen more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just start with one simple change, which will lead to another and another. That is the point of this episode, practical ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly by cooking sustainably. As you will see later on in some of my examples and suggestions, is that from a sustainability prospective, one simple change can make a huge difference. 

Now you likely think that I must sit around on the deck of my cabin, staring at the view, and just thinking up this crap. But I have to say, that I did not get where I am today in a few simple steps. I live off the grid 100% of the time and produce much of my own food. But getting there was definitely a process. Just remember that what I am going to suggest here are very simply things. But, you would be surprised at the number of people that never really think of doing these things.  

Listen to the entire episode and learn my 12 tips on how to cook sustainably. At the end, I will give you your weekly challenge.  

Alway live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.  

Patrick

Okay for a minute here I want you to put aside your opinion about the whole topic of global warming and climate change. There are still many, many people that think this is all a trumped up myth by environmental activists and we have nothing to worry about. Yet all you have to do is listen to episode #25 The Keystone Life of Coral, and you will have a clear example of the reality of the environmental change we now face. 

There was a scientist named Svante Arrhenius, that published a seminal paper in 1896 where he clearly expounded on the science of global warming. Now this is a man whose lifetime work spanned nearly 50 years and delved into numerous scientific disciplines. In 1903 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for some of his work. Toward the middle of his career he became interested in the role of carbon dioxide in climate control. That was about the time he published his paper.  

But, it wasn’t until 2004 that Vice-President Al Gore thrust the topic of global warming into the public arena. Prior to that this topic had been mostly ignored for almost 80 years. So I think this is typical for most of the human race. We get our first warning in 1896. So here we are 125 years later and people are still balking at the concept of global warming and excess carbon emissions.

This model of the 2000 Watt society is simply a model. It does have some limitations.  However, it does put a clear figure on what a sustainable lifestyle means for everyone. After all, every human being has the same right to use the resources that the Earth provides. So applying the 2000 watt society model means a more equal world as well as a sustainable one. 

There is no doubt that we will continue to see climate change in the coming decades. We can slow that down and even reverse this process but we must take action. As I have said before, I cannot fight the oil industry. I cannot fight the federal government. I cannot change the world. But what I can do is address the very way that I live everyday.  And you can as well.  

Listen to this episode and learn all about a proven process of courageous climate change. 

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

But what I want to do is go give my listeners a bit of an in-depth perspective of where I came from and why I choose to live the way I do.

If you gain anything from this episode, please remember this. Nothing changes if nothing changes. 

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.

Patrick

So, look at it this way. Every ecosystem has certain species that are critical to the survival of the other species in the system. The keystone species could be a predator or an unassuming plant, but without them the ecosystem may not survive.Scientist commonly site three example of keystone species: predators (such as wolves) , ecosystem engineers (such as beavers) , and mutualists (such as bees pollinating flowers. 

But coral also has a mutualist relationship, also known as a symbiotic relationship, with algae. Each are important to the survival of the other. And this relationship has been going on for 25 million years. 

Learn in this episode just how how human activity of disrupting this important keystone species and how it could producing devastating changes to our planet.  

Always live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick