This episode is an invitation to slow down — to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with what truly matters.

Sarah sits down with Rebecca Ogilvie, founder of The Detour Co., a sustainable skincare brand rooted in care and connection. Together they explore the quiet magic of routines that nourish rather than extract — from sourcing ingredients to creating space for rest in a culture that pushes us to hustle.

They talk about the complexities of sustainable packaging, what it means to build a business in alignment with your values, and how self-care can be an act of resistance — and of reverence.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, from nature, or from the systems we’re all trying to change, this conversation is a gentle reminder that every small act of care makes a difference.

Takeaways

• Truly natural skincare comes from the land, not the lab.
• Self-care routines can reconnect us to our bodies and the natural world.
• Building a values-aligned business requires intention — and a lot of heart.
• Sustainable packaging is complicated, especially for small brands.
• Community and nature offer grounding in times of overwhelm.
• Slowing down creates space for more mindful choices.

One Small Shift

Let your skincare routine be an act of connection. Whether it’s using a simple balm made with natural ingredients or taking an extra moment to slow down, notice what feels good. What nourishes you? What feels aligned?

Resources

Merlin Bird ID

Connect With Rebecca

The Detour Co. - Website

The Detour Co. - Instagram

Support the show

Connect With Me

Website

Newsletter

Shop

Instagram

Support the Show

Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.

The kitchen is one of the biggest sources of household waste — but it’s also one of the easiest places to start making a change. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah shares five practical, affordable, and genuinely useful swaps to help you cut down on plastic and reduce waste at home. From ditching paper towels to upgrading your containers, these swaps are all about progress, not perfection. Check out the links below for Sarah’s go-to reusables and top plastic-free kitchen tips.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just looking for a couple of easy wins, this is a great place to begin.

Takeaways

• Why the climate action begins at the kitchen table.
• 5 practical, affordable swaps that actually reduce wastes.
• Simple, low-waste tips for daily life.
• How every small shift adds up (without overhauling your home).

One Small Shift:
Pick just one thing to swap this week. Whether it’s replacing paper towels, trying out a reusable bag, or mixing up a batch of DIY cleaner — it all counts!

Product Recommendations

Swedish dish cloths

Unpaper towels

Stasher bags

Beeswax wraps

Wooden dish brush

Cleanings, soap, and laundry tablets

Resources

A Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20 to save 20%)

Plastic Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste

10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money

How to Clean a Wooden Dish Brush

What to Use Instead of Paper Towels: 5 Easy and Sustainable Alternatives

Support the show

Connect With Me

Website

Newsletter

Shop

Instagram

Support the Show

Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.

When we talk about sustainability, we often focus on what we’re buying—or not buying. But what if it’s really about something much deeper?

In this episode, I’m joined by April Dickinson (@zerowastedork), a thoughtful voice in the zero waste space who thoughtfully challenges the consumer-driven model of sustainability. We talk about the evolution of zero waste living, the role of community care in climate action, and why economic degrowth might be the shift we need. From local connections to global systems, this is a conversation about finding joy, contributing to community, and staying grounded in what really matters.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck trying to "get it right" in your sustainability journey, this episode offers a generous, honest alternative.

Takeaways

• Why zero waste is about more than personal consumption.
• The problem of perfectionism and shame in sustainability spaces.
• Shifting from individual action to collective community care.
• The importance of local networks: community fridges, Buy Nothing groups, and mutual aid.
• Understanding who benefits and who is burdened by our systems.
• The concept of degrowth and why infinite growth isn’t sustainable.

Resources

Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Doughnut Economics - Kate Raworth

Viet Thanh Nguyen (learn more about Expansive Solidarity)

Connect with April

Instagram

Storygraph

Support the show

Connect With Me

Website

Newsletter

Shop

Instagram

Support the Show

Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.