Best Stephanie Robertson Podcasts (2025)

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31: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't) in Sustainable Living — Lessons From a Year of Podcasting 18:17

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2h ago18:17

18:17

After releasing 31 episodes — something I am frankly amazed at — I wanted to take a few minutes to look back on this first year of Sustainable in the Suburbs. What’s worked, what’s been harder than expected, and what I’ve learned along the way. In this short solo episode, I reflect on how the podcast has shaped my own thinking around sustainable li…

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30: Sustainable Gift Wrapping — How to Use What You Have and Cut Holiday Waste 32:36

7d ago32:36

32:36

Every holiday season, those beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree inevitably results in a giant pile of very fancy garbage in five minutes flat. In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes looks at something most of us keep meaning to do better with next year… gift wrapping. From the confusing rules around what’s…

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29: Sustainable Holidays with Kids — Minimalism, Presence, and Doing Less with Stephanie Seferian 46:14

9d ago46:14

46:14

If the holidays seem to get louder and more overwhelming every year, you’re not imagining it. From endless ads to the pressure to make everything “magical,” it’s easy to get swept into a season that feels more stressful than joyful. And for parents trying to have a more sustainable holiday with kids, the noise can make it hard to stay grounded in w…

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28: Is It Okay to Give Secondhand Gifts? Why Thrifted Gifts Are the Most Eco-Friendly Choice 29:28

28d ago29:28

29:28

Some of the most meaningful gifts we give (and receive) aren’t new. They’re secondhand. And yet… so many of us still hesitate. In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes digs into the cultural stigma around secondhand gifts, why it lingers, and why it’s slowly shifting. This episode explores what makes a gift meani…

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27: Finding Joy in Creative Reuse — Sustainable Crafting for Every Season with Sibia Torres Padilla 36:59

24d ago36:59

36:59

What if the things we already have — the scraps, the leaves, the little bits most people throw away — are exactly where creativity begins? This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes talks with Sibia Torres Padilla, the artist and author behind @sibster and Charming Woodland Crafts: 50 Fun and Easy Projects Made from Natural and Recycled Materials. Sibia sha…

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Get Started: Climate Action in the built environment across Australia 1:03:11

21d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Across Australia numerous groups are taking meaningful climate action and working hard to develop inspiring solutions. Today, I speak with representatives from five different organisations from the built environment to find out what’s happening. These groups tackle climate change from various angles, employing different structures and methods. They…

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26: Holiday Food Waste — Simple Ways to Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Celebrate Sustainably 20:16

1M ago20:16

20:16

Festive food and drink are an important part of celebrating the holidays, but food waste shouldn’t be. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes shares simple, sustainable ways to reduce food waste, save money, and plan mindful, eco-friendly holiday meals. From meal planning and low-waste hosting tips, to getting kids in…

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Get Started: Reducing Embodied Carbon – Lucy Humphrey, Studio Ecology 1:12:57

1M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

Reducing embodied carbon in all new buildings and renovations is fast becoming a global priority, and in Australia new regulations are on the horizon. In today's episode, we move on to our final theme - Getting Started - and the first of two episodes to conclude the season. I talk with environmental architect, artist and well known Australian clima…

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25: Redefining Sustainable Living — From Zero Waste to Real-World Resilience with Kristy Halderman 57:11

1M ago57:11

57:11

What happens when your life changes completely — but your commitment to living sustainably stays the same? This week, I’m joined by Kristy Halderman, whose sustainability journey has taken her from Washington, DC to Montana — touching nearly every part of sustainable living along the way. From going all-in on zero waste and launching an oat milk bu…

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Water & Ecosystems: Delight in your environment – Tim Bennetton, Tim Bennetton Architects 48:04

1M ago48:04

48:04

Careful consideration of water is now a critical part of design as we confront increasing floods and droughts due to climate change. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme - Water and Ecosystems. We'll investigate the design of a small extension to an old timber home located in suburban subtropical Brisbane. This projec…

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24: 5 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead) 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

Sustainable living isn’t a straight path — it’s a practice that shifts and changes as we do. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what sustainable living really looks like. I’ve tried just about everything, and while some things worked beautifully (at least for a while), others were total disasters! This episode is a look back at a few of those…

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Healthy Buildings: Hempcrete and materials for a healthy home – Michael Leung, Balanced Earth Architects 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

Prioritising health when selecting materials and products is simply common sense, and the best thing about healthy materials – they are also brilliant for the environment. In today’s episode we move on to our next sustainable design theme – healthy buildings. We’ll investigate the design of a house on an off grid site located in Mullumbimby in the …

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23: Borrow Before You Buy — Sharing, Renting, and the Circular Economy with LEND-IT.CA 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

Do you really need to own everything? From ladders and camping gear to canning supplies and extra tables, so many of the things cluttering our homes only get used once or twice a year. What if borrowing — instead of buying — became our default? For Circular Economy Month, this episode looks at how sharing, renting, and borrowing can strengthen our …

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Prefabrication: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) & Passivhaus – Murray Robertson, Robertson Architects NZ 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

SIPS, or structural insulated panels are a fast and efficient way to achieve very high thermal performance. In today's episode, we continue exploring prefabricated panel solutions. We investigate the design of a passive house built from SIPS on a very challenging site in the oceanic temperate climate of Wellington, in New Zealand. Architect Murray …

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22: From Refills to Resilience — Simple, Real-Life Sustainable Living with Julie Darrell 56:14

2M ago56:14

56:14

What if stepping into a refill shop for the first time could change the way you see your whole community? This week, I’m joined by Julie Darrell, owner and founder of Bring Your Own Long Beach. Since 2017, Julie has been helping her community cut down on single-use plastics, rethink consumption, and find approachable ways to live more sustainably. …

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Prefabrication: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) design & construction - Jae Warrander, Makers 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

House prefabrication using flat pack panels delivers multiple environmental and cost benefits and is the way of the future. In today's episode, we dive into our next sustainable design theme, prefabrication, and we'll explore house design and construction using cross laminated timber. Architect Jae Warrander, director of Makers, shares the story be…

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21: Zero Waste Halloween — Eco-Friendly Tips for Costumes, Candy, and Pumpkins 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

By Sarah Robertson-Barnes

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Earth Building: Rammed Earth – Steffen Welsch, Steffen Welsch Architects 50:12

3M ago50:12

50:12

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20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard 1:07:12

3M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

What if noticing a chickadee, or spending Sunday offline, could change the way you see your neighbourhood — and yourself? This week, I’m joined by Matt Howard, a wildlife biologist, writer, and engaging voice on how we connect with the natural world. Matt has worked everywhere from a tiny island in Alaska to California wind farms, and he now brings…

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Renewable Materials: Affordable sustainable design and Durra Panel - Matt Delroy-Carr, MDC Architects 54:53

3M ago54:53

54:53

Would you love a sustainable home but think it's out of your budget? Well, think again. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials and investigate the design of an affordable environmental home built using standard construction methods. It features Durra Panel internal wall and ceiling boards made from agricultural waste straw. A…

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19: Slow, Conscious, and Local — Sustainable Travel with Renee de Ronde 51:49

3M ago51:49

51:49

What if travel could be a form of care — for the planet, for ourselves, and for each other? This week, I’m joined by Renee de Ronde, the creator behind Conscious Compass, where she shares slow, nature-led travel experiences rooted in beauty, intention, and connection. We talk about everything from glamping and family road trips to Canadian landscap…

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Renewable Materials: Hempcrete – Emily Knight, Emily Knight Design 56:05

3M ago56:05

56:05

Hemp has been used in construction for thousands of years, but it's only recently that it’s incredible environmental benefits have crept into mainstream awareness. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials. We'll investigate the design of a hempcrete extension to an existing Federation House located in the heritage listed suburb…

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18: Connecting Communities Through Green Spaces with Carolyn Scotchmer 23:58

3M ago23:58

23:58

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Green spaces strengthen our neighbourhoods, connecting us to nature and to each other. In this episode, I’m joined by Carolyn Scotchmer, Executive Director of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF). Carolyn has spent more than a decade supporting community dev…

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Renewable Materials: Strawbale Panels & Biophilic Design – Talina Edwards, Envirotecture 1:06:59

3M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

If you thought that straw bales were only for DIY backyard builders, think again. In today’s episode we move onto our next sustainable design theme - renewable materials. We’ll investigate the design of a new certified Passive House built from Huff’n’Puff SITUP strawbale wall panels. This house is located on an off grid site in the cool temperate V…

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17: How to Raise Eco-Friendly Kids — Sustainable Living Tips for Parents with Talayna Zacharias 49:37

3M ago49:37

49:37

Is it possible to raise kids who care about the planet — without adding more to your already overflowing plate? In this episode, I’m joined by Talayna Zacharias, a sustainability educator and content creator based in Alberta, to talk about what it really means to raise eco-conscious kids in a culture that pushes convenience and consumption. We dig …

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Renovation & Reuse: Building less & Retro joy – Paul Butterworth, Paul Butterworth Architect 45:37

4M ago45:37

45:37

Building less is without doubt the most cost effective and environmental solution. If you have an old home with good bones, a few strategic and creative moves may be all you need to create something very special. In today's episode, we continue exploring the importance of reusing existing buildings and look at ways to renovate and add value and joy…

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16: Sustainable Living with Kids — How to Save Money and Reduce Waste with Jessica Nakamura 40:55

4M ago40:55

40:55

From cloth diapers and thrifted toys to birthday party overload, this is what sustainable living with small kids actually looks like — the joys, the trade-offs, and what makes it doable. This week, I’m joined by Jessica Nakamura — a local realtor, mom of three (including twin toddlers), and self-described “kinda eco mom.” We sat down in my living r…

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Renovation & Reuse: Old buildings & character – Rob Norman, Symbiosphere Architects 59:29

4M ago59:29

59:29

Actively looking for ways to reuse what is already in place is central to environmental decision making. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Renovation and Reuse. We'll investigate the renovation of a 1940s timber cottage located in Bundjalung Country in the beachside town of Fingal Head in subtropical northern New …

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15: The Purposeful You — Sustainable Gardening with Tasha Medve 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

Food doesn’t come from the grocery store — it comes from the earth. Sustainable gardening is our most direct connection to nature, and one of the most powerful ways we can take climate action right in our own backyards. This week, I’m joined by Tasha Medve, the gardener and creator behind The Purposeful You. Tasha shares her passion for creating a …

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ESD Fundamentals: Adaptable & flexible for the future – Chris Bligh, Bligh Graham Architects 42:24

4M ago42:24

42:24

To be sustainable, buildings must be adaptable and flexible. They must meet the current occupants’ needs efficiently and enable rearrangement or repurposing to accommodate future needs with minimal work and material waste. In today's episode we continue our exploration of the sustainable design fundamentals. We investigate the design of a new house…

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14: Zero Waste Back to School — Simple Ways to Save Money and Reduce Waste 29:26

4M ago29:26

29:26

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean a cart full of new stuff. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to get your kids ready for school without wasting money — or creating a mountain of waste. From supplies and clothing to tech and litterless lunches, you’ll hear practical tips for: Starting with what you already have before …

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ESD Fundamentals: Space efficient joy – Belinda Allwood & Allison Stout, People Oriented Design 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

Sustainable design begins with the fundamentals. This means carefully considered floor plans that utilise space efficiently and are responsive to your climate and the surrounding site. In today's episode, we'll explore the design of a new house on a small site located in Palm Cove in tropical North Queensland. Architects Belinda Allwood and Allison…

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13: Beeswax Wraps 101 — Plastic-Free Food Storage with Hive to Home 1:01:21

4M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Let your reusables look reused. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m joined by Chelsey Schmuland, the owner and maker behind Hive to Home in Nova Scotia. Chelsey creates beautiful handmade beeswax wraps as a sustainable, renewable alternative to plastic food storage — but that’s just the beginning. She’s also a backyard chicken keeper…

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Regenerative Design & Circularity – Andrew Noonan, Andrew Noonan Architect 1:00:58

4M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Reducing carbon emissions, both embodied and operational, is now a design priority. But carbon cannot be considered in isolation. Today we continue with the latest science and investigate the importance of holistic decision making and regenerative design. We'll explore the renovation and extension of a 150-year-old timber cottage on a small inner c…

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12: How to Quit Using Amazon — and Why You Should 18:09

5M ago18:09

18:09

We know it’s a problem, we just don’t know how to stop. Here’s how to start... In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about how to quit Amazon — or at least drastically reduce your reliance on it — in a way that’s actually doable. We dig into the real costs of convenience, from environmental harm to the engineered scarcity of Am…

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Christian Henningmeyer Alcoholic by 6 8:29

5M ago8:29

8:29

Christian has to be one of the youngest drinkers on the show. He's lived a wild life and is sharing it with us, and it's all thanks to his pops. Tour starts back up This week doing the Windy City Comedy Festival. Christian Socials: https://www.instagram.com/blablameyer/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgvIgMuV-m8Db7AAwLlf2w https://www.instagram.…

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Design for a changing climate – Dr Paul Matthew, University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & Planning 1:07:45

5M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Every renovation and new build project is an opportunity to create positive environmental change. But where should we concentrate our efforts to achieve the greatest impact? In today's episode, Dr. Paul Matthew, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Queensland School of Architecture, Design and Planning, will share his research on building…

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11: Money, Enoughness, and Community Care with Women’s Personal Finance 1:06:04

5M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Money choices are climate action too. This week, Regina Moore and Angela Rozmyn from Women’s Personal Finance join me for a thoughtful, honest conversation about the overlap between money, sustainability, and community care. We talk about spending in alignment with your values, why “enoughness” can be such a powerful mindset shift, and how boycotts…

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Sustainable Design: The latest science & solutions – Season 3. Introduction & Programme 20:15

5M ago20:15

20:15

Are you renovating or building and striving to make more sustainable and affordable decisions? Whether you're an architect, designer or homeowner, juggling the current challenges of rising construction costs and the need to rethink design to be resilient and sustainable is very difficult …to say the least! So, I created this podcast season to find …

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Showing Up Authentically: Jaylee Suarez on Fatherhood & Reform 38:35

5M ago38:35

38:35

In this heart-opening episode of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire, co-hosts Stephanie Hawkins, Devona Warner, and Brenda Lett are joined by Jaylee (Jay) Suarez—Family Engagement Program Specialist with New Hampshire's Division for Children, Youth and Families—for a powerful and deeply human conversation about identity, fatherhood, mental health, and s…

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10: How to Refill in Your Own Containers for a Plastic-Free Pantry 21:14

5M ago21:14

21:14

Bringing your own containers to refill shops, markets, or even cafés is one of the easiest ways to cut down on single‑use packaging. It saves money, keeps your pantry organized, and helps shift the way we think about consumption. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to make refilling feel like second nature as a sustainabl…

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Safe to Be Seen: Mental Health, Homophobia & Hope in the Black LGBTQ+ Community with Jason Green 32:58

5M ago32:58

32:58

In this heart-opening episode of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire, co-hosts Stephanie Hawkins, Devona Warner, and Brenda Lett are joined by Jason Howard Green—author, activist, ACLU of New Hampshire Deputy Director, and co-founder of the Arizona Black AIDS Task Force—for a deeply vulnerable and powerful conversation. As a proud Black gay man, Jason sh…

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9: From the Land, Not a Lab — Skincare, Sustainability, and Self-Care with Rebecca Ogilvie 37:57

5M ago37:57

37:57

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…

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Healing, Hustle & Honesty: A Conversation with Samuel Polo Pierre 34:59

6M ago34:59

34:59

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Eboni Queens of New Hampshire, hosts Stephanie Hawkins, Brenda Lett, and Devona Warner sit down with Samuel Polo Pierre—a multilingual entrepreneur, educator, and community leader—to discuss the intersection of mental health, masculinity, mentorship, and Black identity. As a proud Haitian-Dominican and …

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8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living 16:53

6M ago16:53

16:53

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 con…

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From Shackles to Strategy: Shabar Bass on Resilience, Racism & Redemption 44:23

6M ago44:23

44:23

In the powerful Season 2 premiere of the Eboni Queens of New Hampshire podcast, co-hosts Stephanie Hawkins, Brenda Lett, and Devona Warner sit down with entrepreneur Shabar Bass for a raw, insightful, and emotionally resonant conversation. Shabar shares his transformative journey from incarceration at 17 to becoming a successful business owner in r…

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7: Rethinking Zero Waste and Building Community Care with April Dickinson 48:13

6M ago48:13

48:13

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…

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6: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here. 20:39

6M ago20:39

20:39

Climate change feels HUGE — and it is. The problem is urgent and complex. And when you start looking for solutions, it can seem like there’s an endless list of things you should be doing. All of them are important, and that can feel completely overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework I often come back to refocus my efforts: the…

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Drunk @ His Dad's Funeral - Ft. Harrison Butler 9:33

6M ago9:33

9:33

Another Lovely episode from Bombs away comedy club. This episode we have arguably the biggest Cincinnati Bengals Fan in the country tell his fun drinking stories and talks about how deep his love is for his team. Strap in for a fun one Harrison's Socials https://www.instagram.com/harrisonthecomedian/ https://ztvonline.com/harrisonthecomedian?fbclid…

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3: From Trash to Treasure: Finding Joy in Upcycling (with @SustainablyAmber) 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

How do you turn “trash” into treasure and find joy in the process? In this conversation with Amber (@sustainablyamber), we explore how upcycling, thrifting, and creative reuse can spark climate action and community connection. You’ll hear how Amber got started, why she’s passionate about helping others value materials, and how everyday acts of maki…