How to tame the eco-anxiety and tit-for-tat gift giving

Helena HertzIt's hostful time again, and this week we answer three very different listener questions and launch the big, exciting project we've been working on for the past few months. It's a good day all round!First up, Rachael asks about coping with eco-anxiety - a great term which encapsulates the frustration that results when we try to make positive changes to our home and the waste we create, only to be constantly reminded of how imperfect our efforts are. It's an obstacle that many people come across and we talk through the benefits and challenges of letting go of perfectionism and embracing smaller, more consistent changes over time.I then put on my ranty pants as Ben and I discuss the utter inanity of tit-for-tat holiday gift giving. You know the gifts for the extended family and friends, the office Christmas party, the neighbourhood get-together? The novelty gifts, the plastic wrapped doodads, the obligatory presents? Those ones really grind my gears and today we talk about how to best opt out of those gift giving arrangements if at all possible, and what crap-free options are available for the situations where a gift is still appropriate. It's a good time of year to start considering the impact of all these novelty gifts, as we edge closer to the holidays, and now is a great time to have the potentially awkward conversation about doing no-gifts or a charitable gift instead.Finally, Kerry recently asked us what's made us laugh uncontrollably recently. My answers are absurd while Ben's are a little closer to home. Such a great question though as I find myself seeking out more and more comedy lately, as a balm for the heaviness that's settled over much of social media, the news and the global vibe in general. Here's to more laughs!We wrap up the episode with a big old exciting announcement...Months ago we mentioned a new project we'd been working on in response to the recent listener survey results, and today we're finally ready to put it out in to the world!The Live Life Simply Online Retreat is the first of its kind and brings together the wisdom and expertise of 13 mindfulness, simplicity and slow living experts into one blissful six-week online retreat.The retreat is super practical and designed to help you learn at your own pace, in your own home. You can practice yoga and meditation, uncover your purpose, learn the essentials of low tox and zero waste living, dive deep in to mindfulness, slow money, creating a rhythm that works for your daily life, plus loads more - all at a time and pace that works for you.Join Ben and I, plus previous podcast guests, Jessica Murnane, Rachael Kable, Alexx Stuart, Kelly Exeter, Janell Burley Hoffman, Carolyn Tate, Kevin Janks and Dr Sarah McKay, as well as Erin Rhoads, Sam Doove and Lauren Verona from Zenko Yoga, as we take you through a gorgeous six-week retreat.The line-up is incredible and we can't wait to see you there! Head over to the retreat for all the details and to secure your place. Registrations close on October 22, 2017, and the retreat kicks off on October 23. Don't miss out!

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Things to Check Out After Today’s Episode:

• The Live Life Simply Online Retreat is open for registration until October 22, 2017. Secure your place now!
• SLOW, my brand new book is now available in Australia and New Zealand! (US and Canada, Spring 2018) Head over here for details.
• Destination Simple is now available in North America! Grab a copy here.

Keep Listening:

• Subscribe via iTunes
• NEW! You can now subscribe to the podcast on Spotify! 

Support the Show:

You may have heard that we recently hit 3 million (!!) downloads of The Slow Home Podcast! Not only does that fact blow my mind, it's also thanks to your lovely self and the community of people who listen to the show every week, send in your questions and offer your feedback. I'm so grateful you're here and part of this, and for anyone who has supported the show in any way over the past year - thank you so much.If you do love the show and would like to show your support by becoming a patron, head over here to make a small monthly donation (as little as $1 a month) and know that any amount makes a huge difference to us being able to cover costs.Most importantly, thanks for being here!