She's Making Sustainability Achievable for Anyone

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Happy Friday, Wild Ones! 🌿

BIG news from Idyllwild Woods Retreat Center—our very first geodesic dome has arrived! 🎉

We hauled it up to the ridge this week, and next week, we start building. Soon, it’ll be ready for guests to soak up the magic of this land, unplug, and reconnect with nature. It’s happening!!

Even better? Our first guests are already booked! They locked in the early bird deal—snagging an unbelievable 75% off the normal rate. (Seriously, what a steal.)

🔥 Want to be one of the first to stay here? Book your spot now.

For the retreat hosts out there—something big is coming. I’m putting together an offer for those who want to bring their community here for a transformational in-person event this summer. Stay tuned—it’s going to be good.

And hey—spring is officially here! The trees are waking up, the creek is flowing, and the forest is turning lush and green again. If you needed a sign to get outside this weekend… this is it.

Next up: A feature on Amy Fagan, host of the Grounded in Maine podcast. She’s got a story you don’t want to miss.

For Amy, It All Started with a Sustainable Spark

Amy Fagan's journey into the world of sustainability began with a simple act: volunteering at a local farm in Virginia. It was a move that would change everything. After leaving Maine, where she had spent years contributing to her community through gardening, Amy found herself in a new environment, eager to continue making a difference. Her work at the farm, which donated organic produce to food banks, ignited a passion for sustainable living that soon evolved into the Grounded in Maine podcast and a small-batch jam business.

From Gardener to Podcaster

Amy's podcast, which she initially envisioned as a homesteading YouTube channel, took shape as a platform to explore diverse approaches to sustainability. She wasn't aiming to be an expert; instead, she positioned herself as a curious learner, eager to share stories of everyday people making impactful changes. This approach made sustainability feel accessible and achievable, even for those who thought it was out of reach.

Amy's podcast features guests from all over the world, each with unique stories of sustainability. There's the woman who makes her own broth from scraps, avoiding unnecessary packaging and waste. Then there's Sonia, who sheds light on the dangers of fast fashion, highlighting the environmental cost of our wardrobe choices. These stories aren't just inspiring; they're practical, offering listeners actionable tips to integrate sustainability into their daily lives.

Small Batch, Big Impact: Amy's Garden Jam

Alongside her podcast, Amy runs Amy's Garden Jam, a small-batch jam business that embodies the principles of local, sustainable food production. She picks most of the fruit herself, ensuring freshness and quality. This hands-on approach not only reduces waste but also creates a direct link between producer and consumer. Amy's jam is more than just a product; it's a testament to the power of small-scale, community-driven initiatives.

Amy's Garden Jam started during the pandemic as a way to connect with her community through food. She began selling her jams at local markets and stores, where they quickly gained popularity. The business is a reflection of Amy's commitment to sustainability and her belief in the importance of supporting local economies.

Practical Tips for Everyday Sustainability

Amy's approach to sustainability is refreshingly straightforward. Here are a few tips she shared:

1. Be Mindful of Your Purchases: Consider not just what you're buying, but who you're buying from. Supporting small, local businesses can have a significant positive impact on your community and the environment.

2. Embrace Thrifting: Buying second-hand keeps items in circulation and out of landfills. It's an easy way to reduce your environmental impact while still refreshing your wardrobe or home decor.

3. Try Worm Composting: This might sound intimidating, but Amy swears by it. It's an odorless way to compost food scraps, even if you live in a small apartment.

4. Explore Plastic-Free Alternatives: Amy raves about shampoo bars as a great alternative to bottled shampoo. These small changes can significantly reduce your plastic consumption.

The Power of Outdoor Connection

Amy's emphasis on spending time outdoors is striking. Whether it's tending to her chickens or planning her front yard food forest, Amy finds that being outside sparks creativity and fuels her passion for sustainability. This connection to nature isn't just good for generating ideas; it's fundamental to developing a more sustainable mindset.

Looking Ahead: From Podcast to Refill Store

Amy's journey is far from over. She's currently exploring the idea of opening a refill store, which would allow customers to refill household products using their own containers, further reducing plastic waste. This evolution from podcaster to jam-maker to potential store owner illustrates an important point: sustainability isn't a destination, it's a journey. As we learn and grow, we find new ways to align our lives and businesses with our values.

Your Turn: Small Steps, Big Impact

As entrepreneurs, we're uniquely positioned to drive change. Whether it's through the products we create, the services we offer, or simply the way we run our businesses, we have the power to make sustainability a core part of our operations. Amy's story shows us that you don't need to be a sustainability expert to make a difference. Start small, stay curious, and don't be afraid to share your journey.

Ready to dive deeper into Amy's world of sustainable living? Connect with her on her podcast and explore how you can make a difference in your own community. Visit her podcast and jam business online to learn more about her journey and how you can join the movement towards a more sustainable future.

Connect with Amy here.

THIS Is Why I Don’t Consume Mainstream News Media

The resemblance is uncanny, tbh.

Physically? Take a few decades away and swap out brown eyes for blue, and it’s pretty close.

Mentally? Spot on.

I cannot (and will not) watch the news or even read most of it.

Why?

Because of what happens in my brain. I get RILED. Riled leads to distracted and anxious and hopeless and then back to riled.

Maybe you’re the same way?

There’s a good reason, though. “If it bleeds, it leads.” We all know this adage. It’s why the news industry is the way it is. The more the stories induce emotion, the better the ratings.

That’s why I recommend 1440 News.

It’s like turning your phone to grayscale so the dopamine hit you get from doomscrolling is so unsatisfying that you just put the phone away.

We need to know some stuff, sure… but not everything.

We need to keep our heads on straight to be our best and most effective selves… so we can fulfill our mission in life.

Check this out and see for yourself. Your (quiet, non-ragey) brain will thank you.

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