Low-Waste Over Zero-Waste Philosophy

What if low waste plant parenthood began with just one houseplant? In this episode, I’m joined by urban farmer and plant coach Nick Cutsumpas (aka Farmer Nick) to explore how sustainable plant care can become a powerful gateway to mindful gardening and environmental action.

As part of the Best of Growing Joy series, we revisit this meaningful conversation from the archives to look at plant parenthood through a holistic lens, one rooted in intention, awareness, and joyful living. Nick shares how caring for plants, even in a small apartment, can support low waste living and regenerative habits without perfection or pressure.

This episode breaks down holistic plant care in a realistic, approachable way, offering plant parents simple shifts they can make to care for their plants, their well-being, and the planet.

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:02:26] Introducing Nick Cutsumpas and episode key ideas
• [00:07:18] What Nick does, what started his plant journey (mothers DO know best!), and how plants served as his ‘saving grace’ when he moved into the city
• [00:10:38] Check out Nick in Netflix’s new show The Big Flower Fight!
• [00:11:14] What is regenerative environmental action? Nick explains sustainability vs regenerative
• [00:13:22] Are houseplant people practicing regenerative methods with their plants? According to Nick, to see is to believe when it comes to taking care of our environment
• [00:15:01] How Maria realized she could be doing more sustainable practices
• [00:15:22] Maria’s current idea obsession: plant blindness — Nature Not Furniture!
• [00:16:32] What Maria thinks of ‘zero waste’ and her reservations with the movement
• [00:17:17] Nick shares why he thinks plant blindness is similar to waste blindness
• [00:17:37] Why Nick strives for low waste consumption vs zero waste, how we as consumers can apply low waste consumption to the products we buy
• [00:19:45] Why the time to be more conscious is NOW more than ever and how taking care of plants reminds us that we can take action
• [00:20:47] Why Bloom and Grow Radio is doing an episode on low waste
• [00:21:45] Low Waste Beginner Tip #1: Reuse everything
• [00:22:46] Do you have tons of bubble wrap from your online orders? Save them for your next plant cutting gift!
• [00:23:50] What is ‘waste’? For Nick, it’s everything that ends up in a landfill
• [00:24:38] Maria’s lightbulb moment on her waste consumption: New York’s composting system
• [00:25:11] The negative effects of plastics in our environment and how we can be smart and responsible with our plastic consumption
• [00:26:54] Why we should be cautious about greenwashing, waste segregation, and biodegradable vs compostable materials
• [00:28:24] Nick’s sustainability influences
• [00:29:13] Low Waste Tip #2: Buy quality over quantity (Yes, you save more money this way!)
• [00:30:12] Nick’s sustainability progress: he hasn’t bought anything new in more than a year! The secret? Thrifting!
• [00:31:52] The eco-friendly furniture and mattress stores that Nick recommends
• [00:33:56] How the pandemic enabled more waste production
• [00:34:48] Why the most impact can be achieved through collective action; ‘10% is better’
• [00:35:14] The BEST recycled and sustainable wall planters and the BEST plant kits to give this Holiday season!
• [00:38:56] Nick reveals the most common mistakes we all do when it comes to composting
• [00:39:54] How to REALLY begin your low waste journey
• [00:40:39] Why you need to wash your recyclables
• [00:41:22] Low Waste Tip #3: Find bulk stores and bring your own jars
• [00:41:50] How Nick manages to do zero-waste grocery shopping
• [00:42:25] What is ‘produce paralysis’? What is Nick’s proposed solution to packaging waste?
• [00:44:04] Low Waste Tip #4: Avoid single-use plastic in the produce section
• [00:45:24] Nick’s low waste hack: Put the jar in warm water for 10 minutes to remove the adhesive label, and reuse the jar for drinking or plant propagation!
• [00:46:47] Low Waste Tip #5: Don’t be shy to ask if you can use your own containers for your consumables!
• [00:47:39] Maria weighs in on the different straws from her own experiences (make sure you clean them!)
• [00:49:28] What do we do with our plastic nursery pots? a. bring them to a nursery, b. cache, c. make a tent for your drainage hole
• [00:53:38] Low Waste Tip #6: Grow something new in your used nursery pots
• [00:54:06] The company that Nick trusts to recycle his plastics
• [00:55:31] Propagating your plants can also help your recycle and upcycle
• [00:56:30] Low Waste Tip #7: Choose sustainable soil options
• [00:57:44] Low Waste Tip #8: Know your plant number! (we’re serious!)
• [00:59:00] Your plant consumption should be healthy AND environmentally-responsible
• [01:00:28] Low Waste Tip #9: Buy your plants from your local businesses
• [01:01:46] Plant shops that Nick and Maria recommend
• [01:04:05] Listener Question #1: Can you compost perlite?
• [01:04:49] Listener Question #2: Are there alternatives to plastic nursery pots and stickers?
• [01:06:28] Why you should support CSA
• [01:07:47] Why low waste and sustainable living is important to Nick
• [01:09:09] Our responsibility to our environment as plant parents!
• [01:10:24] Maria’s realizations and future commitment to the low waste living movement

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Produce Paralysis Blog by Nick Cutsumpas
• BAGR Episode How to Manage a Large Plant Collection
• Netflix’s The Big Flower Fight
• Pela Case
• Lucy Biggers of NowThis
• Medley Furniture
• Avocado Green Mattress
• Recover Brands
• WallyGro
• Precious Plastic
• Folia Collective
• Espoma
• Greenery Unlimited
• noissue
• Crop Swap LA

Which small low-waste swap could your plants inspire you to try this week?

Check out the full show notes and blog for practical, beginner-friendly ideas to get started!

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