How can our plant hobby make this world a better place? For me, learning to care for plants was the gateway drug for becoming more aware of how much growth opportunity I had when it came to caring for the earth. I've discovered that there are so many ways to lead a sustainable life, especially with our plant care journey. In this episode, I invited back Nick Cutsumpas, aka Farmer Nick, to further guide us in making small shifts that have a big impact on our planet’s wellbeing.In this episode, we learn:[00:52] Maria’s fall updates[01:56] What today’s episode is about[05:53] Who is Farmer Nick?[08:04] Nick shares his plant journey from backyard gardener to plant coach and landscaper[13:42] The most important value to your plant number[15:22] Applying approachability and relatability to our plant care[18:05] Why houseplants as a hobby encourages us to keep learning[19:42] Dealing with plant death and adjusting your plant care[24:28] What is the concept behind ‘mindful neglect’?[26:42] Where to get the best grow lights to get your plants through winter[27:57] How to reduce your food waste and garbage footprint[29:45] On the misconception that plants can be stressful and take up a lot of your time[34:47] Tips for a more sustainable and eco-focused plant parenthood[39:43] Nick’s plant setup in his new home[42:30] How houseplants can jumpstart our journey to sustainability[45:46] How growing plants lessened Maria’s meat consumption[47:24] Why every step for a sustainable lifestyle matters[50:10] Where to find Nick and his book online[51:33] A thank you to new Garden Party membersMentioned in our conversation:Plant Coach: The Beginner's Guide to Caring for Plants and the Planet, book by Nick CutsumpasBAGR Episode 110: Low Waste Plant Parenthood with Farmer NickInstant Dream Home, series by NetflixFor a deep dive into our conversation on sustainable plant parenthood,check out the full show notes, blog, and tips here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:AIRCARETake care of your health while maintaining your indoor jungle aesthetic with AIRCARE's latest line of 27 different stylish and smart humidifiers to humidify your home and life. AIRCARE has been producing quality humidifiers for over 70 years for all types of homes, with cool features like a digital screen that shows you the humidity level and time, multiple LED light colors, and even warm and cool mist settings!Visit aircareproducts.com and use code bloom20 a checkout for 20% off sitewide.Soltech SolutionsSoltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code bloom15.LomiLomi is a small countertop composter that is the perfect solution to reducing your garbage footprint and food waste. This sleek composter enables you to compost hassle-free: just take your food scraps and put it in the Lomi, press a button, and you're set! Lomi is offering us $50 off with code BLOOM at checkout. Go to pela.com and use code Bloom at checkout!Follow Nick: WebsiteInstagramFollow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club