Living Consciously: Building Sustainable Lives, Together

I have had the pleasure of meeting with, chatting, and getting to know Deborah and her business. I’ve asked her to tell us her story and she has shared it below. Read on to find out more about Deborah who homeschools her children, AND manages to run a successful business.

By Deborah Post from Growing Slowly

As I sit here this Women’s Day, the rain gently soaking the garden soil where cabbage, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and beetroot seedlings were planted just this morning, I find myself reflecting on the deeper purpose behind how we live.

On what it means to live consciously, sustainably, and in a way that supports both the planet and the people around us.

Every gesture we make—no matter how small—has an impact. It either supports or disrupts our own well-being and the health of the Earth.

And for those of us navigating business ownership, parenting, and community-building, there is real power in choosing to live in alignment with our values.

A Return to What Was Once Normal

Living consciously isn’t something new. Many of us are returning to practices that used to be normal.

I grew up in a suburban area where we kept chickens, grew our own vegetables, and enjoyed fruit trees that my father grafted himself—multiple citrus types growing from a single lemon tree.

We had fresh produce delivered to our door, and food ingredients were simple and understandable. Life was slower. Knitting, baking, making hideouts in the garden, and using what we had were just part of how we lived.

This way of living wasn’t called “eco-conscious” or “sustainable.” It was simply life.

A Journey Through Seasons of Sustainability

Years later, I found myself living on a farm where we embraced sustainable living in every sense. We grew and sold organic vegetables at a local market, kept sheep and cattle for meat, and worked to regenerate land that had been sand-mined.

We raised bees for honey, pollination, and apitherapy. We educated our children at home and learned through experience what truly worked.

Then in 2019, life shifted. I returned to urban Muizenberg in Cape Town. with three young daughters and started again. The city posed new challenges, but the vision remained the same: to live consciously, sustainably, and in community.

I learned that even in town, we can grow food. I discovered that nasturtiums, if allowed to thrive, will attract the bugs and spare the vegetables.

I met women—powerful, passionate women—who were creating businesses that supported both their families and the planet.

The Power of Women, Community & Eco-Conscious Business

From beeswax wraps to recycled seeded paper, biodegradable cleaning products, natural soy candles, and eco-friendly personal care—these women are not only entrepreneurs; they’re environmental advocates, mothers, sisters, and community builders.

Whether you’re a small business owner offering sustainable solutions or someone looking to integrate eco-conscious choices into your home, every action matters. Every choice—no matter how small—has a ripple effect.

What Does a Conscious Life Look Like?

A sustainable, conscious lifestyle is not about doing everything. It’s about doing what you can with intention.

Here are a few simple ways we can start (or continue):

• Bring a reusable bag or a box when shopping. It keeps plastic out of landfills and might inspire someone else to do the same.
• Clean with vinegar. Add houseplants like hen-and-chickens or snake plants to improve indoor air quality and reduce mold.
• Use plant-based, biodegradable dishwashing liquid. Better for the environment and safer for your family.
• Shop second-hand or participate in clothing swaps. It’s good for your wallet, the Earth, and builds meaningful connections.
• Support local businesses that align with your values—whether they sell organic food, handmade crafts, or natural products.
• Share skills. Can you make natural soap, grow vegetables, or sew? Can you trade or teach these skills in your community?

Business, Motherhood, Sustainability: It’s All Connected

Sustainable living touches every part of our lives—how we eat, shop, dress, educate, work, and raise our children. You don’t have to do it all alone.

Supporting a local farmer, buying from a mom-run eco-brand, or hosting a sustainable event are all steps in the right direction.

The beauty is in collaboration.

When women come together—with their talents, their experiences, their challenges and hopes—we create change.

When you support another woman’s sustainable business, you help feed her family, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen community resilience. That’s the power we hold.

To Sum Up…

There are endless possibilities. Conscious living is not about perfection—it’s about progress, connection, and intention.

I’d love to hear your story.

• How are you living more consciously?
• What small steps have made the biggest difference?
• What eco-conscious practices are you bringing into your business or home?

Let’s connect. Share your thoughts below, or reach out directly. Together, we can build a world that’s better for us, for our children, and for the Earth we call home.

Interested in finding or offering local sustainable products or services? Please feel free to reach out to Deborah and build something beautiful—together.