Meet the Author of Mindful Minutia

Mindful Minutia provides practical tips on managing everyday activities in a more sustainable way. Authored by Tamara Schweitzer for her daughter Emily, for every child, and their sustainable tomorrow. Discover more about our author through a candid interview.

What is your background?

After earning my degree in law, I transitioned into the field of growth marketing, leaving behind my legal career. Additionally, I'm deeply engaged in a personal sustainability project that brings true fulfilment to my life. I have a one-year-old daughter Emily and a husband, Ryan. We met while he was travelling in Europe, and the rest, as they say, is history.

How did you start your journey into sustainability?

Sustainability has always been a passion of mine, even before I knew a name for it. It all started with my grandmother when I was a child. She was the queen of roses and the garden. Growing up with her, she taught me how to love, admire, and respect our planet.

Do you have any hobbies?

You know how creative types can be, right? I'm dedicated to my craft, and sometimes it can even get a little intense. Right now, I'm really into knitting and sewing.

What's the number one sustainable living tip you swear by?

The key is to always do your best. Perfect environmental friendliness or sustainability might not exist, but each step towards it matters. It's essentially a call for all of us to contribute however we can, as even the smallest actions can collectively lead to significant change.

If your life was a cookbook, what would the title be?

"Almost Recipes". Haha. Improvising and cooking creatively is my playground. Plus, I often find myself with odds and ends I'd hate to waste. These reasons also keep my recipes flexible. Sticking to the rules can wait until Mañana!

Have you ever had a kitchen experiment go hilariously wrong?

Absolutely! My husband and I constantly aim for a healthier and more sustainable diet. I recently tried making a Serbian dish called Pita, which is usually made with phyllo dough and filled with either meat or cheese. I wanted to make a vegetarian, low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free version, so I changed the recipe quite a bit. His reaction to the result was so funny. With a disappointed expression on his face, he said: "It's not bread, it's not eggs - we can call it Bregg." Now, whenever my culinary experiments don't turn out as expected, he teases "Oh no, it's Bregg all over again."

What's one eco-friendly habit you wish everyone would pick up, as fun as it is green?

Thrift shopping, without a doubt. I absolutely adore it. For example, we never plan to use disposable plates or ceramic matching sets. Ours are all unique and fun in their own way. If we break a plate, we go thrifting to find another unique piece.

In the end, what is your favourite animal?

I've spent a lot of time with dogs and horses, so don’t make me choose between the two!