19. Living More with Less: One-Planet Living, Effective Giving and the Good Life with Jon from Living More with Less
Sep 9, 2026 · 36 min · 11 segments
Many of us have been taught that success means earning more, buying more and consuming more. But what if the opposite were true? What if living with less could actually lead to greater wellbeing…
Many of us have been taught that success means earning more, buying more and consuming more. But what if the opposite were true? What if living with less could actually lead to greater wellbeing, stronger communities and a more meaningful life? Jon, the creator of Living More with Less, shares how his family has come remarkably close to living a one-planet lifestyle while discovering greater freedom, generosity and connection along the way. Drawing on decades of personal experimentation, engineering, environmental advocacy and effective giving, Jon challenges many of our assumptions about wealth, work and what it means to live well. Our conversation explores the psychology of scarcity and abundance, practical ways to reduce consumption without sacrificing quality of life, the philosophy of effective giving, community resilience, and why individual actions still matter in the face of global challenges. Whether you're curious about simpler living, post-growth economics or creating a life more aligned with your values, this episode offers both inspiration and practical ideas for living well while treading more lightly on the Earth. Voices of the New Economy is a collaborative storytelling project of NENA. The podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network (HCN), an Anchor Organisation of NENA, as part of its commitment to strengthening economic literacy, amplifying community innovation, and supporting pathways to systemic change. Each episode features researchers, practitioners, organisers, and everyday changemakers working across disciplines and communities to re-imagine how our economies can serve people and planet. LISTEN & EXPLORE FURTHER A full companion article for this episode is available here. **Connect with NENA:** Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn **Connect with Humanitarian Changemakers Network (HCN):** Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn **Get involved:** NENA members and friends are warmly invited to participate in the podcast — as interviewees, storytellers, or contributors to the NENA Storytelling Hub. To get involved, visit the Hub page or email: [nena@neweconomy.org.au](mailto:nena@neweconomy.org.au)
Many of us have been taught that success means earning more, buying more and consuming more. But what if the opposite were true? What if living with less could actually lead to greater wellbeing…
