What is Blended Tribes?
A Harmonious Fusion of Sustainable Living
Blended Tribes is not just a name; it's a convergence of diverse ideas, philosophies, and approaches curated to empower you in the pursuit of a well-lived life. Through the lens of sustainability, we blend essential principles from minimalism, essentialism, stoicism, and other mindful ideologies to craft exceptional content that guides you towards making better living through choices.
Elevating Sustainability: A Joyful Journey
When contemplating sustainable living, do you imagine an austere existence, far removed from comfort and convenience? At Blended Tribes, we believe sustainability isn't about sacrifice; it's about living better through thoughtful choices. Luxurious choices can be sustainable, from relishing fresh organic produce, building a vintage wardrobe, or decorating your space with retro home décor. Detaching from excessive consumerism and embracing what is essential leads to a life that demands less money, time, and effort – a true indulgence.
Empower Yourself: Tune Out the Noise
Ignore the monotonous hum of consumerism and liberate yourself from societal expectations. You don’t need as much as you think. Embrace the freedom that comes with less stuff. Cultivate discernment, be patient in curating your life, and envision it as a masterpiece. Each addition, whether a vintage watch or sustainably made soap, is a deliberate choice.
Sustainability, far from sacrifice, is about discernment – crafting a high-quality life with carefully chosen items, activities, and connections. A life that is not about accumulation but about thoughtful choices, providing space and time for what truly matters. Owning belongings you love, not just things, fosters freedom by reducing the burden of maintenance and storage, granting you the liberty to focus on what truly enriches your life.
The Reality of Sustainability
It’s important to recognize that absolute sustainability is a challenging feat for the average person. Our goal is to make choices that reduce our footprint responsibly without forsaking modern living. While not every purchase can be vintage or recycled, the preference lies in repairing or repurposing whenever possible. Balancing necessity with sustainability is the key.
Beyond Possessions: Nurturing Quality Lives
Blended Tribes encourages a return to quality, not just in ownership but in personal development. Escape the treadmill of consumer culture that perpetuates the cycle of work and consumption. Slow down collectively, elevate the richness of your existence, and become better individuals.
Find Your Authentic Space
Within the content of Blended Tribes, discover ideas, individuals, and products that guide you through the consumer minefield, helping you construct a life that nourishes your heart, mind, and spirit.
My Story
Tony "Zig" Zagelow • Human - Planet Earth
Past
As a native Oregonian, Tony's journey spans over 35 years in designing and constructing the built environment. Growing up on construction sites as the son of a general contractor and real estate developer laid the foundation for his expertise. Throughout his childhood and college years, he worked with my father, honing design and construction skills that have become the pillars of his career. These formative experiences cultivated his understanding of good design, project execution, and the pursuit of efficiency to reduce waste and enhance profitability.
In the last two decades, his focus expanded to encompass diverse mechanical, energy, and sustainability projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. He dedicated years to control contracting, gaining proficiency in building automation design and energy analysis. The pursuit of comprehensive skills led him to earn an MBA with a concentration in management, empowering him in market research, negotiation, project creation, sales, incentive procurement, financial analysis, and consultation.
To deepen his understanding of natural systems and incorporate biomimicry and biophilia into his work, he earned a Permaculture Design Certification under the guidance of Toby Hemenway at Portland State University. Guided by the 12 permaculture design principles, these philosophies shape his approach and processes.
Water management holds a significant place in his interests. He advocate for rainwater harvesting, graywater re-use, and water conservation as vital tools in addressing the global water crisis. His sincere belief is that optimizing water systems is crucial for ensuring water security in our planet's future.
Present
After years of collaborating with municipalities and corporations, Tony embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Panama City, Panama. He seek a simpler life and a focus on aiding others in living better. The launching of Blended Tribes serves as a resource for those caught in the daily grind, guiding them towards better living through better choices.
Future
The future is ours to shape—yours, his, everyones. We have the power to redefine success, luxury, and living well. Our intentional choices, can break us free from the norms of the masses, allow us to craft a new world where we determine the meaning of things. Join him and others of the Blended Tribes community in this transformative journey.