Greening Up My Act: A Sustainable Living Podcast
The everyday sustainability podcast that helps you live a little greener, without the guilt trips, jargon, or pressure to be perfect. We're breaking down hundreds of hours of research into what actually makes an impact, and what you can skip.
Hosted by current marketer, Kat Cox, and former marketer turned native landscape designer, Tiffany Verbeck, you'll come away feeling like sustainability is doable — through real DIY swaps, native plant tips, and honest call-outs on the brands trying to greenwash their way into your cart.
As our listeners put it, we "cut through the jargon" to make sustainable living "easy to understand and enjoy at the same time." Hit follow and let's dive in.
Episodes
132 episodes
Are Solar Lights Actually Bad for the Environment?
If you have heard negative things about solar power, you might be asking yourself are solar lights eco-friendly, or not? We look at solar lights' environmental impact (from manufacturing to disposal), whether or not you can recycle solar lights...
Ways to Upcycle Your Outdoor Space (and Still Make It Cute)
Upcycled outdoor furniture is often greener than buying new — and can still be cute as hell. If an upcycled outdoor space on a budget brings up images of shabby pallet couches and crooked DIY tables, never fear. Learn simple improvements that r...
Can Vertical Gardens Lower Your Cooling Costs?
If it's not data centers raising your energy bills, it's hotter days and months. Enter vertical gardens, also called green walls or living walls. We uncover whether green walls in urban spaces actually cool surface temperatures (you'll be shock...
Why Your Fear of Bugs Could Be Blocking a Greener Life
You lie awake at night and wonder if you're doing enough to help the future of the planet. But there's something very close to home that you can do to make an immediate impact: overcome your fear of insects. Tune in as we walk you through why i...
4 Ways Insect Decline Might Totally Change Your Future
Bugs are disappearing, which means way more than your windshield being cleaner than it used to be. If this scares you, soothe your panic with us as you learn what you can do to help the bug population, while understanding the link between insec...
Urban Farms vs. Urban Food Forests — Which Is Better?
Urban farms are all the rage, but there's a different idea that might be even more impactful — food forests. It might sounds like something out of Fern Gully, but food forests offer a real way to increase biodiversity, lower maintenance, and ad...
Is Dr. Bronner's Really Sustainable? With Outdoor Minimalist [Crossover]
Welcome to our first ever collab episode! Dr. Bronner's has long been considered the gold standard of sustainable soap. It's a staple in outdoor kits, zero-waste homes, and camping gear lists thanks to its versatility, plant-based ingredients, ...
Are Perennial Vegetables Worth the Money?
Vegetables you only have to plant once? Sounds like a dream come true. Except it might be slightly more complicated than that. Join hosts Tiff and Kat as they take you on a perennial vegetable journey — from good perennial vegetables for beginn...
Why Everyone Is Wrong About Vegetable Garden Costs
Sure, a vegetable garden can be expensive the first year. But hosts Kat and Tiff dive into vegetable garden costs over a span of a decade. Once you have your structures in place, what's your vegetable garden ROI typically look like? Join as the...
Mulch, or How to Keep a Pollinator Garden Alive
Sounds boring; isn't. Wondering how to grow a native garden? You might be surprised at the importance of a seemingly mundane addition: mulch. We cover all things mulch this week — and it's way more interesting than even they expected.Lea...
Does DIY Deer Spray Really Work?
If you're wondering just how god awful (but useful!) DIY deer spray is, listen in as we discuss the pros and cons of making it yourself. Learn why you don't need to accept critters constantly munching on your plants.
Which Native Plants Thrive in Container Gardens?
Small space doesn't have to mean small impact. Get practical tips for incorporating native plants into small areas like balconies and container gardens, and why it's so essential to start today. Join us to learn which native plant options are h...
[Replay] Can I Replace My Lawn with Clover?
In case you missed it the first time, take a listen to one of Tiff and Kat's favorite episodes during the break. They're back with season 10, all about getting your hands dirty outside, on June 4.Clover lawns are all the rage — but shou...
[Replay] The Real Real About Essential Oils
In case you missed it the first time, take a listen to one of our favorite episodes. In this episode, we come clean about essential oils and whether they're worth all the hype -- or hate. Spoiler: it's complicated. There's a lot of info to soak...
[Replay] Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner: You’ll Crap Your Pants at the Savings
Check out this revisit of one of our favorite previous episodes! In case you missed this the first time, learn all about the awesomeness of DIY all-purpose cleaner. You'll save money and time spent restocking with this easy recipe that might ju...
Fjallraven: On Point or Overhyped?
To end their fashion-filled season, we examine one of the most popular sustainably brands: Fjallraven. Learn what sustainability promises they're making and whether or not they're following through with them, and where they may be falling short...
Amazing Garment Repair: A Mom-and-Pop You Can Use From Anywhere
If you're tossing holey sweaters or ripped jeans into the landfill every year, you might be surprised how simple repairs could extend their life and slash waste. In this episode, discover how the old-fashioned art of clothing mending is making ...
Rothy's: Washable, “Sustainable” Shoes?
Discover the truth behind Rothy’s, the popular eco-friendly shoe company, and whether they’re genuinely making a difference or just greenwashing to sell more shoes. In this episode, hosts Kat and Tiff unpack Rothy’s claims to use recycled plast...
Upcycled Leather Handbags: Animal Skin That’s Been Around the Block
Leather can come at a devastating human and environmental cost — but what if the leather in a new bag could avoid that problem? Hosts Tiff and Kat talk about Dana Cohen, founder of HYER GOODS. Learn how her small-batch, deadstock Italian leathe...
Slow Fashion: The Search For Anti-Fast Fashion Choices
In this episode, hosts Kat and Tiffany explore slow fashion clothing brand Hope for Flowers, built by designer Tracy Reese. Learn how the slow fashion movement offers more sustainable clothing choices, what it costs, and how Tracy Reese is usin...
Silk: Debating the Ethics of The Ethical Silk Company
It's right there in the name: ethical silk. But what does that mean? And can "cruelty-free sleepwear" be sustainable? Find out as we look into the Ethical Sleep Company and their eco claims, from peace silk production to Fair Trade Certificatio...
Sustainable Underwear: Is It Worth It to Go Organic Under There?
Underwear is the foundation of your wardrobe, and what you wear down there can have a bigger impact on your health than other pieces of clothing. So is it worth it to go organic for your women's undies? Take a look at Pact and their 100% organi...
Organic Cotton Leggings: An Eco-Friendly Sweatfest
In the era of athleisurewear and comfort clothing, should you sweat buying organic cotton leggings? We take a look at MATE the Label and see if their sustainability claims hold up. SourcesThe Good Trade: https://www.t...
Our 100th Episode!
It's our 100th episode! Most podcasts don't make it past three, so we're pretty proud of ourselves. Pop the bubbly and join us on a retrospective of all we've learned and what we're looking forward to. And THANK YOU for listening all this time!...
Quince: Can They Balance Sustainability With Affordable Luxury?
We may be the only podcast currently in existence that isn't sponsored by Quince. They bill themselves as providing quality, sustainable items at an affordable price. Is that possible? Find out this week as we take a look at Quince and their su...