Greening Up My Act

Hosted by Kat Cox & Tiffany Verbeck

Business Marketing Leisure Science

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Episodes

122

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

For skeptics of products that claim to be sustainable, learn how to spot greenwashing in the wild. This sustainability podcast is hosted by two marketing pros — Kat and Tiff — who reveal the sneaky tactics brands use so you can avoid getting tricked by green hooey.

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 11038 min

DIY Deer Spray: A Putrid (But Eco-Friendly) Solution?

If you're wondering just how god awful (but useful!) DIY deer spray is, listen in as hosts Kat and Tiff discuss the pros and cons of making it yourself. Learn why critters constantly munching on your plants does not have to be your reality.What they discuss:DIY deer spray recipes (both smelly and less smelly options) and ethical bunny deterrentsTiffany's horrid experience making DIY deer spray when she was youngerStore-bought deer sprays and whether or not they workGet ready to stop deer and bunnies in their tracks.SourcesReddit (of course!) https://www.reddit.com/r/NativePlantGardening/comments/14f7b11/how_do_you_prevent_or_reduce_deer_from_destroying/Savvy Gardening - https://savvygardening.com/deer-proof-gardens/The Deer Guys - https://www.thedeerguys.com/blog-posts/what-is-the-best-homemade-deer-repellentLiquidFence - https://www.liquidfence.com/Farmer’s Almanac - https://www.almanac.com/5-natural-homemade-deer-repellents-actually-workPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

June 4, 2026Episode 10951 min

Container Gardens: Support Wildlife Even Without Space

Hosts Tiff and Kat share practical tips for incorporating native plants into small spaces like balconies and container gardens, and why it's so essential to start today. They explore native plant options and creative ways to contribute to local ecosystems, all while sharing personal stories and resources.They talk about:The ecological impact of habitat loss, the "windshield phenomenon," and the vital role of native plants in conservationPractical tips for container gardening: choosing containers, soil, plant selection, and seasonal careStrategies for advocating for native plants in public spaces, schools, and your broader communityCosts and money-saving tips on planting and container optionsGet ready to learn all about small space gardening, so you can contribute no matter how little space you have.SourcesNational Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/Small-Space-Wildlife-Gardening/Container-Gardening Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife With Native Plants, Douglas W. Tallamy: https://amzn.to/4uAiLML (affiliate link)Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windshield_phenomenon Their GUMA episode on bee hotels and native bees: https://www.greeningupmyact.com/1849707/episodes/14888630-are-bee-hotels-worth-the-space-in-your-gardenHome Depot for pricingPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

May 14, 202645 min

[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 should they be? Hosts Tiff and Kat answer:What eco-friendly claims do folks make about clover yards? Are they true?Why is Reddit so uncomfy?What are the disadvantages of clover lawns?Explore how to spot greenwashing in the world of clover lawns with your two favorite marketing writers in this upbeat sustainability podcast.SourcesMartha Stewart: https://www.marthastewart.com/8322420/clover-lawns Gardenia Creative Gardens: https://www.gardenia.net/guide/native-plant-alternatives-to-trifolium-repens Podcast: Backyard Ecology episode on clover: https://www.backyardecology.net/clovers-native-clover-conservation-clover-yards-and-more/ Reddit - No Lawns subreddit specifically covering Clover: https://www.reddit.com/r/NoLawns/wiki/meta/clover/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1#wiki_clover_controversy The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/all-about-clover-lawns-6362145Bob Vila: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/clover-lawn/ Wild Ones garden designs: https://nativegardendesigns.wildones.org/designs/ Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

April 30, 202645 min

[Replay] The Real Real About Essential Oils

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.In this episode of your favorite green living podcast, Tiff and Kat 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 up about green hooey and essential oils. Learn away!As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.What We Talked About:doTERRA Essential Oils Amazon (basic search for "essential oils")Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Lavender SoapSources:National Library of Medicine - Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents – Myth or Real Alternative?National Institutes of Health - Essential OilsNLM - Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils ASPCA - The essentials of essential oils around pets Cleveland Clinic - Essential Oils 101 Healthline - What Are Essential Oils? NLM - Aromatherapy for Health Care: An Overview of Systematic Reviews NLM - A Systematic Review of the Effect of Inhaled Essential Oils on SleepNLM - An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human HealthThe Kind Store - A Guide to Sustainable Essential OilsSustainably Chic - Are Essential Oils Sustainable?Red List of Threatened SpeciesPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

April 16, 202643 min

[Replay] Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner: You’ll Crap Your Pants at the Savings

Check out this revisit of one of our favorite previous episodes while we're on break! We're back from break June 4 to dive into our all new Get Your Hands Dirty season. In case you missed this the first time, here goes:Learn all about DIY all-purpose cleaner on this week's green living podcast with Tiffany and Kat. You'll save so much money with this easy recipe that you might just shit your shorts from excitement. This is one of those rare, truly sustainable and functional product winners. You're going to want to listen in.As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.What We BoughtDr. Bronner's Castille SoapSource LinksNational Library of Medicine for all-purpose cleaner definitionEnvironmental Working Group all-purpose cleaner ratings and a few other products ratingsThe Spruce’s 8 best all-purpose cleanersThree DIY all-purpose cleaner options from InsiderConsumer Reports for vinegar + stone countertopsCountertopSpecialty.com for hydrogen peroxide on countertops infoThe Kitchn for castile soap definition and all-purpose cleaner recipeDr Bronner’s website for info about its Castile soapNational Library of Medicine on antibacterial properties of peppermint.Bob Vila for castile soap on hardwoodAmazon and Target for pricesPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

April 2, 2026Episode 10851 min

Fjallraven: On Point or Overhyped?

To end their fashion-filled season, Kat and Tiff 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. Explore:Are Fjallraven products as durable as they claim?Can normal people afford Fjallraven?Are they as top-notch on their sustainability efforts as people assume?And more!SourcesFjallraven US online store: https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/Fjallraven sustainability page: https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/about/sustainability/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/181dp2n/fjallraven_opinions/Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/classic-fjallraven-kanken-backpack/Commons: https://brands.thecommons.earth/brand-rating/632/fjallravenGood On You: https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/fjallravenPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

March 26, 2026Episode 10752 min

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 a comeback, and why it matters more than ever for our planet.Join hosts Tiff and Kat as they unveil the fascinating techniques behind professional sewing repair shops like Amazing Garment Repair in Kansas City, where master French weavers and hand mend experts create near-invisible fixes that transform old, damaged garments into like-new treasures. Learn:How visible mending doubles as a trendy art form with over 20 million views on TikTok, blending style with sustainability.The detailed craft of reweaving, including French weaving that makes actual holes vanish without a trace.Practical tips on whether you can and should repair your own clothes, plus how much it costs to have skilled artisans do it for you.The emotional and societal significance: how repairing your wardrobe can reconnect you with traditions of craftsmanship, countering the throw-away culture driven by fast fashion.Policy ideas from the UK that could revolutionize how clothing is designed, produced, and disposed of — potentially changing the industry and reducing textile waste dramatically.SourcesAmazing Garment repair site: https://www.amazinggarmentrepair.comYelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amazing-garment-repair-overland-parkWirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/online-custom-tailors-review/NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/style/eva-joan-clothing-repair-shop.htmlSustainability Journal: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7616726/ Eva Joan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evajoanrepair/Earth.org: https://earth.org/how-repairing-clothes-slows-down-climate-change/ Earth.org: https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/ UNEP: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/putting-brakes-fast-fashionRepair What You Wear: https://repairwhatyouwear.comPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

March 19, 2026Episode 10642 min

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 plastic bottles, discuss whether their sustainability certifications hold up, and explore deeper concerns like microplastics and the true environmental impact of fast fashion. You'll learn how their innovative 3D knitting process reduces waste, but also how their rapid expansion into new styles and materials may dilute their eco-efforts.They break down:The real story behind their recycled plastic shoes and their plastic bottle savingsHow credible their third-party certifications like LEED, TRUE, and SCS really areThe hidden costs of microplastics from washable shoesWhy greenwashing is more common than you think and how to spot itThe broader implications of consumerism and fast fashion’s impact on our environmentSourcesRunRepeat: https://runrepeat.com/womens-shoe-statisticsFashion for Good: https://www.fashionforgood.com/innovation-platform-2/how-it-works/footwear-circularity/Rothy’s website: https://rothys.com/Rothy’s sustainability page: https://rothys.com/pages/sustainabilityU.S. Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) TRUE - https://www.gbci.org/about-trueU.S. Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) LEED - https://www.usgbc.org/leedSCS Global: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/recycled-content-certificationGood On You: https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/rothysThe Commons: https://brands.thecommons.earth/brand-rating/122/rothy'sTrust Pilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/rothys.comPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

March 12, 2026Episode 10544 min

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 leather business is redefining sustainability in fashion, proving that luxury and responsibility can go hand-in-hand.SourcesHYER GOODS: https://hyergoods.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqCHYDvhwklE7ukgz8pTqNZVCcjDAPtUEt9pTPZpYAebENDzjiC The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/17/hyer-goods-luxury-brands-leather-recyclying The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/21/plight-of-child-workers-facing-cocktail-of-toxic-chemicals-exposed-by-report-bangladesh-tanneries Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/handbags/comments/17e95yu/comment/mk0nn2l/ Earth.org: https://earth.org/analysing-the-pros-and-cons-of-vegan-leather/ Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

March 5, 2026Episode 10453 min

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 using her resources to support the local art scene in Detroit. Also, learn about Tiffany's early lessons following a layoff.SourcesHope for Flowers: https://www.hopeforflowers.comHope for Flowers Sustainability Page: https://hopeforflowers.com/pages/sustainabilityGood On You: https://goodonyou.eco/what-is-slow-fashion/Printful: https://help.printful.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409129698962-How-is-print-on-demand-more-sustainable-than-traditional-manufacturingPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act