Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. Get tips on how to make it through this season without going into debt (emotional or economic) in our annual anti-Black Friday gift guide. We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season full of light, warmth, and love. Season 6 starts early January 2025! Sources: CNBC - What Not to Buy This Year- https…

Your favorite green living podcast is back with a preview of our sixth (!!!) season. It's been a rough couple of months for a number of reasons (check out our Patreon for a full run-through) but we are coming back in January 2025 with Season 6: Political Action! We'll be talking about: how voting affects green policies how to lobby your U.S. govern…

Did you know there are over 400,000 eco-friendly hotels around the world? Join Tiff and Kat in exploring how to identify these hidden gems in the wild and what they're doing to combat overtourism. We're going through a lot right now so we need to take a break until early 2025! Sources: NatGeo - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what…

Rockefeller-founded brand Paravel claims to make the "world's first carbon-neutral suitcases." The company's mission is also to make the world a better place. Are either of these things realistic? Join marketing writers Tiff and Kat as they explore the highfalutin world of luxury sustainable travel in your favorite sustainability podcast. Sources P…

Airplanes and passenger jets get a lot of flak for emissions and pollution. But just how much does your flight overseas affect climate change? And what are scientists and the government doing to try and fix it? Find out in this week's episode of your favorite green living podcast. Sources: Kat’s rocket scientist sister Our World in Data - Sector by…

15-minute cities are a bit of a head-scratcher. On the one hand, hosts Tiff and Kat talk through beautiful examples of real cities becoming more walkable and bikeable. But on the other hand, there are some truly wild 15-minute city conspiracy theories around the topic. Let's get into it! Sources Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industri…

Find out if an electric scooter (e-scooter) is the green transportation choice of your dreams or if it's all just a green hooey fantasy in the lastest episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. Sources: Reddit post - https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricScooters/comments/cnhox6/escooters_are_worse_for_the_environment_than_many/ - Are e-scooters p…

Is ridesharing more sustainable than owning a car? Let's find out together on this episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. Hosts Tiff and Kat explain the (slightly shocking) study results, Uber's "road to zero emissions," and more. Vroom vroom! Sources HyreCar sustainability claims: https://www.hyrecar.com/environmental-benefits-ridesharin…

We're back from summer break and ready to talk about public transit -- specifically, buses. Are they a better option for sustainable transportation? And why can't America get its act together when it comes to public bus systems? Sources MIT Climate Portal Explainer - Public Transportation - https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/public-transportation W…

Ever wonder if passenger trains are actually a sustainable form of transport? Learn all about that in the newest episode of this fun sustainability podcast! Tiffany also covers her disaster of a cross-country Amtrak train trip in 2018 (and how to do it right if you're considering buying your own Amtrak tickets). Sources Boston Consulting Group: htt…

How much of an impact can you make on carbon emissions by choosing to ride your bicycle instead of driving? And is it always the best choice? Kat and Tiff put their bike helmets back on to discuss the pros and cons of being a bike commuter (or casual rider) in America. Sources UCLA Transportation - How Riding a Bike Benefits the Environment - https…

In our 50th (!!!) episode, Tiffany teaches Kat about the idea of "clean diesel" and how the U.S. government has been pushing it. Does it exist? Is it something you can use to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? Or is it just a bunch of green hooey? Sources EPA on NOx: https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution/basic-information-about-no2 US Department of En…

We're starting off season 5 with a controversial chat about electric vehicles and whether they're worth the switch. Subscribe to our new Patreon to get exclusive content and support the podcast! www.patreon.com/greeningupmyact Sources: NPR - EV Batteries Hurt the Environment, but Gas Cars are Still Worse - https://www.npr.org/2024/05/09/1250212212/…

Hooray! Kat and Tiff are so excited to announce they launched a Patreon. If you're looking to support an independent podcast and you get value from their show, they'd love the support. The cost of one cup of coffee a month gives you a bonus episode every month (even between seasons)! Head here to sign up: patreon.com/GreeningUpMyAct Patreon: patreo…

In the final episode of season 4, Kat and Tiff may break your heart a little as we discuss the truth about large-scale tree planting programs. But don't worry -- there's some hope for the forests. Season 5: Travel and Transportation starts June 4! Sources: U.S. Forest Service Plant-a-Tree Program - https://plantatree.fs.usda.gov/ Yale Environment 3…

Where exactly do you put compost? If you're as lost as Tiffany and Kat were, learn 9 easy ways to use compost. Whether you buy compost or make it, your favorite sustainability podcast is here to bring you all the tips on adding it to your indoor and outdoor plants. Sources NYC Compost Project: https://earthmatter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tip-…

Xeriscaping literally means "dry-scaping", and it's been popular in desert towns in the U.S. since the 80s and 90s. But it's got a lot of promise for fixing the issues you may have with making an eco-friendly lawn even if cactus isn't your aesthetic. Get some tips for xeriscaping on a budget in this episode of your favorite greenliving podcast. BON…

This week on your favorite sustainability podcast, Tiffany teaches Kat about bee hotels and whether they're really saving the right bees. Watch out for tarantula hawks and the Wasp Surprise! Sources: UC Davis on ‘beewashing’: https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30929 Scientific journal PLOS One study on bee hotels: https://journ…

What do you do when you've grown too many tomatoes? Other than pawning them off on coworkers, you can try canning. But is this home method something anyone can do? Or is it just the realm of doomsday preppers and stay-at-home trad wives? Explore the eco-friendliness of home canning with Kat and Tiff in the latest episode of your favorite sustainabi…

Are biodegradable flower pots full of greenwashing? It depends. Listen as hosts Tiff and Kat jump over the moon for CowPots (and trip and fall over others). Find out what biodegradable plant pots are made of, how they work, and which ones studies say work best in this episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. Sources CowPots website: https:/…

Spring has sprung and gardeners across the U.S. are planting their vegetable gardens. Find out if growing your own tomatoes will reduce your carbon impact and save you money in the latest episode of your favorite green living podcast. Sources: The Garden Continuum - 6 environmental and health benefits of growing your own food - https://www.thegarde…

Word on the street is that leaving your leaves on your lawn -- rather than keeping up with perfect lawn care -- is better for the environment. But is it? Marketing writers Tiff and Kat explore potential greenwashing behind the popular hashtag in this fun episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. Sources Treehugger: https://www.treehugger.com…

Hardscaping isn't one of those flashy lawn replacement movements that you hear about on Instagram, but it's got some pretty interesting benefits. Listen as Kat and Tiff walk you through this underrated aspect of sustainable landscaping. Sources: The Spruce - What is Hardscape? https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-hardscape-2131060 Ernest Maier - 7 Ben…

Tiff and Kat take you through the pros and cons of the wildflower lawn movement -- the kinder, gentler alternative to turf lawns that could be a gateway drug to overthrowing your HOA. Explore how to spot greenwashing in the world of wildflower and meadow lawns with your two favorite marketing writers in this upbeat sustainability podcast. Sources: …

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 sustainab…

Is your turf grass destroying the planet — or is it more complicated than that? Welcome to season 4 of your favorite sustainability podcast, where hosts Tiff and Kat head to the Great Outdoors. In this episode, learn about potential greenwashing behind the no mow movement, whether not cutting grass for bees makes a real difference, and if you shoul…

Good news and bad news, friends of Greening Up My Act! The bad news: We had to delay season 4 until February 20. The good news: We have a whole new format which will be easier for us and more fun for you! Tune in Tuesday, February 20 wherever you get podcast. And thank you <3 Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook…

Have you heard that dry shampoo causes cancer? In our last episode of season 3 (and first of 2024!), Kat and Tiff dig deeper into the savior of every harried working woman to find out if dry shampoo is as bad as you may have heard for your health or the environment and come up with more hope than you might expect. What we used: Batiste Dry Shampoo …

In this bonus episode of your favorite sustainability podcast, Kat and Tiff look back at the past year — and forward to the next year. Learn to set realistic green New Year's resolutions that you both care about and you can accomplish. And just remember: Progress wasn't built in a day. Or Rome. But also progress. Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyac…

There are an estimated 550 billion cotton swabs thrown out every year. Now that's a statistic! So what's the alternative? In this greenwashing podcast, marketing writers Tiff and Kat examine the company LastObject's LastSwab and LastRound. The hosts say "swab" far too many times while determining if LastObject is full of it — or legit. As an Amazon…

Washing your hands is probably second nature since the onset of the Plague 2.0, but the big question is: Which soap to use? And if you're interested in living as sustainably as possible, which soap has the least impact on the environment? Join marketing writers Tiff and Kat in this week's deep dive into potential greenwashing behind bar soap vs. li…

The horribly named "no poo" movement may need marketing help, but solid shampoo companies are making big claims. It's supposed to be "more sustainable shampoo," "plastic-free shampoo," "naked," "clean," or "vegetarian" choices. Are these claims just greenwashing (a.k.a. green hoey)? Or not? Find out from marketing writer hosts Tiff and Kat, along w…

If you find it hard to draw a line between "sustainable" and "non-toxic" products in the greenwashed landscape, marketing writers Tiff and Kat are right there with you. Join them this week as they explore the sustainability of makeup brand Beautycounter and see if it passes muster. What we used Beautycounter makeup - Beautycounter.com Sources Abses…

Stinky stories abound about natural deodorant: "It doesn't work. I still smelled like sh*t. My family started to avoid me." You get the picture. Marketing writers Tiffany and Kat cut through the greenwashing so you don't have to wonder if it actually helps the earth. Learn this and much more in this fun sustainability podcast. As an Amazon Associat…

It's Thanksgiving, which means the consumer season is upon us! Skip Black Friday's buying frenzy this year and be grateful for what you have with our first Anti-Black Friday Gift Guide. Whether you make your own gifts, give digital gifts, buy local, or choose to opt out and maybe just give your time and affection this year, Tiff & Kat have a few id…

Is there such a thing as green wrapping paper or eco-friendly holiday cards? Join hosts Tiff and Kat on this sleigh ride of an episode to learn the answer, and how to avoid becoming 25% more wasteful during the holiday season. They discuss DIY wrapping paper and holiday cards, or if you ain't got time for that, more eco-friendly options from the st…

Find out if toilet papers or bidets are more sustainable and count how many times Kat can say "butthole" in this week's episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links. What we used: Who Gives a Crap Bamboo Toilet Paper Tushy Bidet Sources: Cottonelle - How …

What the heck are toothpaste tabs? Do they work? And are they more sustainable? Your hosts Tiff and Kat walk you through the marketing behind the company Bite, what Tiffany's dentist has to say about these Bits, and whether they're actually less wasteful in this fun and funky sustainability podcast. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying p…

In their bloodiest episode yet, marketing writers Kat and Tiff dive into reusable period products. (Freddy Kreuger ain't got nothing on them!) Get over your squeamishness and explore the impact tampons and pads have on the environment plus whether or not reusable products like menstrual cups and period panties are worth it. Join your favorite susta…

Be afraid... be very afraid... of your plastic Halloween costumes never degrading in the landfill. In this special Halloween episode, your favorite sustainability podcast hosts Kat and Tiff explore how to have a blast — maybe without the 16-foot skeletons. Listen as they chat about more eco-friendly costume ideas and how to do Halloween candy bette…

Learn why we've been talking so much trash about landfills throughout season 2 of your favorite sustainability podcast. Find out why you should be trying to keep stuff out of landfills in this mini-episode and get a teaser for what's up in season 3 (starting October 17)! Sources The EPA - https://www.epa.gov/landfills and https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/l…

Minimalism is way weirder than Tiff and Kat thought. In this episode, dive into whether or not The Minimalists' recommendations are actually eco-friendly. Plus, compare the pros and cons to the Buy Nothing Project and Swedish Death Cleaning. Does following The Minimalists' rules automatically lead to more sustainable living? Listen to find out. As …

Join Tiff & Kat in patting yourself on the back for bulk food shopping like a good American. Learn the pros and cons of bulk shopping, what makes it eco-friendly or less so, what the Dunning-Kruger effect is, and how old Kat's dog is in your favorite green living podcast. Sources Green Foot Mama - https://greenfootmama.com/bulk-buying-eco-friendly/…

Is the ugly food movement really saving wasted food from landfills, or is it literally stealing food from the mouths of the poor? Learn more in this week's episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. What we talked about: Imperfect Foods Hungry Harvest Sources: The Atlantic - Expiration Dates Are Meaningless https://www.theatlantic.com/health/…

Have you been marketed the Mill kitchen bin on Instagram and found yourself wondering, "What is this thing? Is it sustainable?" Well, maybe it will be in the future, but right now it's basically a half-drawn horse (which you should look up for a laugh). In this sustainability podcast episode, two marketing writers Kat and Tiff give you the scoop on…

Journey with your favorite sustainability podcast into the world of online consignment shopping like thredUP and learn more than you ever wanted to know about why fast fashion is THE WORST. Bonus: find out what FFF means to us and start chanting it under your breath every time you pass a clothing store. Sources: US News and World Report: 7 Top Onli…

We examine reusable straws, beeswax wrap, and silicone sandwich baggies to figure out if they're actually more eco-friendly. Is the benefit worth the cost? Find out in this fun overview from your favorite sustainability podcast. Spoiler: The real impact depends completely on how you use it. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.…

In this fun mini episode, learn how to reuse glass jars faster than you can say Classico marinara. Reusing is great! But it can be a pain in the patooty. That's why your favorite green living podcast is bringing all the tips to make it easier for you. Get rid of any lingering smells, obnoxious labels, and junky lids to be able to reuse your jars ov…

Join your favorite green living podcast on their first-ever cocktail hour recording as they explore alternative household waste collection service Ridwell! Drink along with a glass of rosé, red wine or a G&T and find out if this subscription service is better than Netflix or not worth the effort. Sources: Ridwell OPB: A Seattle-based startup challe…

There's still hope, we promise! In part 2 of our exploration of the dim world of plastics recycling, you'll learn: Where we are today and how we got here Whether recycling plastic is worth it Three proposed solutions -- and why there's always hope And more! Ride along with Tiff and Kat as we figure out whether or not plastics recycling is pure gree…