Greening Up My Act

Kat Cox & Tiffany Verbeck
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 5d ago

    Revisiting Vegetable Garden Costs: Year 1 vs. Year 10

    Is it cheaper to grow your own food over the long run? Most sources look at first-year costs, 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 they revisit this topic for a deeper dive into the reasons why — with the craziness of the world —you may want to actually consider becoming more self-sufficient.  Sources Blog of Gardening: https://www.bigblogofgardening.com/can-vegetable-garden-save-money-on-groceries/Farmers Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/how-save-vegetable-seedsBackyard Garden Lover: https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/9-vegetables-and-herbs-that-could-cut-your-grocery-bill-by-400-this-year/Food Forest Living: https://foodforestliving.com/31-ways-growing-vegetables-is-cheaper-than-buying-them/NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/28/nx-s1-5836525/affordability-report-brookings-inflation-wagesPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    55 min

  2. Jun 18

    Mulch: 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. Hosts Tiff and Kat cover all things mulch this week — and it's way more interesting than even they expected. What they cover: 3 main ways mulch helps your gardenWhat is organic mulch? And the typesWhere to find free organic mulchWhy to avoid dyed mulch like the plagueWhat is living mulch?Listen in if you're ready to stop asking yourself, 'Why is my pollinator garden dying?' every year.  Sources Evolution of Hardwood Mulch article: https://www.ruppertlandscape.com/evolution-hardwood-mulch/Mulch as a Drylands Strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1cgx33E3LM University of Michigan leaf mulch study: https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/mitgc/article/199866b.pdf University of California Cooperative Extension water retention and mulch study: https://ucanr.edu/media/305486Plants journal: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10975533/ University of California pamphlet: https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2026-02/UCANR%20Mulches%20for%20Landscapes%20by%20Downer%20and%20Faber.pdf Gardening Know How on eco-friendly mulch: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/best-eco-friendly-mulch Growing a Greener World on mulch certification: https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/is-your-mulch-safe-heres-how-to-find-out/ Mulch and Soil Council guide: https://mulchandsoilcouncil.org/pdf/Education/2013_Mulch_Selection_Guidev3.pdf Edge of the Woods Nursery on living mulch: https://edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/living-mulch-part-one-an-ecological-alternative-to-wood-mulch Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    1 hr

  3. Jun 11

    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. Sources Reddit (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/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    39 min

  4. Jun 4

    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. Sources National 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/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    52 min

  5. May 14

    [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. Sources Martha 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/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    46 min

  6. Apr 30

    [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/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    45 min

  7. Apr 16

    [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 Bought Dr. Bronner's Castille SoapSource Links National 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/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    44 min

  8. Apr 2

    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!Sources Fjallraven 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/greeningupmyact Instagram: @greeningupmyact Facebook: Greening Up My Act Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com YouTube: Greening Up My Act

    51 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kat Cox & Tiffany Verbeck
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Greening Up My Act
  • Show Website
    Greening Up My Act

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