Greening Up My Act: A Sustainable Living Podcast

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.

Learn:

• 3 main ways mulch helps your garden
• Where to find free organic mulch
• Why is living mulch the coolest thing ever?

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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/305486
• Plants 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 

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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.

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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-repellent
• LiquidFence - https://www.liquidfence.com/
• Farmer’s Almanac - https://www.almanac.com/5-natural-homemade-deer-repellents-actually-work

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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 happy in containers, as well as strategies for advocating for native plants in public spaces, schools, and your broader community.

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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-garden
• Home Depot for pricing

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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.

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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-6362145
• Bob Vila: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/clover-lawn/ 
• Wild Ones garden designs: https://nativegardendesigns.wildones.org/designs/  

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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 up about green hooey and essential oils. Learn away!

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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 Soap

Sources

• National Library of Medicine - Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents – Myth or Real Alternative?
• National Institutes of Health - Essential Oils
• NLM -  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 Sleep
• NLM - An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human Health
• The Kind Store - A Guide to Sustainable Essential Oils
• Sustainably Chic - Are Essential Oils Sustainable?
• Red List of Threatened Species

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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 just make you shit your shorts from excitement. This is one of those rare, truly sustainable and functional product winners.

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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.

What We Bought

• Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap

Source Links

• National Library of Medicine for all-purpose cleaner definition
• Environmental Working Group all-purpose cleaner ratings and a few other products ratings
• The Spruce’s 8 best all-purpose cleaners
• Three DIY all-purpose cleaner options from Insider
• Consumer Reports for vinegar + stone countertops
• CountertopSpecialty.com for hydrogen peroxide on countertops info
• The Kitchn for castile soap definition and all-purpose cleaner recipe
• Dr Bronner’s website for info about its Castile soap
• National Library of Medicine on antibacterial properties of peppermint.
• Bob Vila for castile soap on hardwood
• Amazon and Target for prices

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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. 

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?

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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/fjallraven
• Good On You: https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/fjallraven

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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.

Sources

• Amazing Garment repair site: https://www.amazinggarmentrepair.com
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amazing-garment-repair-overland-park
• Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/online-custom-tailors-review/
• NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/style/eva-joan-clothing-repair-shop.html
• Sustainability 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-fashion
• Repair What You Wear: https://repairwhatyouwear.com

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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 savings
• How credible their third-party certifications like LEED, TRUE, and SCS really are
• The hidden costs of microplastics from washable shoes
• Why greenwashing is more common than you think and how to spot it
• The broader implications of consumerism and fast fashion’s impact on our environment

Sources

• RunRepeat: https://runrepeat.com/womens-shoe-statistics
• Fashion 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/sustainability
• U.S. Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) TRUE - https://www.gbci.org/about-true
• U.S. Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) LEED - https://www.usgbc.org/leed
• SCS Global: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/recycled-content-certification
• Good On You: https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/rothys
• The Commons: https://brands.thecommons.earth/brand-rating/122/rothy's
• Trust Pilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/rothys.com

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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.

Sources

• HYER 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/ 

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