Greening Up My Act

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 Garmen...

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 ho...

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=AfmBOoqCHYDvhwklE7ukgz8pTq...

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.

Sources

• Hope for Flowers: https://www.hopeforflowers.com
• Hope fo...

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 Certification and beyond.

Sources

• Ethical Silk Company website: https://theethicalsilkco.com/ 
• World Fair Trade Organization: https://wfto.com/our-fair-trade-system/our-10-principles-of-f...

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% organic cotton with us this week. 

Sources:

• Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/underwear-hygiene
• The Good Trade - https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/eth...

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.

Sources

• The Good Trade: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/mate-the-label-activewear-review/ 
• Change Climate Project: https://www.changeclimate.org/standards and https://explore.changeclimate.org/brand/mate-the-label 
• MATE The Label’s websi...

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!

Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyact
Instagram: @greeningupmyact
Facebook: Greening Up My Act
Email us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.com
YouTu...

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 sustainability claims (and likely lose out on any hope of ever being sponsored by them, ever).

Sources

• Quince website: https://www.quince.com 
• The Business of Fashion Podcast: ...

What if, instead of mindlessly buying another new outfit, you could just rent it? And what if you could stop the fashion industry from making up 10% of global emissions every year from manufacturing new clothing by stopping their need to make that new clothing? Take a look at Rent the Runway this week to find out if renting your clothes will solve all your green-living fashion problems, or just cause new ones.

Sources:
- Rent th...

Kids grow up so fast, but you've gotta' keep 'em clothed. Can supposedly sustainable children's clothing brands like Hanna Andersson meet the needs of eco-minded parents? Find out what sustainability claims are legit and which ones are just green hooey in our first episode of season nine. 

Sources 

• The Good Trade: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/organic-baby-clothes/
• Journal of Textile Science and Fashion...

**Ruby was Tiffany’s wonderful dog who went over the rainbow bridge this season. This Thanksgiving episode goes out to her. **

Want to have a less expensive and less wasteful Thanksgiving meal this year? Ok, we can’t promise it’ll be the best Thanksgiving ever, but we can give you tips to reduce how much food you waste and the overall cost of the meal. Plus, get some of our favorite recipes for day-of and leftovers in the last episo...

PFAS and other "forever chemicals" have been around a long time, but in recent years, they've been getting a lot of news. What are they? Why are they scary? And can you avoid getting them in your food? Get the scoop with a dash of measured hope in this week's episode of your favorite sustainability podcast.

Sources

• NIH - Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/to...

“What do you want for dinner?” is the worst question ever. Meal planning to the rescue! We know, we know — it's one of those things everyone tells you you should do. But find out why this little tweak is actually worth it, and how it will save you money, time, and sanity. Get tips on how to do it right, plus a free downloadable planner that Tiffany actively uses and swears by.

Sources

• Rutgers: https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/u...

If you run in certain circles, you may have heard about mushroom coffee. It's purportedly better for the environment and better for you than regular coffee. But will it scratch that morning coffee itch? And how true are those environmental or health claims? Explore this earthy trend with Tiff and Kat in your favorite sustainability podcast.

Sources

• Harvard Health Publishing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/mushroom...

Some people say we eat a credit card's worth of plastic every week — which is not true. But it still ain't great. In this episode, you'll learn the basics of where microplastics come from, how they may be impacting the environment and ourselves, along with steps to help limit your microplastic exposure. Let's all try not to panic together.

For more on plastic recycling, check out our episodes (16 & 17) here: ...

There's no denying veganism is better for the environment, and it can be better for your wallet. But there are some caveats, and health considerations. Get some facts this week in our episode on why you might consider going vegan and how to do it.

Sources

• NIH - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9024616/
• The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/vegan-diet-cuts-environmental-damage-cl...

Have you ever heard of “wood milk”? Well, it’s a joke, but a pretty controversial one. Dairy isn’t the only option for your milk these days, much to the chagrin of the USDA and the dairy industry. But there are so many options to choose from, it can make your head spin. What’s the environmentally-friendly choice? And are they more expensive than cow’s milk? Take a bath in some plant-based milk (mylk? melk? milkk?) this week.

Sources

Should you buy produce "in season"? Why? And what does that even mean? How do you find out what's in season? Find out if seasonal produce is better for you or cheaper in this week's episode.

Sources

• Seasonal Food Guide - https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/why-eat-seasonally
• American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/07/12/why-seasonal-eating-can-be-a-healthy-delight
• Clemson Cooperat...