Greening Up My Act

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=30929Scientific journal PLOS One study on bee hotels: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122126 Xerces Society: We should focus on habitat, not honey bees: https://www.xerces.org/blog/want-to-save-bees-focus-on-habitat-not-honey-bees “Honey bees are not in peril. These bees are”: https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/2023/1/19/23552518/honey-bees-native-bees-decline University of Minnesota Extension: Wasps are passive pollinators: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/wasps-are-gardeners-friend Songbird Essentials Bee Hotel: https://nature-niche.com/products/bee-insect-hotelInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

Join two marketing writers as they dig deep into our trash piles, look past the marketing fluff, and discover the truth behind our current solutions to waste. In season 2 of Greening Up My Act, learn answers to questions like:Did I get swindled into buying a reusable Ziploc bag?  Does my trash actually get recycled or is that arrow symbol a bunch of green hooey?What's up with this newfangled home composting device called Mill?What the eff is Swedish death cleaning?Hosts Kat and Tiff can't wait to continue your favorite green living podcast by diving into all these trashy topics with you.Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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. BONUS CONTENT: A bit about rain barrels!As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.PBS Newshour - What is xeriscaping? How you can turn your lawn into a sustainable oasis - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-xeriscaping-offers-a-water-efficient-environmentally-friendly-alternative-to-lawnsBudget Dumpster - How to Xeriscape on a Budget for an Eco-Friendly Yard - https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-xeriscape-your-yard/EcoWatch - Xeriscaping: Everything You Need to Know - https://www.ecowatch.com/xeriscaping-facts-ecowatch.htmlDeseret - Xeriscaping Drawbacks (from 1990!) https://www.deseret.com/1990/8/1/18874220/xeriscaping-drawbacks/Today’s Homeowner - States Where It Is Illegal to Collect Rainwater - https://todayshomeowner.com/gutters/guides/states-where-it-is-illegal-to-collect-rainwater/FCMP Outdoor RC4000-BRN 50-Gallon BPA Free Flat Back Home Rain Catcher Water Storage Collection Barrel for Watering Outdoor Plants & Gardens, Brown - https://amzn.to/3QbsqHgInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 sustainability podcast. Bonus: count how many times Kat mentions asparagus.Sources:Clemson College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences - Canning Foods at Home - https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/canning-foods-at-home/All Recipes - I Was Legitimately Terrified to Can My Own Food, but I Just Learned How — And You Can Too - https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-can-food/Jar Store How To - Why You Should Try Canning Your Own Vegetables at Home! - https://jarstore.com/blog/?p=why-you-should-try-canning-your-own-vegetables-at-homeGreen Living Detective - How Green Is It to Can Food at Home? - https://www.greenlivingdetective.com/how-green-is-it-to-can-food-at-home/Melissa K Norris - Is Home Canning Really Worth It? - https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/is-home-canning-really-worth-it-does-it-save-money-to-can-at-homeCDC - Home Canning and Botulism - https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/home-canning-and-botulism.htmlUSDA - How long can you keep canned foods? - https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-canned-goodsInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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.SourcesCowPots website: https://cowpots.com/Biodegradable pot trial: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/b802d35a-acf9-4af8-ac90-86d48343570f/downloads/2016%20Poster%20from%20MSU.pdf?ver=1705439455031EPA review of CowPots: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/documents/profile-freunds-farm-september2017_0.pdf University of Guelph on manure: https://ses.uoguelph.ca/what-does-manure-have-do-climate-change Farmer’s Almanac: DIY pots https://www.almanac.com/10-biodegradable-planting-pots-and-how-make-your-ownInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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.thegardencontinuum.com/blog/the-6-environmental-and-health-benefits-of-growing-your-own-foodInvestopedia - The Cost Effetiveness of Growing a Garden - https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0312/the-true-cost-of-growing-a-garden.aspxTreehugger - How to prevent food waste in your garden - https://www.treehugger.com/how-prevent-food-waste-garden-5201349Empress of Dirt - 10 Garden Mistakes That Waste Money - https://empressofdirt.net/garden-mistakes-waste-money/Earth 911 - Home “Eco”nomics - Vegetable Gardens - https://earth911.com/home-garden/home-economics-vegetable-gardens/Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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. SourcesTreehugger: https://www.treehugger.com/is-it-better-to-rake-or-leave-leaves-4864213 National Wildlife Federation: https://blog.nwf.org/2014/11/what-to-do-with-fallen-leaves/ Canadian Press: https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/don-t-rake-leaves-ncc-1.4887187 EPA Environmental Fact Sheet: Yard Waste Composting: https://shorturl.at/cdfIXYouTuber E Fleming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRVVtIf2ubw Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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-2131060Ernest Maier - 7 Benefits of Adding Hardscaping to Your Outdoor Living - https://ernestmaier.com/7-benefits-of-adding-hardscaping-to-your-outdoor-living/Unit Paving - A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Hardscape Design - https://unitpaving.com/a-beginners-guide-to-sustainable-hardscape-designEPA - Greenscaping Brochure - https://archive.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/tools/greenscapes/web/html/brochure.htmlWater Conservation for Lawn and Landscape - Using Sustainable Hardscaping Materials - https://landscape-water-conservation.extension.org/using-sustainable-hardscape-materialsAustin Impervious Cover Calculation Criteria - https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/environmental_criteria_manual?nodeId=S1WAQUMA_1.8.0IMCOCACRInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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:American Meadows - Plant a Wildflower Lawn & Transform Your Yard to a Pollinator Paradise - https://www.americanmeadows.com/content/wildflowers/inspiration/get-this-look-pollinator-yardNational Wildlife Federation - Greening Your Homeowners Association - https://www.nwf.org/Home/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2022/Feb-Mar/Gardening/HOAsScience Alert - Replacing Your Lawn with Wildflowers Has Loads of Benefits - https://www.sciencealert.com/replacing-your-lawn-with-wildflowers-has-loads-of-benefitsFamily Handyman - 7 Things to Consider Before Planting a Wildflower Meadow - https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/wildflower-meadow/Holland Wildflower Farm - Comparing the Cost of Wildflower Seed to Lawn Grass Seed - https://hollandwildflowerfarm.com/compare-wildflower-seed-cost-to-lawn-grass/Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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/  Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 should nix your lawn altogether.Discover Magazine on lawns: https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/your-perfect-lawn-is-bad-for-the-environment-heres-what-to-do-insteadNational Resources Defense Council on lawns: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/more-sustainable-and-beautiful-alternatives-grass-lawnThe Guardian on lawns: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jul/31/this-heatwave-is-a-reminder-that-grass-lawns-are-terrible-for-the-environmentScientific American on lawns: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/the-american-obsession-with-lawns/Grist on tree cover in low-income neighborhoods: https://grist.org/cities/tree-cover-race-class-segregation/ Jacobin on Green Jobs Programs: https://jacobin.com/2023/10/biden-administration-climate-corps-shortcomings-green-new-deal-jobs-guarantee Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 <3Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 ShampooSources:The Earthling Co., What’s Wrong with Aerosol Dry Shampoo?- https://theearthlingco.com/blogs/news/what-s-wrong-with-aerosol-dry-shampooAllure, Is It Time to Quit Dry Shampoo? https://www.allure.com/story/dry-shampoo-riskOur Endangered World, Is Dry Shampoo Bad? https://www.ourendangeredworld.com/is-dry-shampoo-bad/Propane.com, Propane and the Environment - https://propane.com/environment/myth-busting/Clarify Green, Environmentally Friendly Dry Shampoo You Should Try! https://clarifygreen.com/environmentally-friendly-dry-shampoo-you-should-try/Fact.MR, Dry Shampoo Market Outlook – https://www.factmr.com/report/4300/dry-shampoo-marketTime, Popular Dry Shampoos Found to Have Cancer-Causing Chemical - https://time.com/6227492/dry-shampoo-benzene-cancer/Good Housekeeping, 5 DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes That Really Work - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g35215439/diy-dry-shampoo-recipes/Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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.Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.What We AnalyzedLastSwab from LastObject: https://amzn.to/3tvBUVJLastRound from LastObject: https://amzn.to/4avYwG3SourcesLastObject’s website: https://lastobject.com/The Guardian on cotton water usage: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/mar/20/cost-cotton-water-challenged-india-world-water-dayNIH on using cotton swabs: https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/have-you-heard/cotton-swabs-earsUNC Health article called Put the Cotton Swab Down: https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/put-the-cotton-swab-down-clean-your-ears-safely/Tilted Map’s review of LastObject: https://www.tiltedmap.com/lastswab-vs-earthsider-review-zero-waste-greenwashing/MaterialsToday study on polypropylene: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214785321075969Plantish on the wastefulness of cotton: https://plantishfuture.com/blogs/zero-waste-living/the-waste-from-disposable-cotton-roundsGoing Zero Waste blog on homemade cotton rounds: https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/diy-cotton-rounds/Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance article on the reliability of company’s carbon footprint: https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2021/10/04/the-reliability-of-your-companys-carbon-footprint/Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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. liquid soap to learn which type of soap reigns supreme for washing germs down the drain without taking the Earth down the drain with it. What we usedDr. Bronner’s Castile Soap - https://amzn.to/3QJbEiaSourcesFDA: FAQs on Soap - https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/frequently-asked-questions-soapThe Good Boutique: The Environmental Impact of Liquid Soap - https://www.thegoodboutique.com/inspiration/the-environmental-impact-of-liquid-soap-why-bar-soap-is-a-better-choiceCleveland Clinic: Triclosan - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24280-triclosanWFLA: Soap Showdown: Bar soap vs liquid soap for your daily cleanse - https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/soap-showdown-bar-soap-vs-liquid-for-your-daily-cleanseFDA: Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water - https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-waterMinnesota Environmental Health Division of the Minnesota Dept of Health, Tricolosan and Drinking Water - https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/risk/docs/guidance/dwec/triclosaninfo.pdfNIH - Environmental impact of increased soap consumption during COVID-19 pandemic: biodegradable soap production and sustainable packaging - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8272010/The Healthy - Is Liquid Soap Better than Bar Soap? - https://www.thehealthy.com/skin-health/bar-soap-vs-liquid-soap/Huffpost Chemical Marketplace: Bar Soap vs Liquid Soap - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chemical-marketplace-bar_b_2104678What’s Your Impact? Liquid vs Bar soap, which is more environmentally friendly - https://whatsyourimpact.org/the-eco-guide/liquid-vs-bar-soap-which-more-environmentally-friendlySlate - Is Dove Soap Actually Soap? - https://slate.com/technology/2020/04/what-is-soap-coronavirus.htmlLovely Greens - 7 Ways to Make Soap - https://lovelygreens.com/5-ways-to-make-handmade-soap/Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 with one free trick that may be an even better use of your time in this funky sustainability podcast.What We AnalyzedLush Shampoo Bar's website: https://www.lush.com/us/en_us/c/shampoo-barsSourcesTreehugger on plastic waste in products: https://www.treehugger.com/incredibly-simple-solution-plastic-packaging-waste-4857081National Geographic on shampoo bars: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/shampoo-bar-sustainable-toiletries-plastic-freeMadeHow.com on how regular shampoo is made: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Shampoo.html#google_vignetteBBC on homemade shampoo and the climate: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220407-are-homemade-shampoos-better-for-the-climateSuper useful Swiss study by Hanna Kröhnert and Matthias Stucki: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/15/8478/htmWomen’s Health on more sustainable shampoo options: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/hair/g38999295/best-eco-friendly-shampoo-bars/Treehugger DIY shampoo recipes: https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-make-your-own-organic-shampoo-4863262EWG for product ratings: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1019461-Matrix_Biolage_Ultra_HydraSource_Shampoo/Consumer Reports on the “No Poo Movement": https://www.consumerreports.org/health/personal-care/no-poo-hair-care-a3112258874/Hairstory product page: https://hairstory.com/products/new-wash-original-brush-set-bcaInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 usedBeautycounter makeup - Beautycounter.com SourcesAbsestos.com - https://www.asbestos.com/featured-stories/makeup-toxicity-survey/Sustainable Earth, Cosmetic Ingredients - https://sustainable-earth.org/cosmetic-ingredientsKite Nest, How Do Cosmetics Impact the Environment? - https://kitenest.co.uk/blogs/news/how-do-cosmetics-impact-the-environmentTree Hugger, Environmental Impact of Cosmetics - https://www.treehugger.com/environmental-impact-of-cosmetics-5207672The Coconut Mama, Homemade Natural Makeup Recipes - https://thecoconutmama.com/homemade-natural-makeup-recipesHealthline Toxic Make up - https://www.healthline.com/health/toxic-makeupInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.What we coveredPurelygreat Cream Deodorant: https://amzn.to/3uqMYU4Native Deodorant: https://amzn.to/46vPE03SourcesFast Company on plastic waste from deodorant: https://www.fastcompany.com/90705210/inside-the-22-billion-deodorant-industrys-effort-to-ditch-plasticThe Guardian on paper vs. plastic energy usage: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/mar/31/plastics-cardboardAmerican Cancer Society on antiperspirant: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.htmlEWG for product ratings: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/brands/8081-Native/?brand=Native&category=antiperspirant%2Fdeodorant&page=6EWG Explains: Phthalates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1cpGpmH-WUNYT, “Are Natural Deodorants Really Better for You?”: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/09/well/live/natural-deodorant-questions.htmlNative's blog: https://www.nativecos.com/blogs/news/native-will-help-you-smell-outta-this-world-and-protect-her-tooTerracycle on recycling deodorant containers: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/toms-of-maine-hello#@40.77027075200147:-95.93705549677736zoom:4More DIY deodorant recipes from Treehugger: https://www.treehugger.com/homemade-deodorant-5205029Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

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 ideas to help you make sustainable holiday choices. Happy holidays from your friends at Greening Up My Act!As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.What we endorsed:LegitTrips.com for travel servicesTaylorMadeNM.com for upcycled and knitted goodsWool Dryer BallsThe Keeper - https://keeper.com/shop/the-keeper-cup/Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap - Lavender Nancy Birtwhistle BookBuy Nothing Book Le Loup Garou by Kat CoxSourcesQueue It - 115 Black Friday Statistics Every Retailer Needs to Know in 2023 –  https://queue-it.com/blog/black-friday-statisticsPhys.org - Most Black Friday purchases soon end up as waste - https://phys.org/news/2019-11-black-friday.htmlCountry Living – 100 DIY Christmas Gifts to Spread Christmas Joy - https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/The Kitchen McCabe - Whipped Grapefruit Mint Sugar Scrub - https://www.thekitchenmccabe.com/2014/02/21/whipped-grapefruit-mint-sugar-scrub/The Stripe - A List of the Best DIY Christmas Ideas - https://thestripe.com/a-little-list-of-the-best-diy-christmas-gift-ideas/Instagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act