Explore every episode of the podcast Green Living for Real Life
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When Organic Actually Matters - And When It Doesnât | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:10:23 | |
Standing in the produce aisle holding conventional strawberries in one hand and organic in the other - not sure if the extra two dollars matters? This episode is for you. The answer isnât âbuy everything organicâ and it isnât âdonât bother.â Itâs more specific than that. And once you know it, grocery shopping gets a whole lot easier. In this episode Iâm walking you through exactly when buying organic matters â for your family AND for the planet â using the 2026 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists that just dropped from the Environmental Working Group. Plus thereâs a brand new finding from this yearâs report that every mom needs to know about. What youâll learn: Resources mentioned: 2026 Clean Fifteen list: ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php EWG Healthy Living app: ewg.org/apps Free Real Life Momâs Guide to Green Kitchen Habits: https://greenily.co/20-sustainable-kitchen-habits-lp/ Follow along on Instagram: @pam.p.mercer | |||
| Your Spring Cleaning Toss Pile Doesn't Have to Go to the Landfill! | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:08:00 | |
You've done the spring cleaning - now comes the hard part. What do you actually do with everything in the get rid of pile without sending it all to the landfill? In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly where to sell, donate, and recycle almost everything - including specific programs for the random stuff that usually just ends up in the trash. Spoiler: your old toothbrush will sit in a landfill for 400 years. Let's keep it out of there. đŹ Resources mentioned: Full recycling programs list: HERE Free Green Kitchen Habits guide: HERE Follow along on Instagram: @pam.p.mercer | |||
| Easy Non-Toxic Lunchbox Swaps for Back-to-School | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:06:19 | |
If digging out last yearâs lunch gear made you cringe at all the plastic, you're not alone. In this episode, Iâm sharing a few simple, non-toxic swaps that make packing school lunches safer, easier, and less wasteful â without going full crunchy mom or buying a bunch of stuff you donât need. Youâll hear:
Whether youâre new to non-toxic living or just ready to pack lunch with less plastic this year, this oneâs for you. đ Shop My Favorite Lunch Gear âĄď¸ HERE â Grab the Safe Plastics Cabinet Checklist âĄď¸ HERE đ§ Press play and letâs simplify your back-to-school routine â one plastic-free swap at a time. | |||
| Plastic-Free Summer BBQ Tips: Safer Swaps for Your Family | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:05:49 | |
If youâve ever Googled "how to reduce plastic at a picnic" or "plastic-free summer BBQ tips," youâre in the right place. In this episode, Iâm sharing simple, plastic-free swaps that make your summer cookouts safer for your family and better for the planet without the overwhelm. Iâll cover:
đ§ Hit play for quick, realistic ways to enjoy a plastic-free BBQ this summer! đ Links to all the products I mentioned: Reusable/Recyclable Party Cups Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags  đ DM me your favorite swap on Instagram at @greenilyco | |||
| Eco-Friendly Swaps for Busy Moms Juggling Summer with Kids | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:06:41 | |
Summer is here, the kids are everywhere, and youâre just trying to keep up. Iâm sharing realistic, low-effort eco-friendly swaps that are actually doable when youâre juggling life with kids this summer. No guilt. No perfection. Just simple, quick wins that help you use less plastic and create less wasteâone snack bag at a time. đŻ In this episode:
đ Check out my fav eco-friendly kitchen swaps HERE Listen now! | |||
| Is Silicone Really Safer Than Plastic? | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:07:28 | |
Silicone snack bags, baking mats, ice cube trays⌠itâs everywhere! But is it actually safer than plastic or just plasticâs trendy cousin? In this episode, I break down:
If you've ever swapped out plastic and still found yourself wondering, âWait... is this even better?â â this oneâs for you. đ Check out my favorite safe silicone kitchen swaps: đ Need help ditching plastic in your home? | |||
| Easy Kitchen Swaps That Are Better for Your Family and the Planet | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:06:39 | |
If youâve been meaning to go greener in the kitchen but donât know where to start, this episode is for you. Iâm sharing 3 simple, affordable swaps I made in my own kitchen to reduce waste, ditch sketchy chemicals, and make everyday choices a little better for my family (and the planet). No pressure, just progress. đ In this episode:
Whether you're new to eco-friendly living or just need a low-stress place to start, this oneâs for you. đ Resources + Links: 𼣠Check out my fav Eco Kitchen Swaps đ¸ Grab my $7 Plastic Container Detox Guide đ Get your Free Personal Plastic-Less Plan | |||
| Wait, Whatâs in My Containers? How to Tell If Your Plastic Food Containers Are Safe for Your Family. | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:06:15 | |
Wondering if those plastic containers in your kitchen are actually safe? đŹ Youâre not alone. In this episode, Iâm breaking down what the number on the bottom of your food storage containers really means â and how to know which ones could be leaching harmful chemicals into your familyâs food. Weâll cover:
If youâve ever packed leftovers and thought, âThis canât be goodâŚâ â this episode is for you. đ Grab my Plastic Container Detox Guide ($7) đ Want a free personalized plan? đ Connect with me on Instagram: @greenilyco  đ Subscribe for more real-life eco tips that donât make you feel like you have to do it all. | |||
| Say Hello to Eco-Friendly Blooms with This One Simple Switch â Little Acre Flowers | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:22:40 | |
When you think of a bouquet of fresh flowers, you probably picture beauty, fragrance, and maybe even a little joy. Most of us donât picture plastic wrap, pesticides, or flowers flown in from thousands of miles away. But believe it or not, thatâs often the reality behind many of the blooms we bring into our homes. | |||
| Compost Crew's Food Waste Pickup Service is the Easiest Way to Compost! | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:27:45 | |
If you want to start composting but are hesitant, you don't want to miss this episode! Iâm talking with Ben Parry, the CEO of Compost Crew, whose mission is to recover compostable waste, reduce dependence on landfills and incinerators, and revitalize our soils through their convenient residential and commercial food waste collection service. Sign up during Earth Month (April 1 - 30) and get $22.00 off your first month of convenient curbside composting with Compost Crew.  Use coupon code EARTH2025 during sign-up. (Offer for new customers only.)  | |||
| Detoxing Your Home Made Simple: Must-Have Resources to Get Started from Healthy House on the Block | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:23:43 | |
Do you want to reduce the toxins in your home, such as VOCs, EMFs, microplastics, and more, but donât know where to start? In this episode, I chat with Amanda Klecker, the owner of Healthy House on the Block, about the resources she offers to help you create a healthier, toxin-free home without overwhelm. Whether you're looking for trusted guides, expert advice, or easy-to-follow steps, this episode will point you in the right direction. Tune in and get the tools you need to make your home a safer space for your family! Links to Check Out: https://healthyhouseontheblock.com/ | |||
| Sustainable Swaps: How Busy Moms Can Break Up with Plastic Baggies! | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:27:35 | |
In today's episode, I talk with Kirsten Quigley, founder and CEO of Lunchskins, whoâs made it easier than ever to reduce plastic waste with simple, eco-friendly swaps. Shop Lunchskins online at: https://www.lunchskins.com/ Follow me on Instagram at @greenilyco | |||
| What Nobody Tells You About Your Cleaning Products - And 3 Easy Fixes | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:07:21 | |
Most of us assume cleaning products on store shelves have been checked for safety. In this episode, I'm sharing what I learned that changed everything - and three simple steps to choosing cleaners that are safer for your family and the planet. No overwhelm, no complete overhaul. Just smarter swaps at your own pace. Resources mentioned: EWG Healthy Cleaner Database: ewg.org My favorite eco-friendly cleaners: https://greenily.co/green-kitchen-cleaners/ Free Green Kitchen Habits guide: https://greenily.co/20-sustainable-kitchen-habits-lp/ Follow along on Instagram: @pam.p.mercer | |||
| You Don't Have to Trash Old Undies, Recycle Them Instead! | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:27:50 | |
In this episode, I sat down to chat with Amelia Trumble, the CEO and one of the co-founders of Retold Recycling, a super convenient solution to keep textiles out of landfills. | |||
| Sustainable Thanksgiving Hacks for Busy Moms | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:10:22 | |
In this episode, I'm sharing simple swaps you can make for a Thanksgiving that is healthier for your family and the planet! Fall Candles Meal Planning Plastic-Free Food Storage Kitchen Composter
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| How to Easily Add a Healthier Detergent to your Laundry Routine - Dropps Review | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:08:17 | |
In this episode, Rob and I discuss another eco-friendly laundry detergent we tried called Dropps. | |||
| Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent - TruEarth Review | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:07:24 | |
I've been making one simple, eco-swap at a time with my family and wanted to share how some of the products worked out for us. | |||
| Easy Eco-Friendly Twists On Traditional Valentineâs Day Gifts | 11 Feb 2024 | 00:11:58 | |
It's Valentine's Day this week so we are talking about simple tweaks you can make to your gifts to make 'em a little more eco-friendly! | |||
| Why You Should Use An Environmentally Friendly Ice Melter This Winter | 27 Jan 2024 | 00:10:16 | |
In this episode, Rob and I are talking about ice melt and how some of them can have negative effects on the environment. FREE Guide -Â How To Get Rid of Toxic Plastic Food Storage Containers and Switch to Safer and Sustainable Alternatives In Less Than an Hour. | |||
| 4 Easy Energy Saving Tips for Winter | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:11:36 | |
In this episode, Rob and I talk about 4 easy ways you can save energy (and money!) this winter. Rob's #1 tip - snuggle! đ
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| Are Firelogs Safe? Get the Quick Facts! | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:09:04 | |
In this episode, Rob and I are talking about firelogs 'cause men like fire! :-) | |||
| Easiest Eco-Friendly Resolution for 2024 | 02 Jan 2024 | 00:09:59 | |
In this episode, Rob and I discuss New Year's resolutions for more eco-friendly living in 2024. Don't miss my hack for making it super simple! | |||
| How to Green Your Holiday Shopping Routine! | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:10:47 | |
In this episode, Rob shares his love of shopping (NOT) and I share some super simple ways to reduce waste during your holiday shopping - in-store and online! | |||
| Why Plastic Bags Don't Go in Your Recycling Bin (And What To Do Instead) | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:05:47 | |
Plastic bags in the recycling bin - we've all done it with the best intentions. In this episode, I'm explaining why that's actually creating a bigger problem, and sharing the simple system I use to recycle them properly instead. Plus, what else counts as film plastic and where to drop it all off. Simple, doable, no judgment. Grab my free Real Life Mom's Guide to Green Kitchen Habits here: https://greenily.co/20-sustainable-kitchen-habits-lp/ Find your nearest plastic film drop off: plasticfilmrecycling.org Follow along on Instagram: @pam.p.mercer | |||
| Easy Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Tips | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:13:23 | |
NOTE: SO Sorry for the static! No time for a redo! đŤ | |||
| How to Save Energy with Your Holiday Lighting! | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:10:23 | |
This week we're continuing our series on making the holidays a little more eco-friendly and talking about holiday lights! | |||
| Which is More Eco-Friendly - Artificial or Real Christmas Tree? | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:10:05 | |
Which one do you think is kinder to the planet? | |||
| Easy Holiday Swaps for a Planet-Friendly Thanksgiving! | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:10:09 | |
While weâre giving thanks for all we have this Thanksgiving, letâs do what we can to give a little thanks to planet Earth too! đ In this episode, we share some super simple, low-effort swaps to make this year a planet-friendly Thanksgiving!
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| Challenge: Clean the Garage but Keep As Much as Possible Out of the Landfill! â | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:11:16 | |
This week we're sharing the fun we had cleaning out the garage! Okay, maybe not fun but necessary. So how can you get rid of odd items you no longer want but keep them from going to the landfill? Here are a few ideas for some harder-to-recycle items! | |||
| Dog Poop Happens! | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:11:28 | |
With two big dogs, we are a major contributor to the 10 million pounds of dog poop that gets dumped in landfills each year! Â So, my goal was to find a way to keep at least some of it out of the landfill. | |||
| My Favorite Eco-Friendlyish Trash Bag! | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:06:37 | |
I know that trash isn't very green but I wanted to at least use a trash bag that was as eco-friendly as possible. | |||
| Going Green on Halloween Isn't Scary! | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:10:08 | |
I LOVE Halloween! It is my absolute favorite holiday so our family really gets into it! | |||
| 6 Steps to Give Up Paper Towels and Napkins! | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:08:40 | |
It might sound extreme at first but we have successfully survived 5+ years without using paper towels or paper napkins in our house! | |||
| Time for Football, Tailgates, and Bamboo Plates! | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:07:54 | |
It's college football season so in this episode, we're sharing some of the super simple swaps we've made to our tailgate to make it more eco-friendly. | |||
| Which Plastics Are Safe for Food Storage? Plastic Numbers Explained | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:06:40 | |
đ Safe Food Storage Guide: If you want help sorting through the plastic containers in your kitchen, grab my Safe Food Storage Guide here: https://greenily.co/safe-food-storage-guide/ _________________ Have you ever looked at the bottom of a plastic food container and wondered what those little numbers actually mean? In this episode, I break down the plastic numbers (1â7) and explain which plastics are generally considered safer for food storage and which ones I personally try to limit. In this episode youâll learn: ⢠What the plastic numbers (1â7) actually mean ⢠Which plastics are generally considered more stable for food storage ⢠Which plastics I personally try to limit ⢠Why heat matters when using plastic containers ⢠A realistic approach to reducing plastic in your kitchen My goal is always real-life green living using simple changes that work for busy families that you can feel good about. If this episode was helpful, make sure to subscribe for more practical green living tips. | |||
| Green Wife Who, What, Why! | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:13:17 | |
In this first episode, we introduce the podcast and how we hope to help you! | |||
| How to Get Your Family on Board With Going Green (Without Nagging Them) | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:06:23 | |
Trying to get your family to care about going green - without constantly reminding, correcting, or nagging? In this episode, Iâm sharing why it can feel so hard to encourage eco-friendly habits at home - and what actually works better than pressure or perfection. If youâre the one remembering reusable bags, rinsing recycling, and trying to reduce plastic while everyone else just goes about their day, youâre not alone. Weâll talk about: ⢠Why families change habits at different speeds This isnât about forcing your family to care. đ Grab my free guide here: Real-Life Momâs Guide to Green Kitchen Habits đ https://greenily.co/20-sustainable-kitchen-habits-lp/ If youâre trying to reduce plastic, live greener, and make eco-friendly habits stick in a busy family, youâre in the right place. | |||
| 3 Simple Ways to Use Less Plastic in Real Life | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:05:07 | |
In this episode, I break down the 3 simple checks I use when shopping to reduce plastic waste in a realistic, low-overwhelm way. If youâre trying to go greener, make eco-friendly swaps, and simplify sustainable living for your family, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters. đ Want simple, practical next steps?
No perfection. No panic. Just practical steps that work in real life. | |||
| How I Went From Information Overload to Actually Making Healthy + Eco Changes | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:09:44 | |
Ever feel like youâre drowning in Google searches and Pinterest tips on how to live healthier and more eco-friendly? Iâve been there â stuck in information overload, not sure whatâs safe, what works, or where to start. In this episode, Iâm sharing how I cut through the noise and finally started making healthy, eco-friendly changes that actually stuck. Youâll learn why info overload keeps moms stuck, and the simple shifts that can help you take action without the stress. đ Grab my free 3 Rules Checklist to make swaps simple: https://greenily.co/rules/ | |||
| 5 Easy Swaps to Make Your School Supply List Safer and Greener | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:08:29 | |
Want eco-friendly school supplies without the stress or âcrunchy momâ vibes? Youâll discover:
Whether you change one item or your whole list, these tips will help you shop with confidence and purpose. Resources mentioned in this episode:
Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for eco-friendly back-to-school tips, non-toxic classroom gear, and green lunch solutions that actually work in real life. | |||
| Low-Waste Lunch, Real-Life Edition: 3 Easy Swaps for Less Plastic and Less Waste | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:08:04 | |
Packing school lunches doesnât have to mean more plastic, more waste, or more guilt. In todayâs episode, Iâm sharing my favorite real-life swaps for a healthier, low-waste lunch routineâno perfection required! Youâll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Donât forget: Progress, not perfection! Every small swap adds up. Have a question or tip to share? DM me on Instagram, or leave a comment belowâIâd love to hear from you! | |||
| Overwhelmed by Green Living? Hereâs What Actually Works | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:05:50 | |
If weâre meeting for the first time - hi! This episode is the perfect place to start. This episode is a little different. Instead of tips and swaps I wanted to take a few minutes to share a little about me, why green living matters so much to me, and what actually motivates me to make choices that are safer for my family and the planet. I spent over ten years working in conservation education at a large zoo â yes, I walked past cheetahs on my way to work every morning. When I became a stay at home mom of three I tried to overhaul everything at once. It did not go well. What actually worked was simpler. And itâs the whole philosophy behind everything I share here. If youâve ever felt overwhelmed by green living, frustrated that nothing sticks, or like you just donât have time for a complete lifestyle overhaul â this one is for you. Resources mentioned: Free Real Life Momâs Guide to Green Kitchen Habits: https://greenily.co/20-sustainable-kitchen-habits-lp/ | |||
| Why Iâm Replacing My Plastic Cutting Board - And What Iâm Getting Instead | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:09:43 | |
I have a confession - I still have a plastic cutting board in my kitchen. And after doing the research for this episode, Iâm replacing it this week. It turns out your cutting board is one of the biggest sources of microplastic exposure in your kitchen. Every time a knife meets a plastic surface it shaves off tiny particles that go directly into your food. The research is still evolving but what we know is worth paying attention to. The good news? The swap is easy, affordable, and your kitchen will actually look better for it. In this episode, Iâm walking you through every cutting board option out there - ranked from best to worst - plus exactly what to look for when youâre standing in the aisle at Home Goods or TJ Maxx. What youâll learn: Shop the episode â cutting boards on Amazon (aff links): Since recording this episode: I also discovered the Epicurean paper composite board - made in the USA from recycled paper fibers, no microplastics, NSF certified and dishwasher safe with no oiling required. A really impressive low maintenance alternative to wood worth checking out. Grab my free Real Life Momâs Guide to Green Kitchen Habits: Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://greenlivingforreallife.buzzsprout.com Follow along on Instagram: @pam.p.mercer | |||