1. How and when did you become conscious about how your lifestyle affects the planet?

I think a lot of it was just part of my upbringing. People in my family have always had gardens & fruit trees; a lot of my family had household livestock. So, the importance of chemical-free food sources and “nothing goes to waste” mentality was something I was raised with. I suspect caring for the environment was a natural outcropping from that foundation.

2. How important is it for celebrities & influencers to encourage people to be green?

People with a large outreach on social media can be particularly helpful educators. Lifestyle choices that are kind to our natural surroundings are often fun, healthy and easy. Highlighting helpful pointers can do an immense amount to open up new and improved ideas on “how to do it better.”

We can also shed light on current events that are perhaps not covered by mainstream media but are particularly vital to the environment.

Finally, public individuals can be key in giving new green technology the PR boost needed to leap into the marketplace and make products accessible and affordable for everyone.

3. Do you feel your audience is starting to adopt some of your eco-friendly habits?

EMA Board Member Amy Smart posted a video highlighting a clever way to make composting easier. It was serendipitous as I had been looking for more efficient ways to create good, juicy compost for my fruit trees. So, as an audience member myself, I can say I’m definitely adopting other people’s nature-friendly habits.

4. With the 27th Annual EMA Awards around the corner, what is your fondest EMA Awards memory?

I was part of the committee judging documentaries one year. It was the year GMO OMG and Virunga were nominated. All of the documentaries that year were impactful and entertaining. I was moved by them and made a point of sending a shout-out for each one of those projects on my social media platforms. It was a privilege to serve to broaden their reach & audience through the EMA Awards.

5. Do you think people in Europe & Canada are more inclined to be green than here in the US?

Not necessarily. City infrastructure like waste-management (with accountable nation-wide recycling & composting receptacles) or efficient public transit may be more developed outside of the US– Japan is admirable on both of these fronts.
But as far as the average American is concerned, I see many smaller towns and communities that are very diligent about protecting natural waterways from polluting agents, for instance. And then there’s the whole “farm-to-table” movement that is bringing a larger demand for farmers-market-styled, locally-sourced foods.

The wonderful thing about living “green” is that it often entails simple decisions that in many ways create a healthier & more satisfying lifestyle; and I think Americans –especially small farmers and green tech innovators– are doing a great job of leading the way to fueling our bodies and our communities into a healthy and lucrative future.

Source: Environmental Media Association