As one of the hosts of “The Green,” Simran Sethi uses her award-winning journalism career and years of tackling environmental issues to infuse the series’ fact-filled programming with some helpful real world tips and perspective.
In honor of NBC/Universal’s “Green Is Universal” campaign (and the re-airing of a ton of green programming on Sundance), we got the über-stylish Sethi to dish about her favorite green shopping sites, the evils of bottled water and that much-feared eco-friendly toilet paper.
How did you become a green activist?
Quite by accident. I always cared about social issues and began to understand the intersection of social and environmental issues when I got my MBA in sustainable management and hosted a show on sustainable business for PBS. After Congress cut funding for PBS, I ended up working for the environmental website TreeHugger.com, and the exploration continued from there.
What is your favorite fun fact or tip to give people interested in going green?
Stop drinking bottled water. 40 percent of it comes from municipal sources, which means it is basically tap water. And plastic is (nearly) forever, so get yourself a re-useable water bottle made from stainless steel or aluminum rather than plastic.
What do you think is the most important thing people should strive to do in their everyday lives to be more eco-friendly?
Think about the consequences of your actions. We are so busy we forget where our trash ends up, how our politicians vote, how the companies we purchase goods from treat people and the environment. Everything has an impact, and just being mindful of that can make a big difference.
And the easiest thing to do?
Saving the planet will not be accomplished in easy steps. It takes work and dedication—and it's worth it. The most important and satisfying work we do in life is challenging. That said, starting small and celebrating what you can do—whether its turning off the lights when you leave a room, bringing reusable cotton bags when you shop, or supporting your local businesses—is great. Our collective effort will affect great change.
How would you describe your personal style?
Aspiring hip semi-yogic casual.
What are your can't-live-without green products? For fashion, beauty, life…anything and everything.
Organic produce from my local farmer's market and organic lavender fleur de sel caramels from Marie Belle.
Any new green products on your holiday wish list?
Nope. I want this to be the year of less stuff for myself! But I covet Scrapile furniture in case anyone has to give me a present!
What are your favorite online shops for green products?
BTC Elements, Greenloop and Viva Terra.
Favorite sites for tips, volunteer projects, tree planting, carbon footprint calculating, etc?
They are always changing but I love the following:
For tips & info: Co-op America
Take an ecological footprint quiz here: Earth Day Network
And to see a different view of the world: Worldmapper
What's the one eco-innovation you think still needs a little work before people will really give it a try? Is there anything worse than scratchy eco-friendly toilet paper?
I don't think eco-TP is scratchy, but I do wish we had some more green makeup options. Green is beautiful.
NBC/Universal's Green Is Universal programming runs from Nov. 4-10.
"The Green" runs in re-runs now and will return for a second season on the Sundance Channel in April 2008.
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