Maria Menounos on Green Hollywood
The host of “Hollywood Green,” Planet Green’s collaboration with “Access Hollywood,” Maria Menounos is an actress, filmmaker, activist and journalist, who also corresponds for the “Today Show” and “Access Hollywood” as well as contributing to “NBC Nightly News” and “Channel One News,” among other gigs. She’s the founder and Executive Director of the charity Take Action Hollywood, which uses the media to raise social awareness, but you cyber-geeks probably know her better for her ass-kicking role opposite Sean Connery in the “James Bond 007: From Russia with Love” video game, which won her “Cyber Vixen of the Year” at the 2007 Spike Video Game Awards. (Beating out Charlize Theron and Jessica Alba, booyah!)
ES: When did you first become aware of the green movement?
MM: I guess growing up I became aware of the movement. Back then it was about not polluting. I remember the commercials “give a hoot don’t pollute.” As a reporter my awareness has grown. The more I learn about the damage we are doing to the earth, the more I want to help curtail the effects.
ES: What kinds of green changes have you made or do you plan to make in your life?
MM: I recently drove a TDI Audi Q7 which is the upcoming diesel version of Audi’s SUV. The car is 30% more fuel efficient, and offers an alternative to hybrid for car enthusiasts. People tend to think of diesel in terms of the 70s and 80s but clean diesel is now a mainstay in the U.S. as it is in Europe. Being aware of my fuel consumption is something I really need to focus on, especially in a city like Los Angeles.
I’ve also gotten into gardening as a way to give back to the environment. I love the idea of putting more oxygen out into the ecosystem. I’m still new at this, like most but I’m hoping to become more green.
ES: What are a few of your favorite green Beauty or Lifestyle products?
MM: Aveda products are great. They don’t test on animals, and each product has such a clean, earthy smell.
ES: What’s your favorite eco-friendly tip our readers should know about?
MM: Reuse! Save plastic bags from the grocery store, refill water bottles, and donate items instead of throwing them away.
ES: And, finally, what’s the best green advice you ever got and who gave it to you?
MM: Laurie David has said, “It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing something.” I think the green movement can seem intimidating because it is perceived as a complete life change. But the truth is that every little thing makes a difference; and if we each did something each day, there would be a huge impact.
