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Growing up in Topanga Canyon, a funky, woodsy, former hippie haven in Los Angeles, actress Amy Smart claims to have been born an environmentalist. As a high-school student volunteer for Heal the Bay, she worked her way up from helping to clean the beaches in Southern California to becoming a member of the Board. She has volunteered with the Humane Society and is a Board Member of the "Environmental Media Association." Organic Style magazine named her one of the "Women with Organic Style" of 2004 and she also volunteers with Art of Elysium which brings art to children in hospitals.
In addition to acting in more than 30 films, including Peaceful Warrior, The Butterfly Effect and Crank , Amy spends her time promoting her triple passions—the environment, animal rights (she has two cats and a dog) and kids. She recently completed the film Love and Dancing about a woman who rediscovers her passion in life again though dancing. Her co-stars include Billy Zane, Caroline Rhea, Rachel Duratz and Betty White.
Q: What is the most nerdy green thing you do?
AS: I'm such a nerd in every way. I guess it's the toilet paper made out of recycled paper that would qualify.
Q: What's your most brilliant or wacky-but-could-just-work idea for saving the planet?
AS: If everybody had to randomly hug someone 20 times a day the world would be better place.
Q: What's the biggest environmental vice you've given up?
AS: I gave up my BMW S series. I felt shameful driving it around. When I went to environmental meetings I would park it two blocks away to hide it.
Q: How's your recovery from that going?
AS: Fantastic. I love my hybrid. I love watching the battery working and listening to the silence when the engine stops working and I am on electric power.
Q: What's one thing you've seen that made you think humanity has the brains to save the planet?
AS: The kids these days are aware of global warming and understand the need to protect the environment and endangered species. These kids will come up with brilliant ideas on how to live sustainably. Also, I was recently a guest on a new TV show on Planet Green [called] Supper Club with Tom Bergeron, Alexander Paul and Rick Fedrizzi from LEED. Hearing them speak gave me a lot of hope.
Q: Have you “converted” any friends or family who weren't greenies before, without resorting to blackmail?
AS: I now have some family members taking canvas bags to the store and buying eco-friendly products and organic dairy. I gave them the facts about the pollution plastic bags cause and how eating hormone-infested dairy products is bad for the earth and bad for them, and it wasn't that hard.
Q: What are three things you think are go-green no-brainers?
AS: Reusable bags. Eco-friendly cleaning products. And, buying organic produce and food products as much as possible. I think buying organic is one of the best things you can do for the environment.
Q: Are you doing anything beyond those basics? Are the “big” steps only for people who have the money?
AS: At the moment you do need money to do the big steps. But I think those with the money are investing wisely, which will help bring pieces down. Hybrids are now becoming affordable.
Arielle Ford is the author of six books on spiritual growth, including the “Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Soul” series.
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