One of my all time favorite type of books to read is one where I feel as if I’m chatting with a really cool, smart and knowledgeable friend. That is exactly how I felt when I was thumbing through Victoria Klein’s 48 Things To Know About Sustainable Living. As a follow up to Victoria’s first book, 27 Things To Know About Yoga, this book rocks the heck out of going green in every day life. I love the fact that you can literally flip to any page in the book and take away something valuable for choosing eco-friendly in your own life. This book has been on my desk for the last month because I love to browse through each day for fresh ideas.
Featured in magazines such as Yoga Journal, Ready Made and boho, Victoria Klein is truly an Eco Diva after my own heart. Here is an interview with Victoria where she talks about the fuel behind her passion for this book and for going green in her own life. Enjoy (P.S. – Check in tomorrow to win your very own copy!):
ED: Tell me about your personal journey to green:
VK: Like the six-pack abs most of us wish we had, living green has always been hiding under the surface of the rest of my erratic life. In the interest of being frugal, my family maintained a garden, reused everything possible, and only bought what we really needed (or couldn’t make ourselves). Growing up in Indiana, that meant we made, bought it from Target, or it didn’t exist, haha. Now that I live on my own with my husband, we live sustainably not only to save money, but also because it is a lot more fun than sitting in front of the TV. A little ole-fashioned physical labor always make me feel alive!
ED: What makes you unique?
VD: I’m a super-dork and proud of it. I’m an imperfect person in an imperfect world, trying to make that world a tiny bit better – just like you, dear reader J If you met me on the street, you probably wouldn’t even know who I was. I’m not famous, I’m not well-funded; I’m another person who cares a whole hell of a lot & I’m trying to make it easier for others to do the same.
ED: What are your some of your “green” practices?
VK: From a business perspective, as a freelancer, I work from home (i.e. no transportation) & do everything eco in my home office – print on both sides of recycled paper, recycle my ink cartridges, all furniture is vintage/second-hand … etc. On a personal level, I try to be as sustainable as possible, but openly acknowledge that I’m still a work-in-progress. I do all the basics: drink from the tap, eat mostly local or organic whole foods, use CFL bulbs, put on a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat, turning on a few fans instead of using the air conditioner, and most important, 80% of what I need are items I actually NEED & at least half of all my splurges are for organic, sustainable, or second-hand items (that includes clothing, cosmetics … etc.). Unfortunately, living in a suburban, almost-rural town in Connecticut, I “need” to own a car, but I’ll sell it as soon as I can (I’d rather ride a nice Dutch bike).
ED: Why is this important to you?
VK: Our entire worldwide culture is going to crap. Few of us have anything left to believe in or be passionate about. Our generation needs a cause to be devoted to & there is nothing that will have a great impact than by advocating & living sustainably. Pick a product that was made from organic ingredients or one that contains toxic, cancer-causing chemicals that the government turns their back on: the logical is clear.
ED: What are you future plans?
VK: Now that my first two books have been released, promotion is #1 in 2011. From blogs, newspapers, and magazines to TV, yoga studios, eco-shops, & much more, I’m working on getting the word out about my books and share it with those that will be able to appreciate their message. I’ve got a number of future book ideas, but am honestly not sure which one to start on in 2012.
ED: What would your friends/other people be surprised to learn about you?
VK: Oh dear, that’s a tough one. I’m a “social” person, but I don’t like spending time with lots of people at once. I’d love to do more collaborative projects to bring me out of the house & meet so many of the folks I know online. Now that I’m a 2-time author, it’s the perfect time to make that happen!
ED: What organic beauty/fashion products do you use & recommend?
VK: I could talk about this for hours! For my face, I use Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Start Up Exfoliating Face Wash and Aura Cacia Grapeseed Natural Skin Care Oil to moisturize & help manage acne (combo skin gal here). Once a week, I use Burt’s Bees Citrus Facial Scrub. My all-time favorite body wash is Dr. Bronner’s liquid in Almond. On my hair, I’ve been using Aveda shampoo & conditioner for almost a decade – I’m a wash & go gal, so no additional stylish products. I don’t wear any make-up, instead preferring to focus on having clear & naturally luminous skin.
The one beauty product I am still trying to find is a great everyday lotion with at least SPF 30 – one for my face & one for my body. For everything I’ve tried thus far, either my face breaks out or my body develops a rash.
Fashion-wise, I’ve been carrying an eco-friendly/vegan bag from Pansy Maiden for over a year & I adore it more each day. Otherwise, I’m not as heavy into eco-fashion as I used to be (shocker!). I only buy clothes 2-3 times a year, so if y’all have some good suggestions, bring’em on! Eco-new or vintage/second-hand, I’m an unfussy fashion gal.
ED: Do you have an eco-fashion or beauty tip that you would like to share?
VK: The same tip that I’d apply to every part of life: less is more. J
ED: Where to buy your books?
VK: Both books are available on all the popular online & brick-and-mortar bookstores (Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Powells.com, independent shops). Since I am with a small publisher, we are still working on getting the book into more brick-and-mortar stores – visit your favorite store & ask if they have it; if they don’t, tell them they should & encourage them to order it.
This post is part of Victoria Klein’s Book Tour…enjoy!
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