Zem Joaquin with Kelly Ripa
Credit: Electrolux
Ecofabulous editor Zem Joaquin know how hard it can be to navigate the world of sustainable style—which may be part of the reason she teamed up with Kelly Ripa and Global Green for this year's Green Idea Swap. Every day, Joaquin—along with fellow green gurus Josie Maran and Anna Getty—post their favorite tips at Ripa's website, Kelly Confidential; for every tip you share, Electrolux donates $1 to Global Green's sustainable building projects. But for an in-depth look at Joaquin's mottos, must-haves, and (nearly) meat-free diet, read on.
Planet Green: What do you think is the most important green change people should make at home?
Zem Joaquin: I really encourage people to think about all of their actions and make the best, educated choice possible. The thing that will most positively impact your personal health as well as the health of the planet is cutting down on meat consumption. I'm not suggesting giving it up entirely, unless you want to, but the meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined, so if you want to make a difference, eating differently may be your best bet. My husband and I are flexitarans, so we rarely eat meat at home (except for the occasional BBQ and infrequent Niman Ranch bacon with eggs from our backyard hens) but graciously eat whatever is served at friend's homes and at events. My friend Graham Hill announced his framework at TED this year—"Weekday Veg," which suggests eating vegetarian during the week and allowing for some indulgence on the weekend. Graham says that by not eating meat during the week, you reduce your planetary impact by 70%. Not to mention the impact on your waistline (Graham is looking extra fine these days) and heart!
PG: Why is design such an important part of environmentalism?
ZJ: Something can be gorgeous and work exceptionally well, but if it makes you and/or the planet sick, how is that good design? When you choose furniture that is free of unhealthy formaldehyde and other toxins, you create better indoor air quality for your family and keep toxins out of the soil and water, and as a bonus it is better for the people making it for you (how great is that—everyone wins!). Plus, it doesn't have to look any different! I love the ultra efficient top loader washing machine by Electrolux because it is beautifully designed and available in vibrant colors. You can fit boat loads of clothing (read less washes!) that come out looking beautiful with less detergent and less water—saving money and resources—that is smart design. While we're on the topic of laundry, Method's planet and people-friendly super concentrated, itty bitty detergent does the job of the big boys without all the wasted water, packaging (though what they do have is sleek) or energy needed to transport.
PG: Do you have a green motto?
ZJ: I like to inspire people to make positive changes and share my excitement about all the outstanding products, resources and services now available. My favorite saying is a McDonough/Braungart quote: "We need to love all of the children of all of the species for all time"....That sums up Earth Day for me. Also my developer friend Steven Cayre has been overheard saying "Fabulous is not enough!" which is so true.
PG: What's one green product (either a specific item or a general category) that you can't live without and would?
ZJ: I must name at least 5:
1) I cannot live without luxurious, high integrity and high efficacy skincare. My favorites are: Tata Harper, Pangea, Duchess Marden, and Nude. And Juice Beauty for sunscreens.
2) Method wood floor cleaner. All of the others smell bad, leave an unhealthy residue or are plain ugly—the cologne bottle with an aromatic almond scent just brightens my floor and my day!
3) Rambler's Way long johns, tanks and long sleeve tops. You will not believe that the insulating, cozy essentials are tightly woven wool from organic farms in Maine and other lovingly maintained places. The amazing line was created by the founders of Tom's of Maine, of course!
4) My vintage rose gold watch that my husband bought me on eBay. No new resources went into this beauty...timeless.
5) Toe Sox organic cotton grippy socks make pilates painless, or at least keeping my feet on the foot bar painless.
