Gillian Deacon

Gillian Deacon is an award-winning broadcaster who has hosted shows on The Discovery Channel and CBC, the author of two green lifestyle books, and a WWF-Canada director.

 

My body is green because I ride my bike to the grocery store and to work. I walk my kids to school and eat local organic fresh food. I use only natural cleaning, beauty and makeup products. I buy clothes second-hand and from local designers who use sustainable materials. I drive a hybrid car. I carry a refillable water bottle everywhere I go. I don't eat meat. I'm pretty committed!

What made you decide to do your bit for the environment?

There is no better antidote to the fear and concern over massive global crises, like climate change and pollution, than to act locally by taking steps to make your own personal footprint as light upon the earth as possible. Feeling guilty and overwhelmed just makes the problem worse. Doing your part makes you part of a solution

What person or group do you most admire for their environmental commitment?

David Suzuki is a tireless champion. I am so thankful he keeps beating the drum.

What is your environmental pet peeve? What do other people do (or not do) that drives you crazy?

Idling cars. If you are stopped (other than in traffic) for more than TEN seconds, turn off your car engine. It's better for the earth, saves you money and is better for your engine.

What could the whole world live without in order to help our environment?

Plastic shopping bags. It's crazy that we have generated a dependence on petroleum-derived plastic bags. Everyone should have a small collapsible bag in their purse or their pocket, and we could easily live without the 55 million plastic bags that Canadians bring home each week, only to have them wind up clogging landfills, choking wildlife or dangling from tree branches.

What's in your Blue Box?

Every piece of cardboard, glass or plastic packaging that comes through my house. I look for products with minimal packaging and buy lots in bulk. But we still recycle yogurt containers, envelopes, glass food jars, newspapers.

Is there an environmental initiative you're involved in that you'd like to highlight or promote?

My book, Green for Life, is a great place to start for people thinking about shrinking their impact on the planet. It is a warm, friendly and encouraging guide to greening your life, one habit at a time.