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Lesley Nagy
Answers Phil’s questions
Sep 17 | archive | subscribe
It shouldn’t surprise you that Lesley Nagy’s best advice to our readers is to, “Please stop taking a plastic bag every time you make a purchase.” Take her word for it. The green goddess is the host “Eco News” and “Your Green Life,” two environmentally focused shows on Bay Area’s YourTV20 and she graduated with honors in broadcast journalism from Michigan State University where she studied environmental reporting.
What are some of your favorite local green businesses? Eco-Terric, Spring, Pet Camp, Global Exchange
What is your favorite local green restaurant? Lettüs
Where do you shop for organic groceries? Whole Foods and Trader Joes
Do you do anything to lighten your carbon footprint? What do you do to help make the world a little bit greener?
Everyday I try to think about what my choices are and not just to do that easy thing. I always carry around my own bag and stainless steel water bottle. I drive a Prius and feel better knowing I only need gas every 2-3 weeks. Lately I've been focused on reducing my waste, for example, not printing out things like driving directions. You might also catch me pulling recyclables out of the trash -- recycling is my pet peeve.
What’s the best part about your job? Meeting inspiring people who give so much of their time and energy to an environmental cause.
Is there a particular non-profit you support? Global Green, ASPCA, San Francisco Parks Trust, Children of Peace
Who is your role model for giving? That’s easy, my philanthropic parents.
Who should volunteer or give? My 91 year-old grandmother says the only way to find true happiness is to help others; she’s so wise.
Where do you volunteer? Mostly at green events or festivals
What’s your favorite thing about living in the San Francisco Bay Area? Everything is so close - do you want to be in the city, at the park, on the beach, hiking trails, etc. take your pick it’s all here.
What would you say is the city’s undiscovered or underrated jewel? I don’t think it’s underrated but I love that we’re the first city to ban Styrofoam and plastic bags.
Where do you like to take out-of-town visitors? I take them out to Crissy Field to see the Golden Gate Bridge, down Lombard Street’s curvy part, to get gelato’s in North Beach, and then to Golden Gate Park.
What’s your favorite vacation destination? I’ve backpacked throughout Europe, hiked to Machu Picchu, surfed in Hawaii - so needless to say I love traveling and any place that lets me take in the great outdoors is my favorite.
What’s your favorite weekend outdoor activity? Hiking in Marin with friends and then going out for brunch.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? A yellow apple tree, yum
Describe your path to green—how and when you became eco-conscious.
Hailing from Michigan, I grew up recycling. When a can is worth 10 cents you don't toss it in the trash, and so recycling becomes a habit. My path to green began long ago with lifestyle choices. I enjoy shopping for organic food, buying eco-friendly products and doing yoga. In college, I even studied environmental journalism. Then, a little over a year ago, my TV station began the first 100% environmentally-focused news shows and, since I was already green at heart, I was asked to produce and host. I love that what I believe in and what I work for now go hand in hand. It's a perfect fit, and I'm truly excited that more and more organizations and companies are going green everyday.
If you could have every Phil reader do one thing, what would it be? Please stop taking a plastic bag every time you make a purchase.
Do you have a shameless plug? Of course, watch YourTV20’s (cable 13) “Eco News” and “Your Green Life” shows, I’d love to inspire you to find more ways go green!