Eco18 Questions: Maiara Walsh

Each month we will ask a new eco-maven 18 questions about his or her life, occupation and advice for other like-minded people. This month we connected with Maiara Walsh, an actress known for her roles in The Starving Games, Cory in the House, Desperate Housewives and Switched at Birth.

 

1. What is your name (and age)?

Maiara Walsh, 25

 

2. What is your occupation?

I am an actor, writer, singer, artist, student of life.

 

3. Do you have a “green” memory growing up?

I went to a liberal arts elementary school in Seattle through third grade. We were encouraged to commune with nature and be aware of our impact on the world. We learned many lessons through outdoor activities and camping trips, learning how to sustainably live in harmony with and appreciate the environment.

 

4. What’s your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is barbeque. My dad has perfected the art of grilling and is teaching me his tricks. He uses Brazilian techniques and adds his own unique flavor. We don’t use measuring spoons for marinade, cooking for us is based off intuition.

 

5. Who/What inspires you to be more “green” in your life?

My love of nature and the natural world inspires me to be more green. I love this planet. I want our impact on it to sustain generations to come.

 

6. Where on the “green scale” do you fall?

I’m at a 75%. I’m also a super hard critic of my efforts. There’s always room for improvement in my book.

 

7. What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my efforts pay off. I don’t take a day off. I work 15-hour days, usually more, on or off set because I do multiple things in my industry. However, I love what I do and wouldn’t have it any other way. I get frustrated often, because I don’t always see my progress. But then I remind myself this is a lifelong journey and to appreciate every moment because it goes by quickly.

 

8. Where’s your “greenspot”: food, bodycare/beauty, oceans, home or neighborhood, explain:

I buy locally farmed food, free range meat, non-GMO foods as much as possible. I use paraben free lotions, sulfate free shampoos, etc… I try to stick to natural products as much as possible. I use coconut oil and vitamin E daily on my skin. I drive a hybrid. I try to do my part and inspire others to see how easy living sustainably can be. I recycle like crazy and use a lot of recyclable items in my artwork.

 

9. Where do you turn for your news?

I’m a big fan of turning to multiple sources because most news is pretty biased depending on where in the world you’re watching/reading it. I like to hear both sides. I love Vice and Stratfor.

 

10. What is one environmental change you vow to make in the next year?

It’s simple but not leaving my house without a BPA free water bottle. I still use plastic bottles from time to time, especially on set when things are chaotic and I’m looking for water.

 

11. If you could trade places with one person from any time in history (past or present) for one day—who would it be and why?

Einstein. I’d love to hop into that man’s imagination. Before he could prove his theories or create mathematical equations he would perform thought experiments. His mind was much freer than what we consider the norm. He never lost that childlike curiosity, wonder, or passion.

 

12. You have a meeting with the leader of every country in the world. You have 30 seconds to tell them anything you want. Go!

Let’s recognize for a moment our commonalities. We all have rich, diverse cultures, our own ideologies, and a plan for our nations and our people to prosper. We work diligently on a daily basis to ensure our strength in a growing global economy, and provide security for our people and our beliefs. We each provide something unique to the world. If we can agree on a few core values; respect, basic human rights, commitment to furthering the improvement of the human race, then we can learn to listen to one another, and take steps within our own nations while working together to see our highest potential as human beings fulfilled. We need one another now more than ever as we grow more globally wired and connected. We must learn to communicate effectively. It starts now. In our daily interactions with ourselves and one another. We cannot expect the world to shift if we cannot shift ourselves.

 

13. You have the chance to send one tweet to all the tweeps in the world. Let’s hear it in 140 characters, or less!

Today you are alive. In this moment you have hopes, dreams. Will you let fear form your path, or will you allow courage create your future?

 

14. If there was one industry/product that you could make more eco-friendly, what would it be?

Eco-friendly gyms! It’s a no-brainer! Have all the exercise machines power the gym’s electricity! Work out and feel inspired knowing that you’re creating renewable energy!

 

15. Where in the world would you most like to be right now?

South East Asia in the jungle. I travel a lot. I’m a travel junkie and have a heavy case of Wanderlust.

 

16. What is the best book you have read recently?

Story by Robert McKee. This book has helped shape my story-telling and improved not only my writing but performance style.

 

17. What makes you cringe?

Most reality TV. Violence. Greed. People being assholes to each other.

 

18. What do you want your legacy to be?

To inspire people to be the leaders in their lives and proactively move towards their dreams. To master my art forms and master my mind ?