When It Comes to Climate Change, Alicia Silverstone Is Far From Clueless

In 2018, I interviewed Alicia Silverstone about motherhood, sustainability, and why she's using her influence to inspire families to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The feature was featured as the cover story for Mediaplanet's "Sustainable Living" issue, distributed within the weekend edition of USA Today and across Silverstone's social media channels. 

Alicia Silverstone photographed by Sarah Coutler.

In a 2015 Newsweek op-ed, Alicia Silverstone detailed her personal contributions to the global-warming puzzle. Nearly three years later, I sat with the vegan actress and animal-rights advocate to see how her fight has evolved, and how fans can effectively live greener lives.

How did you first become interested in sustainable living? 

I adopted a plant-based diet for the animals. I had the realization that I was an animal lover eating animals. It didn’t feel right to be aware of what goes on in the animal agriculture industry and actively participate in it. I didn't know at the time that plant-based eating is also one of the most effective ways to help save our planet. Animal agriculture is responsible for more than half of greenhouse gas emissions and is the leading cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. If we love our children, we must care for the home they inhabit by showing respect, love, and compassion for all that’s in it — every resource, every creature.

What role does sustainability play in your home? Are your children aware of your efforts? 

I try to lead by example. My son Bear sees me making choices that benefit our planet. If I had to narrow it down to two main categories, they'd include eating a plant-based diet and integrating sustainability and whole-earth thinking into daily actions and decisions. For example, composting our food waste, turning the water off when brushing teeth, and bringing our own bags and utensils when shopping or eating take-out. At age six, he is a little eco-ambassador for our planet. He's very compassionate, curious, and aware.

What are a few changes you have made around the house to live more sustainably? 

Apart from our diet and what’s in our fridge, we’ve done a lot around the house to tread lighter on the planet: using reclaimed FSC Certified wood for our home, and furnishing the interior with almost entirely second-hand vintage pieces. We also avoid buying anything that is single-use disposable. We use cloth napkins, Eco Nuts laundry soap, and rags instead of paper towels. We wash our clothes with a Guppyfriend washing bag, which prevents plastic fibers in synthetic fabrics from making their way to the ocean. We have a vegetable garden, and we compost and utilize greywater to feed our fruit trees. Overall, we just try to avoid having too much stuff. [laughs]

As a busy mother, how do you make eating organically a priority for the family? 

If you want to feel good, you need to eat and sleep well. It’s my number one priority even when things are super busy. Thankfully, there are so many delicious go-to meals that are quick and nutritious. When things are less hectic, cooking and eating meals together is a really great way to spend quality time with family. Bear and I are absolute food lovers, so when I prep for the week, I take him to the farmers market. It’s our fun weekend ritual. We connect with our farmer friends and load up on our organic produce for the week. Farmers markets make buying organic really easy. When you choose organic, you’re choosing healthy soil, nutrient-rich produce, clean water, and ecologically-sound farming. As an extra bonus, since organic foods are grown in richer, purer soil, they contain more minerals than conventionally grown, chemically-enhanced foods, making them tastier and more nutritious.

You've been immortalized as a fashion icon after starring in "Clueless." The matching yellow plaid set and the white Calvin Klein slip were both effortlessly iconic. What role does sustainability play in your closet now, and do you have any advice for those looking to dress more sustainably? 

Well, thank you! [laughs] I'd say start by asking yourself if you truly need an item. If I do need or want to buy something, my go-to is shopping vintage. There’s too much material stuff produced on this planet and it all requires precious resources. Eleven million tons of textiles go to a landfill each year, and they don’t biodegrade. They can sit in a landfill for at least 200 years, which is why I make it a point to buy used clothing, shoes, and bags. It extends the lifecycle of that item and creates more demand for second-hand options. There are so many great, stylish, and affordable second-hand clothing stores such as Crossroads Trading, Buffalo Exchange, and Goodwill. If you do need to purchase a new item, refrain from buying animal materials like leather, wool, and fur. Horrific cruelty aside, they require so many resources from feeding to taking up lots of land, all while contributing more methane greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Instead, purchase materials made from natural substances like hemp and organic cotton. It’s so much better for your skin and the planet. It’s not about being absolutely perfect, as long as you try your best.