Troy Casey, a field correspondent for Discovery Channel’s Planet Green Network, got his start as the “Certified Health Nut” through the social media network, YouTube. Since then, Casey has produced hundreds of videos on topics ranging from natural childbirth and native healing ceremonies to the attitudes of conventional medicine.
Casey is sought out around the world as a speaker to talk about the importance of personal health and environmental sustainability. His philosophies are based on years of experience and his studies of the Amazon rainforest. Casey, who is currently producing a documentary on plant medicine and rainforest preservation, just returned from filming in the Amazon.
Our interview with Casey reveals his contribution to healthy eating, sustainable living and preservation of natural resources.
Interview with Troy Casey
Q. How did your show on the Discovery Channel come about?
A. I was hired to work on Planet Green, Discovery’s environmental network, based on the content on my YouTube channel, the "Certified Health Nut." They were looking for knowledgeable on-camera personalities to present stories on the green lifestyle.
Q. How did you become the "Certified Health Nut"?
A. I started my career as a Versace model working in Milan, so I was motivated to look and feel my best. This experience led me to begin studying health, nutrition and natural medicine. Now, after 20 years of being in front of the camera and continuously studying and practicing, I’m happy to share my knowledge freely.
Q.We hear that you have a TV series coming out as well. When will we be able to see that?
A. Very soon! People are thirsty for real information. I like to deliver high-integrity information in a palatable way so that we can make informed choices that affect the future of our species and planet. Choices like voting with your dollars for products that are beneficial to the health of the human being and with companies that have ethical business practices.
Q. What do you think should be the number one priority for creating healthier lives and a healthier environment?
A. Raising consciousness about food and human health. Doing interviews on the street, I realized people understand that what is good for them is good for the earth and vice versa; yet the choices we are presented with on a daily basis do not reflect this.
Most people do not know what GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are or that GMOs are in their food. They are unaware that farming practices of five multinational conglomerates destroy the flora and fauna necessary to continue life on earth. Einstein said, "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."
Q. It seems that our food and ecosystem have been negatively impacted by the way that we live our lives. Is it sustainable to keep doing what we are doing?
A. Absolutely not! Five percent of the world’s population using 30 percent of the natural resources contributing to 25 percent of the pollution...statistically that is a failed system, one that cannot be exported to China, India or any developing country. If U.S. leaders do not recognize this and immediately work to subsidize new energy like they subsidize genetically modified organisms in milk, it looks very ugly for us and the planet! At this moment, it appears that politicians do not have a vested interest in this because it is not "economically feasible." I like to quote the Native American Cree proverb: Only when the last tree is cut, the last river is polluted and the last fish is caught will we realize that we can't eat money.
Q. Food and climate change are integrally related. Many people see reducing the consumption of meat as the number one way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Do you have any thoughts on this?
A. I think that factory farming, with its use of hormones and antibiotics and feeding animals GMOs, is harmful to the environment and humans. There is no doubt about the need for respect and reverence for the earth and earthlings, as well as many systems in need of a complete overhaul, yet I feel that many environmentalist agendas are misguided and/or politically driven.
Q. Where does one start on bettering the earth or living a more eco-friendly life?
A. People need to start with themselves and be healthy! The human being is the first sustainable environment. What is good for humans is good for the earth.
If we are truly concerned about our carbon footprint, why are we not subsidizing solar and wind power or electric cars like we subsidize GMO agribusiness and milk or war and weapons? I see many groups vilifying human beings for their carbon footprint without holistic and sustainable solutions for all. People eat meat and need food; getting them to change something that is part of their DNA is much harder than implementing laws that promote peace.
Q. Most people understand that the Amazon rainforest provides the planet with many important environmental benefits. Since you’ve spent many years studying health and the natural environment, can you speak to the specific environmental attributes of the rainforest that naturally help mitigate climate change?
A. About 20 percent of Earth’s oxygen, one-third of fresh water and half of all species on the earth come from the Amazon. Because of the oxygen and rain the Amazon produces, it has been called the lungs of the planet and is considered the global cooling center.
Biodiversity is a critical component of our species’ survival, and the Amazon is the most biodiverse place on earth. The cure for AIDS, cancer and diabetes is believed to be in the rainforest. I believe that all degenerative diseases can be reversed with the life-giving plants of the rainforest. I am living proof of the efficacious power and longevity potential of these plants; they have improved my strength and clarity of mind immensely. I feel I am regenerating at a cellular level.
Q. What is it about the rainforest that offers the elixir to better health?
A. Its nutrient-dense herbs and their complex alkaloid structure are unparalleled and unprecedented in any other plants on earth. The Amazon is home to the most powerful life force energy on the planet, the highest concentrated source of vitamin C, the highest concentrated source of antioxidants and of beta carotene, the last virgin soil, the strongest genetic codes, etc. etc. Of the 215,000 Amazonian plant species, only 1 percent of the plants have been studied. The National Cancer Institute has documented 3,000 plants—25 percent of all cancer drugs on the market and 42 percent of all drugs get their impetus from the Amazon.
As we know, drugs have side effects. We have seen the commercials: "erectile dysfunction or even death… ask your doctor if this is right for you." The whole food substances or food-grade medicinal herbs that we use in the Amazon Herb Company product line can be consumed just like foods and they have powerful nutritional value. Hypocrites said, "Let thy food be thy medicine." I believe the creator/god designed the human body to heal itself... if it has the proper nutrition.
Q. What can people do to help preserve the rainforest?
A. Use sustainable plants, herbs, superfoods, nuts and berries harvested by the indigenous tribes. They simply grow back and it empowers the inhabitants to keep the rainforest intact. Eco-tourism is another good idea as it is a sustainable industry that helps create respect and reverence for the jungle. The strongest testament to keeping the rainforest alive and productive is more economically profitable than cutting it down. Our company also funnels 10 percent of the profits back into aceer.org educational programs to teach children the cultural value of their plant knowledge.
Q. Do you think we are on our way to better health?
A. Yes, although statistics do not reflect that. I have to believe and hold a positive vision of the future because I believe our thoughts create reality. People are slowly shifting to the realization that something is amiss and taking responsibility for their own health is paramount. I hold a clear vision of clean air, water and soil and peace on earth coming very soon.
Q. To follow up to that question – what toll has the environment had on Americans’ health?
Current statistics are staggering: we rank 36th in the world for health, 1 in 3 have cancer, 67 percent of Americans are obese, diabetes is at epidemic proportion, autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue and many other new diseases.
I believe that the chemical contamination of the air, water and soil have a direct correlation to our health. The previous statistics prove it to me. It is simple common sense—we are in a symbiotic relationship to everything in our environment. I say how do we expect to have a healthy planet unless we ourselves are healthy?
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PMC Funding Watch:
California Strategic Growth Council Sustainable Communities Grants
The State of California allocated over $145 million in Proposition 84 funds to three grant programs benefiting local and regional sustainability initiatives. Applications will be available in February of 2010 for the three Sustainable Communities Grant programs, which include a planning grant, an urban greening plan grant, and an urban greening project grant.
Transportation Planning Grant Program
Transportation Planning Grant funds are available for planning projects that improve mobility and lead to the planning, programming, and implementation of transportation improvement projects. Application dates vary, but additional information is available on the Caltrans website.
HOPE VI Main Street Program
The FY 2009 HOPE VI Main Street Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) announced approximately $4 million available for award. This information is from HUD and is geared towards cities with a population under 50,000. Additional information is available on the HUD website.
Clean LA and PMC invite you to attend Go Green Expo. One of the nation’s most invigorating and diverse eco-friendly events, Go Green Expo will be held January 22–24, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event is sponsored by CBS Television, the Los Angeles Business Journal, Natural Health magazine, the Daily News, LA Weekly, the Sierra Club and over 25 other organizations. Go Green Expo is sure to have outstanding exposure and reach in its efforts to educate and enlighten business owners and consumers on the latest eco-friendly brands.
- Friday, January 22, is the B-to-B day for business buyers, CEOs, press, and procurement professionals.
- Saturday and Sunday, January 23–24, are for all business professionals and for consumers and their families.
Hundreds of exhibits will encompass a wide variety of green products and services, including solar panels, hybrid and electric cars, organic personal care products, eco-pet supplies, greener gadgets, eco-fashion, and home and building supplies that will help us live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Eco-Celebrity speakers, authors and thought leaders such as Ed Begley Jr., Mariel Hemingway, Paul Pelosi Jr., John Picard and Eric Corey Freed will lead informative discussions. Don’t miss Los Angeles’ ultimate eco-extravaganza! Limited booth space is still available. Contact Seth Berk at 212-655-4505, ext. 244, or sberk@gogreenexpo.com today.
Purchase your ticket in advance at www.gogreenexpo.com and save 50% on the ticket price with promo code CLEANLA.
Municipal budgets continue to tighten, making it increasingly difficult for agencies to invest in training for employees — all this at a time when the regulatory and legal landscape is becoming more complicated for compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
PMC, a recognized leader in CEQA and NEPA environmental compliance, review and document production, is now offering our expertise to you in the form of environmental review training that is specific to your agency’s needs.
Interested in training topics? Visit our Carbon Conscious website at www.carbonconscious.us or contact Patrick Angell at pangell@pmcworld.com.
Coming up with unique and cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incorporate overall greener behaviors will continue to be the trend in 2010. With climate change mitigation at the forefront of our lives, cities will need to reach out to all sectors of their communities to seriously reduce their emissions. Below are two examples of how small businesses are taking the lead and putting green tactics into practice.
Sleeping Consciously
"Green" manufacturing is about making informed choices for the benefit of all living creatures, now and for future generations. Since we spend a third of our life sleeping, it may be worthwhile to investigate how mattresses are made. Mattresses are the most important purchase for a bedroom and one of the most expensive. Although your mattress may feel comfortable, it might be harmful to your health and the environment. Who would have thought that there are sleep products that could have a minimum impact on your pocketbook and on the environment?
Vanguard Mattress, a company located in Brea, California, is an example of a company working to meet a growing demand for greener mattresses. Vanguard has been innovative in creating a more eco-friendly product line and process. For example, Vanguard begins by selecting components that utilize renewable resources and are processed using low energy consumption, thus minimizing the impact on the environment. They maintain adequate inventory levels of raw materials to reduce the number of inbound deliveries and thereby save on fuel. Cross contamination is eliminated by storing organic components separately from those that can emit off-gases. These materials are staged in close proximity to assembly areas to enhance worker efficiency while minimizing human exertion in production. Waste is a byproduct of manufacturing. To mitigate this issue, Vanguard developed systems for recycling waste created during cutting, sewing and other production operations to maximize consumption of all purchased components. Delivery wrapping like plastic, wood and cardboard is all recycled or reused.
The high-quality mattresses are two-sided and matched with real box springs for a much longer product life (unlike one-sided beds that cannot be turned). Processes such as those used by Vanguard provide a reason to purchase a green mattress which is ecologically a better bed. When combined with comparative costs, there is every reason to choose an earth-friendly mattress over a conventional one.
Healthier communities lead to lower carbon footprints
For the last ten years, GrowingGreat has been inspiring children and adults to adopt healthier eating habits. As a nonprofit school garden and nutrition education organization, their vision is to encourage others to view food differently, to realize that food serves a purpose and impacts our environment and overall health and well-being.
GrowingGreat’s philosophy is simple: eat a wide variety of colorful, whole foods that are close to their source and minimally processed. They encourage choosing foods that are locally and seasonally grown to lessen our carbon footprint and help build community.
GrowingGreat gets kids excited about healthy eating. Children dig in the dirt, taste delicious fresh foods and learn to make eating choices that will have lifelong health benefits. Using GrowingGreat’s standard-based curriculum, trained docents teach Classroom Nutrition Lessons (five 35-minute lessons for grades 3–5), School Garden Programs (lessons, plantings and harvest parties for both fall and spring planting seasons for grades K–5) and farm-to-school Harvest of the Month Programs (free samples of fresh, local farmers market produce served in the cafeteria at lunch). To reinforce student learning, they provide parent education workshops and take-home resources with each lesson. GrowingGreat also builds partnerships with local farmers markets, businesses and nonprofits to support the adoption of healthy eating habits throughout the entire community. GrowingGreat is a small organization making a large impact. Since 1999, GrowingGreat has reached over 28,000 kindergarten through 5th grade students and families throughout Los Angeles. They currently serve 8,000 students in Los Angeles County, operating in 20 schools in 6 school districts.
The multitalented actor/singer Khleo Thomas was recently interviewed on CNN HLN in Los Angeles about his passion for the environment and his involvement in Clean LA. Watch the video here. As an unofficial spokesperson for Clean LA, an environmental campaign from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Thomas talked about the extensive resources Clean LA provides to businesses, residents, schools and government agencies throughout LA County.
Clean LA comprises a number of environmental programs addressing waste management, recycling and water. It aims to help ‘green’ all 88 cities throughout the county by creating a means for collaboration and resource sharing.
Even with a burgeoning film and music career, Thomas is passionate about creating a sustainable Los Angeles County. When he isn’t busy making movies, like his new starring role in The Hurricane Season opposite Forest Whitaker, Thomas is speaking to schools and kids about ways to be green and sustainable.
For more information about Clean LA, visit www.CleanLA.com or call 1 (888) CLEAN LA.
AB 32 requires that the State of California encourage the voluntary reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In October 2007, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted forest project protocols as an accounting methodology for use in CARB’s Climate Change Program and as a step toward using the sequestration of carbon in forest resources (trees and timber) as part of a future cap and trade program.
After adoption of the 2007 protocol, CARB "instructed staff to initiate a process to develop additional approaches and reduce barriers for participation by public lands, by private commercial forests, and by private non-timber forests such as oak woodlands."
On September 24, 2009, CARB adopted Version 3.0 of the Forest Project Protocol, requiring that "[p]rojects using this protocol are required to maintain or increase live tree biomass on site and greenhouse gas reductions are only credited for increases in carbon stocks above the baseline (business as usual) level." According to CARB, "[t]he update includes numerous improvements, including expanding applicability for other landowner types, especially public lands and private commercial forests, more accurate conservative methods for calculating baselines and additionality, and improved methods to address leakage and permanence risks."
Environmental review was not performed as part of CARB’s adoption of the Forest Project Protocol Version 3.0 and on November 9, 2009, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a letter to CARB asserting that "[t]he Board violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by failing to consider whether it is reasonably foreseeable that its adoption of the Protocol will result in changes to the physical environment." Further, CBD stated:
"Indeed, the Board apparently failed even to consider whether CEQA applied to its action. Yet the Board’s adoption of the Protocol will encourage and facilitate "underlying activities," including forest clearcutting and greenhouse gas offset trading, that will undoubtedly have environmental effects."
With regard to the impact of CBD’s challenge to CARB’s adoption of the Protocol and the Protocol itself, stay tuned.
California’s new $60 million Sustainable Communities Planning Grant has started an interesting debate between regional planning agencies and local governments: Are Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) or city and county governments more effective at achieving real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions? Furthermore, which entity deserves grant funding more given the current economic climate and state legislation like SB 375, AB 32, and SB 97?
The Strategic Growth Council originally developed grant guidelines that would pit California’s 18 MPOs and 538 local governments against each other in competing for the funds; however, at a workshop in early December, it became clear that a line must be drawn.
How the line should be drawn is a matter of debate. Many MPOs, including the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the Council of Fresno County Governments, and the Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments, propose a two-thirds and one-third split between cities/counties and MPOs, respectively. On the other hand, counties and cities, such as San Jose, support a 90% and 10% split. The American Planning Association, California State Association of Counties, and League of California Cities all take the middle ground at an 80% and 20% split.
Their arguments are diverse. MPOs argue that a regional blueprint plan is the primary implementation framework for SB 375 (Steinberg). They also stress the need for a strong, established link between local implementation, regional priorities, and state goals—something that can only come with investment in regional blueprint planning.
Local governments, on the other hand, state that their zoning codes, design guidelines, and general plans are the "on-the-ground" support to implement regional blueprints and induce real change. They also cite the economic downtown and its effect on local government planning departments. The cutbacks, they say, are making it extremely difficult to meet new recommendations or requirements under SB 97 and AB 32.
Because of the nature of this controversial issue, the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) scheduled another public workshop to discuss the draft guidelines on January 11. The draft guidelines will be revised and re-released in February. Whatever the final split between local and regional governments, this matter has opened a debate that is likely to resurface with future grant programs and state legislation.
For more information on the SGC Sustainable Communities Planning Grant, please visit www.carbonconscious.us.