Earth Day may have just passed, but we think it’s important to keep environmental sustainability top of mind year round. Tishin Donkersley, editor-in-chief of Green Living Magazine, agrees. Growing up in a “green” household, writing, editing and talking about green living is a natural fit for Tishin. She shares her passion for sustainability and the magazine with us in our latest installment of In Focus.

1. What inspired the creation of Green Living magazine?

The original concept of a green lifestyle magazine came to Publisher John Stacy and Principal Dorie Morales. John liked the idea so much, as there were none like it on the market at the time, and immediately moved forward – we launched within four months! He brought me in to develop the whole direction for the magazine and develop the content to what essentially is an applicable format for living green. Since sustainability touches all aspects of our lives I divided the information up into three parts: LIVE, WORK & PLAY.

2. What is you favorite topic to write about for the magazine? And why?

Easy, I love people and I love the interview. With a Masters degree in psychology, I’m drawn to the psyche and extracting the essence out of each person. My dad always taught me “you can learn something from everyone,” and I live by that motto. From Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Weil, Ed Begley Jr. to Chris Dyson, I’ve always enjoyed the “sit down” and for each conversation I have walked away inspired, educated and energized. Whether you’re famous or from around the block, everyone has a story to tell.

3. What can readers expect when they pick up a copy of Green Living? What stories do you like to feature?

Expect to learn! You will walk away with information on how to improve your life today! It’s a fun and informational magazine. My goal is to empower the reader to take action to improve their life and the environment. We talk about everything from nutrition, food and wine, fashion, health & wellness, pets, green business, architecture, green technology to restaurants, cool gadgets and celebrity profiles.

4. If you weren’t writing and editing, what would you be doing? What other career path were/are you interested in?

Professional traveler – kidding – ok I’m not. Well if I was, I would write about it. I guess I’m a writer at heart. I consider myself a creative generator, energizer, connector and a teacher at heart – if there is a career that equals all of that, I’m all ears – until then, sustainability and the media life is working pretty well for me – I love the energy and I’m blessed with all the friends and colleagues I have in the industry.

5. Earth Day just passed. What were the best events you saw from this year celebrating the holiday? Was there any particular promotion that just wowed you?

I think all of the events were wonderful. The fact that people took the time to volunteer and celebrate the Earth and encourage our community to recommit to sustainable practices is fantastic. I wish it wasn’t just one day a year. Sustainability is an ongoing commitment and I hope to encourage everyone to continue to act in a sustainable way. Believe it or not, small or large, your efforts matter.  If you don’t know where to start, check out our once-a-day green calendar on Pinterest or at www.greenlivingaz.com .

Thanks for chatting and GO GREEN!

Follow Tishin @TishinD , Pinterest , You Tube on Green Living AZ Magazine TV.