Heidi Cullen

What was the inspiration behind Forecast Earth?

I wanted to have more time to focus on the big issues. When I got to The Weather channel, I did these minute and a half reports about global warming or a new hybrid car and it never felt like enough time. I love how this show explains the way climate change is so connected to other environmental issues. I have to say that meeting clean-technology VCs [venture capitalists] and scientists who are doing things like making solar panels more efficient is exciting. Knowing that all of these people are working on this problem, you realize this is a great field to be in.

What are the three things that you recommend to people who would like to do their part for the environment but don’t know where to begin?

One, start with your car. I don't think it has to be a hybrid. In fact, there are a couple of cars that are under $14,000 that get 40 miles to the gallon, like the Honda Fit or the Chevy Aveo. Two, keep track of how much garbage you produce and limit that at every turn. Three, think about water. Every time you turn on the tap, realize that water is a limited resource. I think people should resensitize themselves to where their resources are coming from.

When did you become aware of environmental issues and start to incorporate greener habits into your life?

I grew up in a blue-collar household. My dad was a cop in New York and my mom stayed home with us. I clearly remember both telling us not to waste things or to close the refrigerator door to save energy. When I got to school, I studied physics which helped my knowledge build. I dated this guy in college and I remember going to throw something away that could have been recycled and he called me an eco-terrorist. I wasn't thinking, but I'll always remember that moment.

What does 'green' mean to you?

It means not taking things for granted and realizing that everything is interconnected and that we're part of the equation. One of the things we talk about on the show is that there are 6.5 billion people on the planet and that we have become part of the planet's temperature equation. We're part of the planet and it's a good thing to be grateful for it.

What is one recent green obsession that you just can't live without?

One thing I really love are solar paneled bags made by Noon Solar (www.noonsolar.com). I'm a big fan of solar power and when I look at the bag, I realize that I have my own power supply on my shoulder. Also, we've started purchasing our electric power from green sources. In Georgia, it's methane capture. [When organic material in wastewater breaks down, it releases a methane-rich fuel that can be used to heat water and buildings].

What one thing bums you out because it's so obviously not environmentally friendly?

Takeout containers. When you go to places like Malibu, you can find restaurants that send you home with eco-friendly, biodegradable takeout containers. In Atlanta, I'm aware of how far you have to go to get anything close to that.

Do you ever have any eco-conflicts where you've had to choose between an eco-friendly item and a commercial one?

Because I do stuff on camera, I feel bad because I have to buy a lot more clothes than I used to buy as an academic. I've started hitting the secondhand shops and even wear secondhand clothes on the show. I found a beautiful cashmere sweater at a secondhand store for $10!

Do you have any eco-sins—an enjoyable indulgence that isn’t green, but you must have in your life?

Without a doubt, my eco-sin is Swiss chocolate. I don't like thinking about the miles it has to travel to get to my supermarket but good chocolate is good chocolate!