Don’t hate her because she’s beautiful. A model (Maybelline, Guess) and actress (“The Aviator,” “Van Helsing”), Josie Maran refuses to rest on her laurels, choosing instead to live her life to the fullest—and greenest—as an eco-conscious mom (daughter Rumi is one) and the greentrepreneur behind her eponymous uber-chic, eco-friendly makeup line (yup, you read about it here first), while actively supporting Global Green, and working with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Teens for Safe Cosmetics.

Until recently, Josie was the Greenest Girl on the small screen as she fox trotted her way through “Dancing with the Stars” while wearing eco-friendly costumes and refusing to regularly shave her armpits (partner Alex Mazo apparently loooved that).That’s why we were so thrilled when she agreed to join our Advisory Board, even more thrilled when she said she’d make time to chat with Gigi while simultaneously perfecting her mambo, and so super bummed when she was eliminated from the show in the first round—especially since we spent all that time trying to get through the jammed phone lines to vote for her!

Lame judges aside, we still think Josie’s a fabulous dancer and fantastic all-around model (pun intended) of the ultimate Green Girl.

Gigi: When did you first become aware of the green movement?

Josie: I grew up in Northern California in a family that always cared about environmental and social issues – so you could say my awareness of environmental issues was just a natural part of my upbringing. But now, as a new mom starting a new company in this era of “going green,” I have definitely become much more conscious of my impact on the environment and I’m always taking steps to lessen my ecological footprint.

Gigi: What kinds of green changes have you made or do you plan to make in your life?

Josie: I’m currently getting settled in a new office space and I’m planning to make it as eco-friendly as possible. There are so many aspects of a business that need to be considered when you’re trying to operate responsibly, so I’m really looking forward to learning from first-hand experience.

Gigi: What are a few of your favorite green Beauty or Lifestyle products? Green fashion designers or labels? How about stores or websites?

Josie: Fashion-wise, Evidence of Evolution is my favorite. Locally designed and sewn in Los Angeles, they even have an organic line that includes dresses and shirts for women, plus shirts and hoodies for men. I’m really excited that they will be selling at Barneys this fall.

I also love the Jo Wood Organics line because they use the highest grade of essential oils and plant extracts in their product formulas. I definitely share their philosophy for highlighting natural beauty and utilizing nature in product formulas.  In fact, purity is so important to me that I included 100% organic argan oil in my line. Argan oil is my favorite moisturizer for skin, hair and nails. Our argan oil, housed in a recyclable glass bottle, is purchased from women’s cooperatives in Morocco, thereby supporting their social and economic welfare. These cooperatives also work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, which ensures the protection and reforestation of argan trees.

Gigi: What’s your favorite eco-friendly tip our readers should know about?

Josie: When it comes to eco-friendly tips, I like the little things – like trying to buy second-hand and even getting music and magazines online. www.zinio.com is a cool website for reading flip-through magazines on your computer, and www.secondspin.com is another site for finding used CDs and DVDs.

Gigi: What’s the best green advice you ever got and who gave it to you?

Josie: EcoFabulous superstar Zem Joaquin is a new friend of mine, and she recently told me that it’s always important to “walk the talk.” This is something I’m definitely conscious of since I always want to be truthful and genuine personally and professionally. Being an entrepreneur, activist and mother keeps me on top of always trying to practice what I preach.