Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Todisco.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into green living and sustainability started early in life. My mom, an Adele Davis nutritionist follower, and my stepdad, a chef, instilled in me the value of wholesome, made-from-scratch meals. Growing up, I learned how to cook this way and have carried that habit with me throughout my life. At 16, I worked at a health food store, where my interest in healthy living deepened.
The true turning point came when I was pregnant with my daughter. I discovered a book about toxins in everyday products, and it was a wake-up call. That moment gave me the clarity and determination to start making healthier choices—not just for my family but also for the planet. Over 20 years ago, I turned that passion into a business: Green Living Now.
Living on an organic farm in Vermont for the past 15 years with my husband, Dave, has been a continuation of that journey. Together, we grow food sustainably, host workshops and retreats, and share what we’ve learned with others. Along the way, I’ve had some incredible experiences, like being the technical editor for Green Living for Dummies, leading Seventh Generation’s nonprofit, The Household Toxins Institute, and having my work featured on HGTV and Vermont Public Radio. I even had a near-opportunity to be interviewed by Oprah’s team—a reminder of how far this mission has taken me.
What drives me most is empowering others to simplify green living and take meaningful steps toward a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle. Whether it’s through my courses, retreats, podcast, or farm tours, I’m passionate about helping people create lasting change for themselves, their families, and the environment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is battling the ‘better living through chemicals’ mindset. For years, I’ve encountered people who assured me that toxins in food and household products weren’t a problem. When my nonprofit, The Consumer’s Healthy Home Center, reached the final stages of a $60,000 grant, the decision came down to a mainstream doctor and a paint store owner who didn’t believe these chemicals were harmful—and we lost the funding. It was disheartening but not surprising, given how deeply entrenched these beliefs are in our culture.
Our society often looks for a quick fix, like asking a doctor for a pill, instead of addressing the root causes of health issues. We’re one of only two countries in the world that allow pharmaceutical ads on TV, which has created a culture where symptoms are treated instead of prevention being prioritized. The corporate capture of Congress has only made meaningful change more difficult, as regulations often favor industry profits over public health.
Another challenge has been the slow awakening of people to the realities I share. Many find the information overwhelming, and knowing the truth would require them to take action they may not feel ready for. On top of that, asking people to spend more on higher-quality food and household products hasn’t always been easy—despite their desire to make better choices. That’s why I’ve focused on prevention through holistic medicine and shared practical, money-saving tips that make green living more accessible.
Through all these struggles, I’ve remained committed to my mission because I believe prevention is the most powerful form of medicine. I know the work I’m doing is making a difference, even if it takes time. Helping thousands of people embrace healthier, toxin-free lifestyles—and seeing the positive changes it brings—is what keeps me moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work focuses on helping people live healthier, toxin-free lives by simplifying green living and providing actionable steps anyone can take. I specialize in connecting environmental sustainability with holistic health, offering practical solutions for everyday living—whether it’s understanding food labels, creating a non-toxic home, or embracing prevention through holistic health practices.
Early in my career, I created the Marblehead Earth Day event, bringing the community together to celebrate and promote sustainability. Later, I founded the Marblehead Cancer Prevention Project to address the town’s troublingly high rates of three cancers above the state average. Through my leadership, we examined potential environmental causes, with pesticide use on lawns and trees emerging as a major concern. I worked with the local Board of Health to implement stricter regulations, empowering the community to prioritize health and safety over convenience. That experience reinforced my commitment to addressing the root causes of health issues through education and advocacy.
On my organic farm in Vermont, I host workshops, retreats, and food tours, showing people how sustainable living can be both achievable and fulfilling. My courses, like The Organic Food Blueprint, stand out because they’re not just theoretical—they’re designed for real-life impact with step-by-step guidance, practical tips, and strategies to make toxin-free living affordable and approachable.
What sets me apart from other green living experts is my ability to demystify the complexities of green living and meet people where they are. I understand that making changes can feel overwhelming or even expensive, which is why I focus on simplifying the process and offering solutions that are both practical and sustainable. Unlike many others, I bridge the gap between personal health and environmental impact, empowering people to make choices that benefit themselves, their families, and the planet.
I’m most proud of the ripple effect my work has had—helping individuals transform their lives and inspiring them to take action in their communities. Whether through my courses, retreats, podcast, or community advocacy, I aim to create lasting, meaningful change. My focus on affordability, accessibility, and empowerment ensures that green living is not just a concept but a lifestyle anyone can embrace.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important quality that has contributed to my success is resilience. The journey of advocating for green living and toxin-free health hasn’t always been easy, especially in a culture that often prioritizes convenience over wellness. There have been times when my ideas were met with skepticism or resistance, but I’ve always been determined to stay the course because I know how important this work is.
Another key characteristic is curiosity. I’ve always had a drive to learn and explore, whether it was digging into the science behind toxins, understanding holistic health practices, or figuring out creative ways to make green living accessible for everyone. This curiosity has helped me adapt and grow in a constantly changing landscape.
Finally, empathy has been crucial. I understand that making lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming, expensive, or out of reach for many people. That’s why I’ve focused on meeting people where they are and offering practical, realistic solutions that empower them to take meaningful steps without feeling judged or pressured. Resilience, curiosity, and empathy have allowed me to connect with people and create lasting impact through my work
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greenlivingnow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytodisco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.d.todisco
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytodisco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenlivingnow
Image Credits
Barrie Fisher took the headshot of me with the tree.
Hannah Long took the one of the farm cornfield.
And, I used Chatgpt to create the Green Living Essentials Courses picture.
I took the farmstand with the pumpkins, my kitchen, and tour guests in front of the pumpkin wall.
And, the Organic Food Blueprint course picture, I got free from Unsplash via Designrr.io