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Elizabeth Banks is all smiles on the cover of Self magazine’s November 2010 issue!

Here’s what the 36-year-old Next Three Days actress had to share:

On always wanting to continue learning: “I relish learning. I am a voracious reader and also really value hands-on experiences. In my new film, I play a woman who is accused of murder and jailed. So to prepare for the role, I read a lot about the penal system and I visited a prison. I was locked in a cell for three minutes, at which point I wanted to cry. That was long enough for me! I have a good idea now of what Lindsay Lohan went through! But really, whatever I’m involved in, whether it’s for a role or my interest in nature, I like educating myself.”

On being more conscious of her habits: “[Husband Max Handelman] and I have cut out other things, like cable channels, because we’d rather spend money on good food. We’re just trying to think more about the cycle of life we’re part of. It also goes back to your real-life experiences. McDonald’s hamburgers might be delicious in my mouth, but my real-life experience is that they make my belly hurt. I already didn’t eat them that often, and now I know more about how things are processed. If they don’t make me feel great, why would I bother eating them?”

On doing her part to consume less: “I’m no scientist, but it’s clear to me we’re putting too much pressure on the earth. So we are trying to consume less. I bring my own bags to the grocery store. I buy in bulk whenever I can, so there’s less packaging. We got rid of our pool heater. I still have a car, but I walk everywhere I can.”