From the very early ages of civilization, people have looked up to those among them who are famous, for one reason or other. Be it their prowess in battle, their beauty, their skills etc. A general mindset among the people is that to become successful and famous like them, we must do what they do.
While this may or may not be true, what is true is that this mindset has given added responsibility to these sustainable celebrities. Everything they do is scrutinized and inspires the people, be it to do good or bad. Many of the celebrities of today use this unique opportunity of influence they have to promote a sustainable life to try and save our planet. These famous personalities lead the way towards sustainability, be it behind the scenes through their NGOs or vocally on their stage.
Hued Life has picked 10 of such sustainable celebrities from whom we can take inspiration to lead a sustainable life.: –
Top 10 Environmental Celebrity Activists
Leonardo DiCaprio
Just about everyone knows who Leonardo DiCaprio is. The Hollywood star has acted in some of the most iconic movies of all time and has even won an Oscar for his work in the movie, “The Revenant”. What most people also likely know is how vocal he is about sustainability and eco-living. He is a name that is mentioned in every article that connects celebrities to sustainability.
And why shouldn’t he be? After all, he has done some incredible work. DiCaprio is UN certified Messenger of Peace, whose focus is mostly on climate change. He has produced multiple documentaries on climate change and topics surrounding it, has started numerous foundations dedicated for better future and lives of the people and the planet. He has also made efforts to live as sustainably as possible, is very vocal about climate change and sustainability. Moreover, he does not hesitate to speak up about the issue. He has also invested in multiple sustainable brands businesses, especially vegan ones.
Truly, Leo is a perfect example of the good celebrities can do with their influence. He has inspired hundreds of thousands by now, and we hope he continues to inspire all of us.
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix, who is well-known for playing The Joker and is a vocal vegan, promised to wear the same Stella McCartney tuxedo throughout the 2020 awards season to reduce waste in the fashion business. He kept his promise and showed up for the 2021 Oscars wearing the identical outfit.
At the 2020 Golden Globes, when he was receiving his Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama award, he urged his fellow actors to promote sustainability more. In January 2020, he declared, “We don’t have to go in private aircraft to Palm Springs. “I’ll make an effort to improve, and I hope you will, too.” He was imprisoned a few days later while participating in Jane Fonda’s “Fire Drill Fridays” climate change demonstration.
Phoenix has long been an advocate of veganism and gained a lot of traction for his 2019 speech on the dairy industry while he was accepting an award. He has done a lot of work towards fighting climate change and leading a sustainable life in the background but his most active contribution to the efforts is through his beautifully delivered speeches, which he presents when he is on big platforms, like the Oscars.
Jane Fonda
The actress Jane Fonda is well-known for her work in Youth, Coming Home, 9 to 5, and Grace and Frankie, but she is also well-known for her activism. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Fonda was well known for her opposition to the Vietnam War.
She also stood up for women’s rights, and more recently, started the Fire Drill Fridays protest, which started in 2019. She took inspiration for it from the words of Greta Thunberg, “This is a crisis. We have to act like our house is on fire, because it is.”
In HBO’s documentary Jane Fonda in Five Acts, the now-83-year-old actress and activist says, “You have to have the bravery to talk about the changes that are required and that includes attacking at the core the corporate power that has taken over the economy of this nation.”
Fonda has inspired not only millions of people around the world over the years but also a hoard of celebrities too, many of whom have actively participated in Fire Drill Fridays. She is an inspiration to all and is making an effort to leave behind a better future for next generations.
Mark Ruffalo
When he’s not playing the lead in blockbuster Marvel films, Mark Ruffalo takes part in anti-fracking protests, opposes pipeline construction, and promotes the Green New Deal. He was one of several famous people that supported the demonstrations at Standing Rock in 2018.
He has joined many other celebs in their quest for sustainability, and even started his own NGO called The Solutions Project, which aims to try and find ways to implement clean energy resources around the world.
Bhumi Padnekar
When it comes to bringing attention to the deteriorating environment, Bhumi Pednekar has been a vocal advocate. She founded the Climate Warriors movement to inform people of all the terrible things taking place on the planet. Bhumi has provided information about how governmental practices and policies have harmed resources, from oil spills to carbon footprints, etc.
The actor has also starred in multiple movies on social topics like the LGBTQ community, body shaming, etc., to spread awareness among the Indian populous. She uses her platform to inspire people to take action against climate change and reduce their carbon footprint.
Dia Mirza
Dia Mirza, India’s UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, actively promotes conscious environmentalism. She has been actively promoting small things people can do to protect the environment, to the point where she is doing so on a worldwide scale.
She represents the Wildlife Trust of India, a youth-focused initiative of the Swachh Bharat Mission and is a part of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation as well. Dia has revolutionised the way people view their daily lives and the little actions that may have a significant impact, from garbage segregation to sustainable fashion.
Rahul Bose
Actor and social activist Rahul Bose served as the Ambassador for Oxfam. His status as a social activist was established when he was chosen as one of the twelve worldwide intellectuals, decision-makers, economists, and activists to launch the ‘In My Name’ project against global poverty in 2008.
In India, he started a climate change project in 2009 that concentrated on high-level government policy and lobbying for the cause through discussions with various international organisations, such as the United Nations.
He has actively spoken out against environmental concerns such as climate change and global warming. His own non-profit organisation, which he closely collaborates with, works tirelessly to bring about change and raise awareness of global warming.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams, perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time, debuted her own independent clothing brand on the market after 20 years of success in both elite sports and business. Products created in the USA that are vegan and pollution-free form the basis of the “Serena” brand.
Williams, a supporter of a plant-based diet, is funding sustainable start-ups that aim to lessen the overconsumption of meat at the same time.
Nico Rosberg
The 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who has now retired from active participation in F1, has been heavily involved in sustainable projects over the years. He founded the Greentech Festival, a venue for activities that promote cutting-edge green technology and also invested in and has stock in Formula E, the all-electric racing series.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney consistently demonstrates to the world why she and her trademark label are a force to be reckoned with as one of the fashion industry’s top designers in sustainable practices.
The British fashion designer has adopted several environmentally friendly production techniques for her designs since her business was founded in 2001.
McCartney has always been dedicated to producing garments that won’t hurt the environment, whether it is through the use of recycled fabrics or the prohibition of leather, fur, and feathers.
Celebrities are often under tremendous pressure, whether it is through their work, their fame or anything else. Despite all that, they still make an effort to utilise their unique position to push forward the sustainability movement. We salute these bright torches that light the way for us.
