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Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to the serious environmental threats ominously looming over Earth. Due to deforestation, industrialization, and pollution, the EPA reports that the globe’s temperature has risen 1.4 degree Fahrenheit since 1880. The World Resources Institute predicts that one half of plant and animal species on dry land will face extinction by 2050.
Celebrities are among the environmentalists spearheading campaigns to slow the devastating effects of global warming. In this article, we’ll celebrate 10 of the most effective green celebrities safeguarding our world.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
Starring in Blockbuster films like Titanic and The Revenant isn’t actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s only accomplishment. Since 1998, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has made great strides protecting vulnerable wildlife and preserving wilderness. His fundraising galas raise over $40 million annually for eco-friendly initiatives. Leonardo also partnered with Fisher Stevens to create Before the Flood, a riveting documentary on climate change that aired on the National Geographic Channel in 171 nations. It’s no surprise why Leonardo DiCaprio won the UN Messenger of Peace Award in 2014 along with his Oscar and Golden Globes.
2. Gisele Bündchen
As Forbes’ top-earning supermodel in 2016, Gisele Bündchen puts her millions to excellent use advocating for green campaigns. For seven years, she’s served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Gisele actively supports the Movimento Gota D’Agua, which strives to protect the Amazon Rainforest in her native homeland, Brazil. She capitalizes on connections with fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana to promote World Environmental Day yearly on June 5th. Gisele Bündchen also launched the Ipanema brand of chic, rubber flip-flops constructed of 99 percent recycled industrial waste.
3. Dave Matthews Band
Between belting out the lyrics for “Crash Into Me” and “So Much to Say,” the Dave Matthews Band is raising global warming awareness. In 2005, they partnered with REVERB to begin the Bama Green Project to make touring more eco-friendly. Each sold-out concert is powered by biodiesel generators and composters. Dave Matthews and his bandmates have promoted the Collective Good initiative, which encourages fans to recycle old phones for free merchandise. The Dave Matthews Band also established Green Music Group for artists committed to environmental action. Current members include Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, and Paramore.
4. Natalie Portman
Besides appearing on the Red Carpet for award-winning films like Black Swan, Natalie Portman travels the globe to build environmental awareness. As a long-time animal rights advocate, she’s partnered with Té Casan boutique to launch a vegan footwear line. All proceeds go directly to The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit protecting natural habitats in 69 countries. She’s consistently supported Global Green USA, including its National Green Schools Initiative. Natalie Portman also co-hosted the Gorillas on the Brink documentary in Rwanda for the Animal Planet Channel. Her husband Benjamin Millepied even proposed with an eco-friendly engagement ring.
5. Robert Redford
Robert Redford’s environmental activism spans decades just like his big-screen career. The Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid actor began lobbying for the Energy Conservation and Production Act in the 1970s. He fought a contentious battle to stop a coal-fired power plant construction near Utah’s national parks. Since 1974, Robert has served on the Natural Resources Defense Council. He’s a resolute supporter of Vote Solar, a nonprofit making solar energy more mainstream. In 2007, Robert Redford also launched The Green primetime series on Sundance Channel. His green efforts were recognized with the Earth Day International Award.
6. Cameron Diaz
Nicknamed the “Green Queen” on the cover of Vogue, Cameron Diaz is a Prius driver and outspoken advocate for sustainable, eco-friendly living. She’s worked with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to establish the Climate Reality Project, which hosted Live Earth concerts globally. The There’s Something About Mary actress partnered with Gwyneth Paltrow to film public service announcements for the Gen E program. In 2004, Cameron hosted a 10-episode MTV show called Trippin,’ to highlight ecological peril from Chile to Yellowstone. TIME Magazine crowned Cameron Diaz among the 2009 “Heroes of the Environment.”
7. Edward Norton
Actor Edward Norton, famous for playing The Incredible Hulk, flexes his green muscles to protect Mother Earth too. Son of a pioneering environmental lawyer, Edward Norton has been a vocal United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. In 2005, he narrated the four-part Strange Days on Planet Earth series on PBS, which won the Greenpeace Environmental Award. Edward’s actively worked with the Carbonfund.org Foundation to reduce emissions and people’s carbon footprint. In collaboration with BP, Edward Norton also started the Solar Neighbors Program, which helps low-income Los Angeles families install photovoltaic panels.
8. Sting
Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting, participates heavily in charitable, green efforts along with his wife, Trudie Styler. In 1989, the English rocker formed the Rainforest Foundation Fund. It’s estimated that his NGO has raised $30 million to protect 28 million acres of threatened rainforests in 20 countries. Sting has also performed his best hits like “Every Breath You Take” at eco-centric concerts. For example, he joined Elton John in London for Music for Montserrat, a benefit for the West Indies island devastated by a volcano. Sting’s been honored with the Cinema for Peace Environmental Award.
9. Drew Barrymore
Movie buffs may recall that Drew Barrymore played a Greenpeace rep in Anchorage fighting to save whales in Big Miracle. Her dedication to eco-friendly initiatives wasn’t just an act though. In 2013, Drew launched Flower Beauty, a planet-based makeup line wholly manufactured in the United States to curb shipping pollution. From foundation to lipstick and eye shadow, the cosmetics are never tested on animals. Twice, Flower Beauty has received an Allure Best of Beauty Award. Drew Barrymore has also traveled to Kenya for the World Food Programme and supported the Raising Malawai Foundation.
10. Brad Pitt
Academy Award-winning actor Brad Pitt is building more than an impressive filmography with pieces like Ocean’s Eleven and Money Ball. He’s also sparking an environmentally conscious revolution applauded by the U.S Green Building Council. After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, Brad created the Make It Right Foundation to rebuild green. He’s already helped transform the Lower 9th Ward with 150 LEED-certified homes for low-income families. Brad Pitt was a staunch supporter of California’s Prop 87, which would have taxed oil production. He’s also joined the One Campaign with Bono for delivering clean water to Africa.
From Hollywood to New York, many celebrities are using their fame and fortune to save our planet’s most vital resources. Other successful green celebrities include John Travolta, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson, and Daryl Hannah. Even if you’re not a millionaire, follow in their respected footsteps by volunteering your time with eco-friendly efforts in your own community.