From launching climate change foundations to simply not buying into “wear-it-once” material culture, many celebrities understand their power of influence to move the needle of the public conscience.
You’re likely already familiar with some of the climate crusaders on the frontlines, like Jane Fonda, Ted Danson, Robert Redford, and Daryl Hannah, who have been boots-on-the-ground environmental activists for years.
Leonardo DiCaprio has his own robust environmental foundation, while Mark Ruffalo –one of the most vocal celebrity voices against fracking – co-founded The Solutions Project, which aims to help people transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. Adrian Grenier (“Entourage”) is passionate about ocean health and focuses on the problems with plastic straws and other throwaway items through his ocean conservation foundation Lonely Whale.
But there are lesser-known eco-conscious and resource-sharing initiatives by celebrities using their influence for good in both their professional and personal lives.
Celebrities launching innovative businesses using repurposed and sustainable materials include Pharrell Williams‘ brand Bionic Yarn, which recycles marine plastics into apparel, bags, and footwear and Woody Harrelson’s paper company, Step Forward Paper, made from 80% wheat instead of trees.
U2’s Bono and wife Ali Hewson’s Edun fashion line uses eco-friendly materials sourced and manufactured in Africa to promote fair trade, while Miranda Kerr (Kora Organics), Josie Maran (Josie Maran Cosmetics), Jessica Alba (www.honest.com), and Kristen Bell (Hello Bello) put their stamp on natural, eco-conscious beauty and personal care products.
Other celebrities are using their influence to encourage more sustainable purchasing and embracing the sharing economy.
Actress Nathalie Kelley, known for her role in The Fast and the Furious, is in the midst of her year-long #NoNewClothes challenge. In addition to only buying second-hand or renting clothes, she is also declining new clothes gifted from fashion brands. And this past September, Jane Fonda vowed to never buy a new piece of clothing again!
“Orange is the New Black’s” Alysia Reiner is a dedicated eco-influencer who co-founded the zero waste womenswear label LIVARI and lends her name to fashion rental site Wardrobe, offering up her own covetable fashions for temporary use.
Celebrities including Katie Holmes, Awkwafina, and Bella Hadid have all utilized Rent The Runway for designer rentals, discouraging single-use purchases for fancy frocks.
Kendall Jenner, Woody Harrelson, John Leguizamo, and Naomi Watts have all been spotted using CitiBike, the bike-share service in Manhattan.
Plenty of celebrities have been spotted in car shares like Lyft and Uber – and actress Gabrielle Union even allowed an Uber driver to use her bathroom, quite a sharing experience!
Whether it’s setting an example by simply living resourcefully or founding a national climate initiative, these celebrities keep the environment in mind – and you never know when you’ll be literally sharing their shoes!
