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Top 10 Green Celebrities

‘Go Green’ is the mantra adopted by a host of celebrities to popularize the environment conservation efforts of various public and private organizations. In a way, this also helps build their popularity, so it is a win-win situation for both parties. Celebrities have always played an active part in propping up various issues that concern the world at large. As aforementioned, it helps them stay in the news, but at the same time, they also add a bit of glamour to the proceedings.

Common Man Vs. Celebrity

You or I will not have the same kind of impact with regards to a particular issue. However, a celebrity is able to create a strong and memorable impression. Imagine yourself addressing a group of people while a celebrity is holding court? Who will attract the larger crowd? The answer is not that difficult.

Over the years, various environmental issues have been highlighted due to the ardent support of celebrities. Much good has been accomplished through this type of publicity. It’s a trend that is growing, and today you will be hard-pressed to find a celebrity who is not supporting some cause.

Top Ten Green Celebrities – (In no particular order)

1. Al Gore – The Inconvenient Truth is now Public

He won the Nobel Prize, the Oscar, and an Emmy for bringing to light various issues related to Global Warming and the ensuing climate change. This was done through a documentary, hosted by the Ex Vice – President.

It was a brave effort, and a film of superior quality. More importantly, it made people realize the seriousness of the situation and spurred them on to make a serious commitment with regards to making a positive difference in their own way. Al Gore’s most significant contribution in this regard was the fact that a complex scientific issue was simplified for the benefit of the public.

He and his climate panel has been an effective messenger of ‘Going Green’. His work has been constant and consistently impressive, in terms of bringing environmental issues to light.

2. Leonardo Di Caprio – The Aviator Brings New Hope

For a long time now, Leonardo Di Caprio has been closely associated with the green movement. His on-screen persona and popularity has translated into large-scale support generation for various ecological efforts.

His latest project is the creation of a Green Hotel in conjunction with Four Seasons in Belize, on a large tract of land owned by him. The exact details of the hotel, its architecture, construction, facilities, and amenities have not be divulged yet, but various sources indicate that construction will begin some time in 2008.

Another recent contribution is the documentary titled ‘11th hour.’ Both produced and narrated by Di Caprio, the film takes a hard look at the state of the global environment and proposes several imaginative and practical solutions, which would go a long way in the restoration of the various eco-systems of the planet.

3. Brad Pitt – Belief Powered by Money

Brad Pitt is another actor who has wielded his widespread popularity for showcasing and bringing into focus various issues related to the environment. He has been in the news recently for his New Orleans, eco-friendly building project, which is being built in the 9th Ward.

Unlike many other celebrities, who are loathe to put their money where their mouth is, Brad Pitt has done just that. He has donated $5 million of his own money for this project. The houses that he plans to build would be the absolute word in eco-friendliness and flood resistance. Novel solutions like floating homes and vine-covered homes will be explored in this regard.

4. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Terminator Becomes Activist

One of the biggest contributions of this beefcake actor and governor of California is making his State one the greenest states in the USA. This was done by putting in place quite a few radical moves. One of his pet projects is convincing people to adopt bio-fuel as the primary substitute to gasoline.

5. Bill Gates – MacroHard Support for the Environment

All we can say is his heart is in the right place. He has been at the forefront of making sizable donations to various charities all over the world. He is one of latest philanthropists making a significant pitch for environmental causes. A case in point being the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which donates large amounts of money to various scientific research programs, organizations, and efforts.

6. Bob Geldof – The ‘Go Green Activist Extraordinaire

Live Aid is one of Geldof’s most recognizable achievements. It was a mammoth event that was organized at the Wembley Stadium, which managed to raise more than $150 million for famine relief in Africa.

In both 2006 and 2008, Bob Geldof was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

7. Ed Begley Jr. – Joined the Green Bandwagon Way before Anybody Else

He became a green activist long before it was thought cool to do so. He has been practicing an eco-friendly life style for decades. This star of ‘Living with Ed’ has been an environmentalist for more than 30 years now and there is one thing that has stood true over the years – The Man means Business.

He drives an electric vehicle, is a vegetarian, and lives in a home powered by solar energy.

8. David Cameron – Environment Before Politics

He is the leader of the conservative party in Britain and has been at the fore front of talking tough on the issue of environmental conservation. He has been instrumental in paving the way for a policy group on environment to put into place a process which would minimize greenhouse gas emission.

9. Jane Goodall – Environmentalist Beyond Compare

Probably no other woman has done more for the environment than this woman, who is known for focused involvement in a variety of environmental issues from conservation of tropical forests to the fight for saving the habitats of Chimpanzees and, of course, the Jane Goodall Institute.

10. Scarlett Johanssen – Beauty For the Environment

Another young celebrity who has acted as the mouthpiece for a number of ethical causes primarily focusing on the status of women and children in Africa.