Five Celebrities Making Efforts to Go Green

While Hollywood’s efforts at political activism feel more like a joke’s punch line than they do serious discussion, no one can deny that the celeb-class has had a huge influence on making environmentally-conscious living more mainstream.  From beauties who have gone nude, to protest the harvesting of fur to the trend away from gas guzzlers and toward hybrids and electric vehicles, celebrities have brought attention to the importance of living in tune with our world.

As the debates over environmental policy, the tangible effects of greenhouse gases, and the management of the delicate balance between environmental and economic stewardship continue to rage, more celebrities will feel the need to weigh in on the issue. But what’s really important is where the rubber meets the road – the specific actions that that reduce their impact on the world and encourage us to reduce ours.

Today, more and more stars are paying attention to how their lifestyle affects the planet.

Take, for example, the five celebrities on this list.

#5 – Tim DeKay

When he’s not firing machine guns, driving fast, or blowing stuff up on USA’s Burn Notice, Tim DeKay spends his time on a sustainable property in Oregon, which he has put a considerable amount of time, effort and money into building.  Because the property is up on a hill, it uses windmills as its primary source of power. He also practices land stewardship, has removed non-native species, and has cut the forest back carefully, using sustainable methods.

#4 – Kim Kardashian

Whether you love them or hate them, we all have to admit that the Kardashian clan has an incredible amount of influence.  Luckily, it appears that Kourtney and Kim Kardashian are using that influence for good. In a world where a celebrity can launch a clothing line by stepping out in a pair of its jeans, the Kardashians are popping up with more and more eco-friendly products, driving both awareness and interest. For example, when they had hotel rooms filled with a line of soy candles recently, gossip columns were suddenly filled with explanations of how paraffin production damages the environment and how soy is a clean alternative.

#3 – Ed Begley Jr.

Begley Jr. is a true believer in environmental stewardship, and has been for years. In addition to living an environmentally conscious lifestyle (he’s been known to show up to a red carpet event on his bicycle), his HGTV show “Living with Ed” investigates various ways to reduce pollution and consumption in our everyday lives – like, for example, reducing shower water consumption.  The show has brought attention to literally hundreds of environmentally friendly products and practices, and has become a favorite of those of us who are determined to live our lives green(er).

#2 – Willie Nelson

You might say that country music is the fuel that fires the heart of America. While standing at the top of the country scene as one of the genre’s most beloved singers and songwriters, Willie Nelson has also made a foray into the real fuel business.  A longtime champion of biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuels, Nelson has begun to manufacture the stuff himself, advocate on behalf of the American farmer, and promote the use of biofuel – and non-fossil fuels in general – all across the country.

#1 – Leonardo DiCaprio

With his impressive filmography, vivacious and exciting talent, and enduring good looks, DiCaprio is a celebrity among celebrities.  He is also an environmentalist among environmentalists. While he isn’t nearly as outspoken as some of his fellow stars (ahem, George Clooney, ahem) he walks the walk.  He drove a Prius when celebs were still supposed to be driving Hummers. His New York pad (called River House) has its own water treatment facility and rotating solar panels.  And he is almost as likely as Ed Begley Jr. to show up at an event on a bicycle.