Going green isn’t just a fad, it’s a real-world applicable movement that has captured the hearts and minds of people across the globe—Hollywood being no exception. Outside the bounds of seemingly endless flashing lights and red-carpet rollouts, many celebrities now use their influence to champion eco-friendly lifestyles, inspiring millions to follow suit. No wonder the global green technology and sustainability market, valued at over $16.5 billion, is projected to reach a staggering $83.59 billion in 2032 at a CAGR of 19.7%.
These icons we admire for their acting prowess and style set the pace for comfy, yet responsible living—from driving electric cars to investing in renewable energy. Their efforts toward reducing carbon footprints, calling for climate action, and even supporting sustainable fashion no doubt place them at the frontline of environmental advocacy. By studying their life choices, we can learn a few things about making our planet more habitable for us and future generations.
Jane Fonda
The renowned American actress and activist is widely known for promoting various social and environmental causes, with one of her notable contributions centered on climate change. In 2019, the 86-year-old film icon, in collaboration with Greenpeace USA, launched Fire Drills Fridays, a series of weekly protests in Washington D.C. that urges policymakers to take action for a cleaner, greener, and more just world.
These protests, inspired by Greta and the youth climate strikes, typically involved civil disobedience, with Fonda herself getting arrested multiple times as a form of peaceful protest. Additionally, she uses her platform to advocate for renewable energy solutions and campaign against fossil fuel dependency.
Natalie Portman
Looking for a female celebrity who truly walks the talk when it comes to sustainability? Natalie Portman is your girl. The world-class actress, known for roles in Star Wars and Black Swan, launched a line of animal-friendly shoes for Te Casan in 2008. Although the project was short-lived, considering the partnering company folded up, it showcased her commitment to veganism—a worthy cause she kickstarted at age 10.
Portman has consistently supported the idea of using more sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton and silk, and she embraces a slower fashion mentality that minimizes waste. She once revealed she exclusively buys vintage designs and hasn’t worn leather or fur in 20 years. When necessary, she repairs damaged items rather than buying new ones.
Beyond fashion, Portman’s eco-consciousness is reflected in mobility. She uses an all-electric car-share app and organizes travel to minimize her carbon footprint.
Alicia Silverstone
Believing one small tweak is all it takes? You bet! Our beloved star of the popular coming-of-age teen comedy film Clueless has, unsurprisingly, been a stalwart in the vegan community since 1998. In 2009, she launched her own vegan cookbook, The Kind Diet, to promote green living not just for personal health but also for the planet, and in 2014, The Kind Mama, a comprehensive guide that covers everything from fertility to post-pregnancy.
Silverstone doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to sustainability—she lives it, both in her everyday routines and professional endeavors. Back in 2009, she pioneered The Kind Life, an online hub committed to offering insights and tools for embracing an eco-friendly, waste-free lifestyle. Online visitors and subscribers are treated to eye-opening topics like organic gardening, cruelty-free beauty products, and sustainable fashion.
If that is not enough, Silverstone has her home equipped with solar panels, a composting system, and organic gardens. She continues to inspire many to make environmentally conscious choices through her public engagements, writings, and personal lifestyle, proving that going green is achievable and rewarding.
Matt Damon
When we think of actors supporting environmental causes, we think of the big-name Hollywood elite. Matt Damon is one of these A-listers. However, he has made a point to be accessible and relatable. Damon’s philanthropic efforts center around water rights and scarcity, starting with his trip to Zambia in 2006 where he learned about the region’s water crisis. Three years later, Damon and engineer Gary White founded Water.org—a non-profit dedicated to providing families from around the world access to clean water.
Water.org is a perfect example of how Damon leads by example. In 2013, he was honored at the Environmental Media Award. But then, the Oscar-winning actor isn’t one to let off the gas. So in 2017, he teamed up yet again with his partner to establish their second non-profit, WaterEquity, in order to provide microfinancing solutions for clean water and sanitation projects.
Woodrow Harrelson
One thing we know about “Woody” Harrelson, besides his witty chops and acting skills, is his dedication to protecting the planet. As a trailblazer in environmental conservation, he has ditched all animal food products and plastics and even runs his trailer on film sets entirely on solar power.
Harrelson isn’t one to shy away from an eco protest either. In 1996, he was arrested for scaling the Golden Gate Bridge to oppose the planned logging of a 60,000-acre redwood grove in Humboldt County, Northern California. His arrest soon enough drew much media attention to the issue of deforestation, which is now regarded as a watershed moment in activism.
Leonardo DiCaprio
DiCaprio has been vocal about climate change, animal rights, and marine conservation, among others, long before the Oscar fame and UN messenger of peace achievement. In 1998, he founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF), which has since funded over 200 global environmental projects. Each focuses on protecting endangered species, preserving habitats, supporting indigenous communities, or promoting renewable energy.
The 49-year-old actor and film producer further amplifies eco-based causes through documentaries, such as The 11th Hour (2007) which examines the depleted state of earth’s natural environment, and Before the Flood (2016) which uncovers the effect of climate change and proffers potential solutions. His eco-friendly approach to life resonates in his choice of electric vehicles, reliance on renewable energy sources across his properties, and dedication to ethical fashion.
Conclusion
That concludes our lineup of Hollywood icons who not only advocate for sustainability but live it in their everyday life. So, did we miss out on any of your favorites? No worries! Our list isn’t exhaustive and there are many other celebs out there pushing for a greener future; feel free to look them up and learn a couple of things. Let’s save our planet today.
Cover image: Leonardo DiCaprio addresses the opening session of the UN Climate Summit, Sept 23, 2014. Photo by John Gillespie