Celebrities and the Green Movement

Imagine if you will an event where celebrities like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Salma Hayek and Sheryl Crow (among other noteable names) were in attendance. While this sounds like a glamorous awards event or exclusive party, it is likely to be a meeting on the subject of saving the environment. Hollywood is doing its part and many stars are getting involved in the so-called “green movement” with the goal of reducing pollution, conserving resources and finding renewable and sustainable energy sources. Because celebs are so visible, their causes catch the public's attention as well.

One of the celebrity leaders of the green movement is Leo DiCaprio. His film “The 11th Hour” was made to raise awareness of global eco issues. Dicaprio is a vocal environmental activist and has been so for quite awhile now. He uses his celebrity status to call attention to the issues, lives in a solar powered home and drives a hybrid Prius. DiCaprio is truly an example of a celebrity who talks the talk and walks the walk. He lives the very values that he strives to teach through his activism efforts.

Another household name involved in environmental issues is Brad Pitt. Not only is he famous for his movie career, love life and number of children, he is also famous for his charity work in New Orleans through his very own Make it Right project. This project focused on building environmentally friendly homes for those suffering home loss due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. As a goal, Pitt strove to create 150 houses and offered to match $5 million of donations with money from his own pocket.

Songbird Sheryl Crow is also focused on bringing awareness to environmental issues by appearing at events and speaking about the message of global warming and its harmful effects. Crow also asked young adults to rally on Capitol Hill in order to encourage favorable policy changes. Sheryl uses the cold cycle only when washing, uses solar paneling and her vehicle is of course a hybrid.

Another star who's made a difference is the renowned Edward Norton, star of “The Hulk.” He ensured during the initial production meeting that the filming and set would keep environmental issues in mind and hired a consultant to help. The amount of plastic utensils and bottles on set was reduced and green measures were taken with the construction of the set and recycling of materials. “The Hulk” is the premier film to bear the Green Seal logo in its credits but other films are sure to follow.

Movie making studios are backing their stars when it comes to environmental protection and conservation. For example the filmmaker of “Evan Almighty” donated approximately 2,000 trees in an attempt to make up for greenhouse gas pollution created during film production. Wood by the ton was used for the set, then the items were taken apart and the wood was donated for reuse. Also, the Fox Studios production “24” is bringing in wind and solar power and recycling materials. After production of the mega-hit “The Matrix,” items used on set were recycled for use in Mexican homes.

Celebrities use their fame and good looks for more than just their own beneift. Many of them are using their star power to make our environment a better place and preserve our precious resources for future generations.

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