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Should celebrities be role models? Some think so, and some think they should stick to looking gorgeous and entertaining us on the big screen. But even if you think we shouldn’t look to celebrities for political or social inspiration, you can’t deny that they hold some power in those arenas.
When Kim Kardashian wears her hair in a new style, people rush to get the same haircut. Could the same not be true about the altruistic actions that celebrities take to help the environment? Follow in the footsteps of these four trailblazers, and we as a species will be off to building a brighter future for our planet.
1. Jane Fonda
New Hollywood legend Jane Fonda is no stranger to activism. From visiting Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War to advocating for green technology like a solar backup generator, the 82-year-old acting veteran has always been on the right side of history.
Some of Fonda’s most iconic moments of social justice rabble-rousing have been in service of the environment. In 2019, she followed in the footsteps of another climate activist several generations below her: Greta Thunberg.
Patterned after Thunberg’s Fridays for Future, Fonda’s Fire Drill Fridays saw the daughter of studio-era heartthrob Peter Fonda gather several celebrity friends and lead protestors in chants outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.
2. Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix comes from a family of activists. It all started with his mother, Arlyn, who later changed her name to Heart. After leaving a cult, Heart converted to veganism, began advocating for animal rights, and became the executive director of The Florida School of Traditional Midwifery. She also founded the non-profit organization the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding in 2012, which tries to spread peace across the globe.
Phoenix’s older sister Rain has founded several non-profits and charities, including LaunchLeft, a fundraising organization for artists and leftist politicians. She also started Gift Horse Project, which brings artists together to raise money for worthy causes. With Joaquin, she founded the Lunchbox Fund, which helps deliver meals to schools in Soweto, South Africa.
Joaquin himself is a lifelong vegan and ardent animal rights activist.
3. Will, Jada, Jaden, and Willow Smith
Each member of the Smith family has initiated their social cause, from Jaden’s I Love You Truck, a restaurant on wheels that provides free vegan meals to homeless and in-need folks. With his dad, he founded JUST Water, a recyclable boxed water brand.
Will is the voice of the National Geographic series Welcome to Earth, which has strong environmental themes. Finally, all Smith family members performed at the 2019 climate strike in New York City.
4. Woody Harrelson
Last but certainly not least is Woody Harrelson. Harrelson has always been an unconventional celebrity, showing up at awards shows in pajama pants and generally breaking the rules regarding stuffy etiquette. Another way he keeps it real? Advocating for the environment.
His company, Step Forward Paper is leading a revolution in the renewable field by sourcing its materials not from chopped down trees but from easily re-growable wheat.
The Bigger Picture
The climate is the most crucial issue facing the world today, and celebrities are jumping on board. How will you stand up for it?