Turning Star Power into Earth Power

While there are many celebrities speaking out against the oil spill and trying to help, there are a few celebrities who have been trying to save our planet throughout their careers, even before this latest crisis. When a person has plenty of money, it is actually rather easy to toss money at a problem, and celebrities mostly have plenty of money. What is more difficult is actually living the green life, but a few actors and actresses are doing exactly that - and have been since well before it became the trendy thing to do.

It is virtually impossible to talk about "green" celebrities without including the Hollywood veteran Ed Begley, Jr. He's been acting since the 60s, but he became a household name in the 80s with his role on the hospital drama St. Elsewhere. He has been living an environmentally conscious, "green" life since 1970, when he bought his first electric vehicle. In addition to his selection of electric and hybrid vehicles, his home runs entirely on solar and wind power, and is insulated with recycled denim. His lawn is made of environmentally friendly artificial turf, while he and his wife Rachelle practice xenoscaping in the garden. Through his reality series Living With Ed, as well as talks and interviews, he promotes environmental consciousness and gives tips for living a greener, less expensive life.

Another celebrity who is quite green minded is Leonardo DiCaprio. On the main page of his website, almost half of the available space is devoted to environmental causes and news. There is a choice to enter the "Leonardo" site or the "Eco-Site". There are pictures of flora and fauna prominently featured and, above the trailer for the actor's latest film, two short films narrated by DiCaprio about global warming and water pollution.

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation was founded in 1998. The organization, according to the banner splashed across the top of the Eco-Site, "supports efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants." There is an initiative to help the endangered tiger, a commitment to reduce the amount of plastics we use in order to save our oceans, and links to all manner of green websites, causes, news stories, and videos. DiCaprio himself is a board member or trustee of no less than 4 different environmental associations. In 2008, the LDF joined forces with the California Community Foundation to form the Leonardo DiCaprio Fund at CCF.

Sources:

http://www.got2begreen.com/green-2-gether/interview-with-ed-begley-jr/

http://www.edbegley.com/

http://www.leonardodicaprio.org (eco-site)

http://www.leonardodicaprio.com/ (Leonardo)