by T Marie Allman

Created on: September 19, 2010   Last Updated: September 20, 2010

Celebrities have been using their influence to sway public opinion for decades.  From breakfast cereal and fashion to political ideals and social causes, a famous spokesperson grabs the world’s attention.  Many celebrities are expanding their sphere of influence to subjects such as world starvation, wars in third-world countries and the environment.  As role models to the world, they have great responsibility when speaking publicly on any issue.  A celebrity who is well-educated about their cause can be a very positive influence.

When thinking of famous people in the news who are protesting in Washington or appealing to the UN, several names come readily to mind.  Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and Bono are three individuals who have spent millions of their own dollars and hours of their time to help raise awareness about famine and war in Africa and about how much work is still needed to help New Orleans recover from hurricane Katrina.  Raising environmental awareness is a relatively new celebrity cause, having more recently gained popularity. 

Green celebrities use their influence to further their environmental beliefs.  Some go about their good works so quietly that they are rarely heard of in the news.  They speak at hearings regarding research on fuel-efficient cars or the use of solar energy.  While many celebrities have helped a little here and there, there are several who have done more and stand out from the crowd.

One of the ‘greenest’ celebrities today is Leonard DiCaprio.  He drives a hybrid car, has written and narrated a documentary titled The 11th Hour and has been on the board of the Natural Resources Council since 2004.  He has been trying to live as he preaches, but in the past has been reprimanded by environmental groups for traveling via private jet.  He has been highly commended for his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, established in 1998, with the purpose of expanding awareness of environmental issues.  He has a website, www.leonardodicaprio.org which keeps abreast of current environmental causes to educate and encourage the public to do their part.

Cameron Diaz does an excellent job of living green.  She recycles, drives a Prius and uses only energy efficient appliances and lighting, things that can be done by everyone.  While she, too, has been admonished for her excessive travel via jet, she truly has worked hard to bring environmental awareness

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