Photo Credit: Twitter
Eco News Network presents our favorite eco-celeb of the week. Each week we will post an article on our favorite actor, actress, musician, etc. who is not only an exceptional artist, but someone who contributes greatly to the environment. We hope you enjoy! This week we focus on actor, humanitarian and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio.
Where do we begin when it comes to one of the biggest Hollywood actor’s of all time? Leonardo DiCaprio has won the hearts of girls all over the world, has starred in some of the most memorable movies and has played unforgettable roles, but that isn’t all Leo has accomplished. He is a huge supporter of the environment and its creatures.
Who would have thought that the little boy from “Growing Pains,” who then became a teenage heartthrob after starring in “Romeo and Juliet” and “Titanic” would now be one of the top environmental activists? With all of his achievements it’s difficult to choose where to begin!
Let’s start with Leo’s own foundation, The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which “supports efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants.” You can visit the website to stay updated on what he is up to in the eco-world and what he finds important.
Posted all over his foundation’s page is one of the many campaigns he supports, “Save Tigers Now.” This animal friendly organization is part of the World Wildlife Fund and aims to build political, financial and public support to double the number of wild tigers by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger. There are as few as 3,200 tigers left and Leo is fighting for their rights.
In addition to helping animals, in 2007 Leo helped write and narrate “The 11th Hour,” a documentary that looked at the state of the global environment such as visionary and practical solutions for restoring the planet’s ecosystems.
In a press conference for “The 11th Hour” Leo had some inspirational words about how he became involved with the environment. “I became an actor at a very young age, but I also had a deep respect for nature and I think I was sort of a little biologist when I was younger. I watched documentaries on rainforest pollution and the loss of species and habitats for animals around the world. It affected me in a very hardcore, emotional way when I was younger. So, later in life I wanted to continue that path more and investigate and learn more about ecological issues.”
Even while filming Leo doesn’t stop helping the environment. Currently, he is filming “The Great Gatsby” and while on location in Australia he rented a green home. He also drives a hybrid super car, supports the universal access to clean water and reducing fossil fuel emissions, and wrote a letter to the California State Senate in hopes of banning the sale of shark fins. Can’t get more eco-friendly than that!
It seems Leo becomes more and more involved in nature, because he truly cares, so be sure to follow Leo on Twitter and don’t miss out on his eco-conscious endeavors. Check out this snippet from “The 11th Hour” and see Leo’s passion for Mother Earth.
Via YouTube
-Allyson Koerner