Jane fonda once said that ‘when someone famous takes a stand, people notice.’ fame and fortune didn’t stop these  environmentally conscious celebs

Natalie Portman

The award-winning actress has been an animal lover since a very young age, and it hasn’t changed as she grew older and more popular in the film scene. She doesn’t shy away from being an advocate for a greener planet – one way in which she walks the talk is to live a vegan lifestyle to fight against pollution caused by factory farming. Her dedication to the cause has led her to be awarded with the EMA Ongoing Commitment Award, which is handed out to those who fight for environmental issues.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is more than a muso with tracks such as ‘Happy’ and ‘Feels’ behind his name. He also doesn’t shy away from using his voice for a different purpose – being an activist for the fight against climate change. He has been involved in a few projects that focus on environmental issues, one of which was a song titled ‘100 Years’, which will only be released in the year 2117. And did we mention the song is captured on a record made from clay? This means that if the sea levels continue to rise, the record will be destroyed. What an interesting way to raise awareness about the matter!

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith is one 23-year-old who’s proof that today’s young adults take environmental issues seriously, and that coming from a family of highly talented and successful individuals (categories that he fulfills himself) doesn’t have to make you oblivious to what goes on beyond four walls. His contribution to reduce climate change doesn’t stop with him being a vegan. He’s also the founder of JUST Water, a company that makes use of non-plastic containers that have been ethically sourced. The idea behind the concept stemmed from a surf session when Jaden was only ten years old. Seeing a plastic bottle floating beside him had opened his eyes to the impact humans have on climate change and nature’s health. He then took matters into his own hands and decided to be the change.

Jordy Smith

Our very own Jordy Smith is taking a stand against climate change and the negative impact that we have on the Earth’s well-being. In 2018, during an event called Plastic Free July, influencers made a pledge to no longer make use of single-use plastic bags as a way to strive towards a greener environment. The professional surfer joined in on the pledge and committed to make use of bags that are more sustainable. He further created awareness by featuring in Dan Mace’s Let’s Talk Trash, where he launched into a trash can while surfing.

Zoë Brown

She’s SA’s sweetheart in a world full of media personalities, and we have another reason to adore her. In 2020, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) asked some of our country’s celebs to share a message to the youth of South Africa that would inform them about the importance of looking after the Earth for the generations to come. Zoë shared an inspiring quote, saying: ‘When it comes to our planet, we cannot think of it as something someone else will be taking care of. Nope. That’s not how it works. That’s not the way we are going to preserve nature for future generations.’

Shailene Woodley

Actress Shailene Woodley has an undying passion to make the world a better place for the future generations. She’s very open about her wanting to have children one day and describes that as her driving force for making a positive change. Her activism résumé is filled with things that show just how committed she is to fighting against climate change. For one, she doesn’t make use of any toxic products in her own household. She’s also the co-owner of All It Takes, an environmental NPO. It doesn’t stop there! Shailene is an Oceans Ambassador for Greenpeace, too. 

Words by Bianca Muller
Photography: Gallo/GettyImages, Courtesy Images