Robert Redford, the dashing, 1970’s heart throb of Sundance fame has turned more than a few heads in his time. While the actor and director has received numerous awards of achievement for his contribution to the arts, not many people are aware of his gallant philanthropic efforts for environmental advocacy, wildlife and nature conservation.
Before actors like Leo DiCaprio or Daryl Hannah ever stepped foot in the green political spotlight, Redford has been a dedicated liberal and environmentalist for nearly forty years, contributing to one of the largest public interest groups in the country, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). To date, the group has over a million members and activists nationwide. The NRDC’s mission ultimately is to “safeguard the Earth: its people its plants and animals and the natural systems of which all life depends”, which include efforts in controlling energy efficiency, protecting endangered species, preserving marine life, curbing global warming, preventing pollution, and creating a clean energy future.
Over the years Redford has teamed up with NRDC to lobby for environmental legislation, block oil drilling in the Arctic, host a U.S. to Soviet Union global warming summit and most recently, recorded a new NRDC video in support of the “Clean Energy Legislation”. In 2003, The NRDC opened their Santa Monica headquarters and building and dedicated it to Mr. Redford. NRDC received the highest certification available for green building design, a Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. Aptly named the “Robert Redford Building”, it uses sixty percent less energy than a typical office building with no carbon dioxide emissions, with non-toxic furniture and flooring.
The next time you are in Santa Monica, please take a peek at NRDC’s green building on 2nd Street. Frequently known to pop in now and then, you just might catch a glimpse of Mr. Sundance himself!
Address:
Robert Redford Building
1314 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
References:
http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/031113.asp
http://eponline.com/articles/2005/11/01/has-the-nrdc-gone-hollywood.aspx
