environmentalists Archives - Dr. Susanne

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of many celebrities who support efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet. Aside from being nominated for Academy Awards and starring in Titanic, one of the highest grossing pictures of all time, DiCaprio has built a significant presence in spreading the word about climate control and saving animals from extinction.

DiCaprio has been a long time member of the NRDC’s Board of Trustees and sponsored the e-Activism Zone in the Robert Redford Building, home to NRDC’s Santa Monica office, which has been named ‘Greenest’ Building in America. DiCaprio’s ecological efforts became popular back in 2002 when his eco-foundation was awarded the Martin Litton Environmental Warrior Award, an honor in the name of long time environmental activist Martin Litton. From there he has created documentaries including his most popular “11^th Hour” which won several awards, launched an eco website entitled leonardodicaprio.org, and produced a show on Discovery Networks called “Eco-Town” which is filmed around the reconstruction of Greensburg, Kansas, a town wiped out by a tornado. In addition, he donated one million dollars to the Haiti relief effort and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

I am a big fan of environmental activism, and I appreciate it when celebrities use their standing to contribute to a healthier Planet. It has been said that DiCaprio drives a hybrid car, uses solar panels in his house, and even flies on commercial jets rather than private ones. He is a great role model and inspiration for many!

References:

http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/aboutus/ecobio

http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/aboutus

http://www.nrdc.org/

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 2^nd Street. Frequently known to pop in now and then, you just might catch a glimpse of Mr. Sundance himself!