Celebrities love to talk big issues like the environment. But, are they actually doing anything about it?
Celebrities have a way of bringing attention and support to causes. This is undisputed. It doesn’t matter if they mention it on Twitter or in their acceptance speech for the award, it brings attention to the cause, which is a significant contribution.
There are often contradictions between what these high-status individuals say on stage and their actual lives. It is not true for someone to fly a private jet across the country and ride in a gas-guzzling S.U.V. or Limo, they will tell the world how much they care about the planet and then get back in their private jet.
Madonna is one example. Madonna is a pop star who has been vocal about environmental issues. She even performed at Londons Live Earth concert. Madonna is also a passionate investor who has invested millions in some of the most polluting corporate polluters on the planet, including BP oil.
Leonardo DiCaprio, perhaps the most vocal celebrity environmentalist is dedicating almost all his online presence to the cause. He also founded The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation as part of the $1 million California Family Foundation. DiCaprio is also a frequent flyer of private jets, contributing greatly to the greenhouse gasses.
Last year, DiCaprio flew commercial to attend the UN Climate Change Conference in Scotland. This was a promising step towards genuine change and a better choice than many of his fellow attendees.
Kourtney Kardashian posted beautiful photos of Hawaii’s natural beauty for Earth Day. She was on vacation at the time. The caption read “Love her and take good care of her every single day.” This statement was followed by several emojis representing planet Earth. I believe it safe to assume that Kardashian is saying that she takes care of the Earth everyday.
She is credited for not having a private jet. It is hard to imagine anyone in the Kardashian clan flying commercially. What we do know is that Kardashian has 25 gas-guzzling vehicles. She has also taken many vacations overseas over the last year, leaving a huge carbon footprint.
However, there are some celebrities who can talk big and can follow up. Joaquin Phoenix, an outspoken vegan, wore a similar suit throughout 2020’s awards season in an effort to reduce fashion waste.
He called on his fellow stars to do more to support sustainability in his Oscars acceptance speech. He said that private jets are not necessary to get to Palm Springs. I’ll do my best, and I hope that you will too. He was also arrested a few days later during Jane Fonda’s protests against environmentalalism in Washington D.C.
It’s not enough for these hypocritical celebrities to change their ways though, it needs to be a group effort. Every celebrity has the opportunity to raise awareness and bring about real change, but most waste it.
I want to see a world where caring for the environment is not just a badge of honor that celebrities wear on social media. I want to see these vast platforms and vast resources used to save the planet we all call home.
Tracy Mullinax is available at[email protected]
