At the end of the day, it’s what we all do as individuals that will drive the Postconsumers movement. However, when celebrities advocate for a cleaner lifestyle, it has an impact. There has long been a debate among the postconsumer community regarding how much credit these celebrities, who often live lifestyles that aren’t exactly what we would call “simple living” should get. However, it’s our stance that credit is due and should be given. At the end of the day again, celebrities hold mass sway over much of the public, and the principles and beliefs that they advocate can truly begin to get disseminated. With that said, here are our top five postconsumer celebrities for 2010.
Jack Johnson: Here’s one celebrity who lives what he preaches and does good all the way around. Despite his huge success as a recording artist, Jack Johnson still lives simply in Hawaii most of the year. He also does amazing good, with his deeds ranging from helping underprivileged children in New Zealand to get eco friendly bikes to playing a huge role in helping the effort to restore the gulf after the oil spill.
Natalie Portman: She may win an Oscar this year, but she’s shunned the idea that celebrities have to wear high-end fashion at all times (she’s been seen on the red carpet wearing a dress from H&M) and she holds true to her vegan beliefs that she won’t wear animal products. Dior even had to make vegan shoes for her to accommodate a photo shoot!
Russell Brand: What we love about Russell Brand, in addition to his focus on a stuff swap culture and his newly adopted green diet, is his blunt way of speaking about how “stupid” he finds most of consumer culture. Sure, he’s taking advantage of his wealth, but he’s also keeping a very real perspective, which is all we ask of anybody.
Daryl Hannah: You will not find a celebrity who has embraced sustainable living more than our favorite Splash mermaid Daryl Hannah. Hannah lives completely off-grid in a solar-powered home and has recently become an expert in and advocate of permaculture.
Prince Charles: The Prince of Wales continues to be one of the most eco-friendly celebrities in the world despite having the wealth and treasures of a king-to-be. He’s spent the year running the Prince’s Rainforest Fund and tirelessly advocating and educating about the need to save the planet. His work is truly seemingly endless, and also effective.
There are, of course, many other celebrities who did good for the planet and the postconsumer ideal this year, but these are our favorites. Who’s your favorite? Like us on Facebook and tell us!
