We are used to seeing our celebrities sashaying down the red carpet, but these days, we are equally used to seeing them throwing their weight behind important social causes.

It’s not enough to star in the latest Hollywood blockbuster or release a hit single, our celebrities have also become our role models, mentors and advocates for social good. Many of them are using their unique influence to raise awareness on issues close to their heart. And with the climate change debate raging around the world, many celebrities have chosen to bring attention to issues of environmental concern.

Whether it’s through partnering with responsible fashion or beauty labels, setting up their own foundations, or using their acting and producing skills to spread the good, green message, Hollywood’s elite are embracing all things eco.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio has recently affirmed his green credentials by holding an art auction to raise money for environmental and wildlife projects, resulting in $38 million. This follows a long line of other contributions he has made to the eco world, including making films, such as The 11th Hour, to raise awareness for the cause. In true Hollywood style, he also joined fellow environmental crusader, Al Gore, at the 2007 Oscars, to announce that the awards had incorporated environmentally friendly practices, through planning and production.

2. Gisele Bundchen

Gisele Bundchen may best be known for modelling but she has also entered the world of eco design, creating flip flops for the Ipanema brand and launching an eco friendly skincare line, Sejaa. Goodwill Environmental Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), she has actively campaigned for a number of issues and even won the Best International Green Celebrity Award in 2011. She also dedicates part of her website to environmental causes and even launched a ‘green’ blog back in 2008.

3. Cate Blanchett

Aussie actress Cate Blanchett has been committed to tackling climate change for many years, even causing a stir in her home country for appearing in advertisements to support a price on carbon. She has been a member of the Conservation Foundation in Australia and both she and her husband, Andrew Upton, have joined the Climate Project. She also participated in a project with the Sydney Theatre Company, which saw a new solar array supply up to 70 percent of the power supply.

4. Jamie Oliver

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of eco friendly celebrities, but his ethos of fresh, healthy eating comes from a belief in using sustainable produce. Not only has he lobbied governments over food quality, he has also pushed for better conditions for farmed animals, and has launched his own frozen fish range which comes from sustainable stock, a very timely issue given that some species are set to become extinct by 2050, should we not act fast!

5. Adrian Grenier

Adrian has well and truly joined the environmental entourage by co founding SHFT, a multimedia platform to convey more sustainable approaches to the way we live through video, art, culture and design. He has also been active in a number of eco campaigns ranging from saving the blue fin tuna to supporting hybrid cars. He even launched a beer business, called the Churchkey Can Co, which offers beer in 100 percent recyclable steel cans. Instead of using pull tabs (they can harm wildlife), the cans use an old-fashioned churchkey instead. Both eco friendly and innovative!

Images: Wikimedia Commons, Sebastian Freire, Jingdianmeinv

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Sustainable style news from EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor.

Earth Quake – Pendleton’s Portland Collection is shaking up the fashion world, sending seismic waves of inspiration across the local design scene. Take a look at Portland fashion week emerging designer awardee, Amanda Grisham’s label, Grishley. Inspired by Pendleton’s colorful prints, I love her creative graphic color-blocking technique using leatherette strips. We’ll keep you posted on when this hot collection goes on sale – in the meantime, you can keep up to date with all her news and inspirations here.

California DNA –  Another collection to keep in your line of vision is Los Angeles-based Alternative Apparel’s consciously casual Spring 2012 styles. While their website sees the launch of their new cozy holiday collection, an expanded collection, entitled Oasis of Color hit the runway last week at Vibiana, a renovated cathedral in the heart of downtown Los Angeles during LA Fashion Week. Watch Founder Greg Alterman and Design Director Lissa Zwahlen discuss how the Palm Springs desert landscape served as inspiration for the bold hued prints and sun-bleached earth toned palette.

Pop Up Pie – Sustainability’s sweetie pie, actor Adrian Grenier and film and TV producer Peter Glatzer open the doors on Friday to their 2^nd Annual SHFT pop-up shop. Located on LA Brea Avenue for a seven-day run, the mark-shift store will feature eclectic eco items for your home including furniture by designers Samuel Moyer and William Stranger, plus local artwork by 30 artists including Vanessa Prager, Melodie McDaniel, Jeremy and Claire Weiss and MB Boissonnault. And don’t miss the ultimate in eco traveling, the Schwinn Vestige commuter bike made from organic, recyclable flax fiber and coated with water soluble paint.

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