“I know what you’re thinking – what is international action star Ed Begley Jr. doing talking to his blossoming children about sex? Well as a matter of fact, I’m saving the world!”

So begins one of three new PSA videos featuring Ed Begley Jr., an actor known for his appearances on the television series “St. Elsewhere” and Christopher Guest’s series of mockumentaries like “Best in Show.” But Begley is also an avid environmentalist: he previously co-hosted the green living reality show “Living with Ed” with his wife Rachelle Carson from 2007 to 2010, and now he has teamed up with the Center for Biological Diversity to add a dose of humor to the fight to increase awareness of some serious ecological issues plaguing our planet.

The new PSA series follows a simple but amusing premise. Each begins with Begley in a strange scenario: dumpster diving, wearing night vision goggles to read in his darkened living room, or, as in the above quote, lecturing his adult children on the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies (he cites socks-and-sandals and fedoras as two great tips). But the funny lines don’t obscure the true message of these PSAs: that issues like energy waste, food waste, and unsustainable population growth are wreaking havoc on the environment, and that there are effective actions that people can undertake every day to be part of the solution.

The PSAs are aptly titled “Better than Ed.” While Begley offers unsustainable (or frankly odd) responses to such issues as the fact that the United States wastes 40 percent of its food supply, calling on people to dumpster dive and enjoy such delicacies as pizza with Cheerios and Goldfish and Band-Aid tacos, the PSAs also offer real-life ways that consumers can combat these problems.

“You don’t have to dumpster dive like Ed Begley Jr. to save the planet,” offers an off-screen voice, noting that people should simply be aware of what they buy and endeavor not to waste food at home.

Similarly, reading in night-vision goggles may not be the most convenient way to fight the fact that the United States uses four times as much energy per year as the global average (nor is it “some new sort of Hollywood method acting,” even if, as Begley notes, he is “saving energy and looking fleek.”) But people can, for example, speak up for cleaner, smarter energy and promote the installation of solar roof panels.

“Sometimes you have to poke fun at serious problems to draw attention to real solutions,” says Ed Begley Jr. of the new PSAs. “But you don’t have to eat garbage or be famous to help save the world.”

Adding a touch of humor to these real-life solutions helps make them more approachable and – perhaps most importantly – starts a conversation.

“Most people know that runaway growth and waste have terrible environmental consequences, but it can be tough to know how one person can make a difference,” says Stephanie Feldstein, the Center’s population and sustainability director. “These are big, complicated issues to tackle, but with Ed’s help, we hope to show that everyone has a role to play in solving them.”

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Leonardo DiCaprio is an Environmental Activist (But Does it Matter?)

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Oscar-winning actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio along with billionaire Carlos Slim and Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexico’s president, have promised to protect marine ecosystems in the upper Gulf of California. The Mexican president and DiCaprio and Slim’s personal foundations, signed an agreement that aims to help buoy the vaquita porpoise population.

About two dozen vaquita porpoises are native to the upper gulf. However, now, the animals are facing extinction thanks to the use of illegal gillnets—an apparatus used to catch a certain kind of fish that’s popular in China.

“This action is a critical step towards ensuring that the Gulf of California continues to be both vibrant and productive, especially for species like the critically endangered vaquita,” DiCaprio said in a statement.

Does celebrity activism work?

DiCaprio’s bold move got us thinking: Does this type of celebrity activism make real change?

We asked a few environmental activists about their thoughts to get a better idea about why, if at all, celebrity activism matters.

Momentum

When a celebrity puts their name behind an environmental cause, the issue gets attention.

“For better or worse, when celebrities speak, people listen,” John Oppermann, executive director of Earth Day Initiative, says.

“In a perfect world, people would pay attention to all of the most pressing issues we’re facing and seek out ways to help. But in the absence of that perfect world, celebrity involvement in causes can help to move the needle toward positive change. They can shine light on issues and channel support, money, and enthusiasm into real and lasting impact.”

Momentum leads to awareness (if the celebrity knows their stuff)

When a person—any person—talks about something that they truly don’t understand, no one cares. But when someone passionately talks about their interests, and has facts to back those interests up, people care.

For example, remember when Al Gore was America’s environmental warrior? Gore put his intelligence and interest about the environment into the “An Inconvenient Truth” screenplay, and people listened. Some celebrities have this talent, too.

“DiCaprio does [it] well—so does Robert Redford. And Susan Sarandon is very articulate about prison causes,” Shel Horowitz, green/transformative business profitability expert, explains.

“[And] when these folks step up to the plate with research-based information, it can move mountains.”

And DiCaprio knows his stuff

DiCaprio has always had a soft spot for the planet’s oceans.

In March, the celebrity announced that he invested in LoveTheWild, a company that specializes in sustainable aquaculture (frozen seafood meals).

And in autumn 2016, DiCaprio and the National Geographic Channel released “Before the Flood”, an environmental documentary. The film discussed the melting rates of ice sheets in the Arctic.

So, keep at it, Leo. Because the Earth could use all the help it can get.

Related on EcoSalon
Ex-Black Panther Elaine Brown Has a New Kind of Activism
Timing is Everything: Why Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar Speech Matters So Much Right Now
15 of the Best Responses to Trump Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change

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These 10 simple steps – from reducing plastic usage to choosing an eco-friendly car wash – can help overcome the challenges faced by ocean ecosystems worldwide.

With every breath we take and every drop of water that we drink, we’re connected to the ocean – no matter where we live. The world’s oceans are the lungs of our planet, supplying most of our oxygen as well as a vast amount of our food and medicine. Life on earth simply can’t survive without healthy oceans, and yet marine ecosystems are faced with seemingly insurmountable threats like global warming, pollution and overfishing. What can we do to help? Here are 10 easy steps that we can all take to protect the oceans for World Oceans Day.

1. Use Less Plastic

Plastic is such a big problem for the world’s oceans, it’s accumulating into a disgusting mass of man-made junk in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Garbage Patch is big enough to qualify as the nation’s largest landfill. While recycling is an important step, the best thing you can do to help is simply use less plastic. Carry a reusable shopping bag and water bottle at all times, and choose products that come with less packaging.

2. Eat Ocean-Friendly Seafood

Many species are being overfished into extinction, so it’s important to be aware of how your eating habits impact the ocean and its interdependent marine populations. National Geographic has a Seafood Decision Guide that you can consult to make sustainable seafood choices. Oh yeah, and there’s an app for that, too. The free iPhone app Seafood Watch will help you out when you’re in the supermarket seafood aisle or looking over a menu at a restaurant.

3. Cut Your Carbon Footprint

Global warming is having a devastating effect on coral reefs and other marine life. The oceans are getting hotter and more acidic, leading to a domino effect for all of the species that live within them and depend on them for survival. What can you do about it? Support efforts to fight global warming, especially at the polls. But on a more personal note: cut your carbon footprint. If everyone reduced their contribution to global warming, it would make a big difference. Check out six apps that help you cut your carbon footprint.

4. Mind What You Flush

Whatever you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet could end up in the ocean. Never dispose of paints and other household chemicals at home, switch to non-toxic household cleaners and toiletries and avoid flushing anything other than human waste down the toilet. Triclosan, a chemical in antibacterial soaps, has been detected in dolphins, and the effect of pharmaceuticals on coastal ecosystems is still unknown. Follow FDA guidelines in disposing of unused medications.

5. Cut Chemicals & Contaminants in Your Yard

Even if you live far inland, the pesticides, fertilizers and other substances you use in your yard can have an effect on the ocean. These substances can seep into groundwater or be washed through storm drain systems, causing nutrient imbalances, toxic algal blooms, seaweed overgrowth and many more problems for marine environments. You don’t need these chemicals to have a beautiful yard – the Nature Conservancy recommends planting a native garden, which requires less water and fertilizer than non-native plants, making your own compost to use as fertilizer and following Audubon Society guidelines for a ‘Healthy Yard.’

6. Choose Green Car Washes

It may seem like washing your car at home is more eco-friendly than taking it to a car wash, but that’s not necessarily the case. The runoff from your car goes straight into storm drains, where it’s typically swept off into ocean-bound waterways. Dirty water from washing your car not only contains harsh detergents from the products you use, but also gasoline, oil, exhaust fume resides and heavy metals. Federal law in the U.S. requires commercial car washes to drain this waste water into sewer systems instead, which is much safer, but some car washes go even further than that, filtering and re-using the water.

7. Support Ocean Conservation Groups

There are dozens of marine conservation groups in need of donations and volunteers to clean up pollution, carry out crucial research, protect threatened species and fight global warming, which is speeding up ocean acidification. Pick your favorite out of national and international organizations like Oceana, Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, or find a local group that helps marine ecosystems in your area.

8. Avoid Products That Put Endangered Marine Life at Risk

There’s no doubt that coral is beautiful, and it makes for stunning earrings and mantelpieces – but leave it on the ocean floor where it belongs. Don’t purchase goods made from threatened marine species, including real tortoiseshell accessories and anything made from marine animals or animal parts. Demand for these items leads to poaching.

9. Be Smart About Seaside Recreation

A day by the sea is incredibly relaxing, whether you’re lounging in the sun, boating or taking a dive to the ocean floor. But be sure that your visit doesn’t have a negative impact on the natural settings that you love. Look but don’t touch when snorkeling and scuba diving, avoid taking natural souvenirs home with you and be careful where you set your anchor in open water. Stay off fragile sand dunes, which are crucial for preventing erosion, and always dispose of your trash.

10. Clean Up the Beach

Integrate a little community service into your next trip to the beach by bringing an extra trash bag to pick up some of the litter that’s bound to be scattered in the sand. Or, go one step further and participate in organized beach clean-ups in your area. If you don’t live near the sea, you can still help. Because litter often travels a long way before it gets to the ocean, picking up some of the plastic bags, aluminum cans and other trash in parks and roadways near your home can make a big difference.

Photo: Dawn

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These 10 organizations work tirelessly to protect the world’s oceans and all of the life they contain from overfishing, global warming and other threats.

Global fisheries are on the verge of collapse, global warming is raising ocean temperatures, coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate and runoff from farms and neighborhoods is fouling the seas with fertilizers and other pollutants. For Ocean Week here at EcoSalon, we want to show our love of oceans and how we can’t live without them – we need serious action to protect them from these threats and many more, and we need it now. Thankfully, we have these 10 inspiring ocean conservation groups that are influencing public policy, drumming up public support, researching solutions, and even going out there and stopping illegal activities that harm wildlife.

Blue Ocean Institute

The Blue Ocean Institute doesn’t just work to preserve the world’s oceans and all of the biodiversity they contain, it also aims to inspire a love for the ocean in all of us. Engaging the public with science, art and literature to foster a deeper connection with nature, the Blue Ocean Institute provides an invaluable reminder of what we’re trying to save in the first place. Founder Dr. Carl Safina believes that focusing on the positives rather than the negatives is more likely to inspire change. “When people defend their fishing, their fishing gets worse; when they defend their fish, their fishing gets good.”

Oceana

The largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation, Oceana focuses on a limited number of highly specific campaigns that can achieve measurable outcomes, like reducing turtle death from scallop fisheries and petitioning retailers to stop selling unsustainable marine animal products. In addition to accepting donations that help them achieve these goals, Oceana enlists a vast team of “e-activists” referred to as “Wavemakers” who send out letters and petitions in support of conservation initiatives.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Not one to shy away from controversy, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) takes bold action in its fight to protect oceans and marine life. Starring on Animal Planet’s reality TV series Whale Wars, Sea Shepherd uses direct and sometimes violent means to stop whaling vessels from engaging in species-endangering whaling and fishing practices. Their methods may be controversial, but they work: Sea Shepherd has helped to decrease the number of whales killed each year, and they get lots of attention for the plight of these beautiful creatures.

Greenpeace

Known for a wide range of environmental activism, Greenpeace is among the most successful organizations working in the area of oceans, whales and seafood. Greenpeace has set three goals for the next three years: continuing to change seafood choices made at a wholesale level by supermarket retailers, convincing governments and the United Nations that marine reserves are critical to our oceans’ future, and ensuring that the Obama administration uses their diplomatic leverage to close the loopholes that enable commercial whaling.

Ocean Conservancy

Educating the public and advocating for policy changes are the core of Ocean Conservancy’s work to prevent activities that threaten oceanic and, by extension, human life. In addition to organizing an annual international ocean clean-up, Ocean Conservancy has partnered with a popular multi-platform campaign called One World, One Ocean that aims to inspire millions of people worldwide to join the movement to restore and protect the world’s oceans. Its four top priorities include restoring sustainable American fisheries, protecting wildlife from human impacts, conserving the world’s most beautiful oceanic spots and reforming government for better ocean stewardship.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

This non-profit research and higher education facility is dedicated to marine science, with five departments focusing on ocean life, coastal oceans, climate change and deep ocean exploration. Because it’s training and employing some of the world’s top marine researchers and scientists, Woods Hole is considered one of the most influential ocean conservation organizations in the world. These people are on the forefront of the battle to protect the oceans, with three large research vessels carrying scientists out into the field to study erosion, water circulation, pollution and other events that impact marine life.

Blue Frontier Campaign

Made up almost entirely of individual citizen activists, the Blue Frontier Campaign is all about grassroots (which it refers to, naturally, as “seaweed”) actions from a local level up to an international level. Bringing together a wide variety of voices, Blue Frontier organized a four-day Blue Vision summit in 2009, drawing hundreds of leaders in ocean conservation to Washington, D.C. to develop strategies for protecting oceans. It also organizes regional meetings, produces public education campaigns and has published books including 50 Ways to Save the Ocean and The Ocean and Coastal Conservation Guide.

Scripps Institute of Oceanography

UC San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest and most influential centers for oceanic research, education and public services in the world. Located in La Jolla, California, Scripps is another group on the front lines of the battle to protect the oceans, training and deploying highly educated scientists to study biological, physical, chemical, geological and geophysical aspects of the ocean. Scripps heads up the world’s largest privately-funded network for observing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and also runs the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC).

Marine Fish Conservation Network

The largest national organization dedicated to promoting the long-term sustainability of marine fish, this conservation network is a coalition of hundreds of individual local and national conservation, fishing and scientific organizations. Coming together to share in this common goal, the organizations work to advance national policies that promote marine biodiversity. By adding the voices of fisheries and fishermen across the United States to the sustainability discussion, the Marine Fish Conservation Network aims to come up with workable goals that can end overfishing and prevent the decimation of threatened species.

Deep Sea Conservation Coalition

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition is not just one organization, but dozens. This alliance of over 70 smaller international organizations bands together to influence legislation that can protect and preserve the oceans, like calling on the United Nations General Assembly to place a moratorium on trawling the bottom of the high seas to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. In just a short period of time, they have already convinced a number of nations to commit to protecting the deep seas from the harmful impact of fishing. The organizations that are a part of the coalition include Greenpeace, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Oceana.

Photo: josh-n

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Greening the urban jungle.

Hidden in the gravel and concrete that dominate today’s cities, it is possible to find tiny plots of green. Whether it’s an eco-activist art installation, a city-funded park, a guerrilla gardening experiment, or just a weed that has broken through a crack in the sidewalk, these urban green spaces provide pops of nature where you least expect it. This photo collection highlights some of our favorite examples from around the world.

The High Line, New York, New York, USA

The Pothole Gardener, London, England

Guerrilla Gardening, Tokyo, Japan

Bus Roots by Marco Antonio Castro Cosio, New York, New York

Le Mur Vegetal, Melbourne, Australia

Brussels Farmer, Brussels, Belgium

The Green Carpet, Jaujac, France

Glenwood Green Acres, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Pothole Gardener, India

Urban Cactus, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Guerrilla Gardening at Occupy Oakland, California

NoPark by Natalie Jerimenjenko, New York, New York

Moving Forest by NL Architects, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hoop Goodenia in a Boot Project, Melbourne, Australia

Lugo History Museum, Lugo, Spain

Social Guerrilla Gardening, Southern California

Plant Pockets, San Francisco, California

Skip Conversions by Oliver Bishop-Young, London, England

Roof of Canada Malting Co., Alberta, Canada

Guerrilla Gardening, Rome, Italy

Little Community Garden on Falmer Road, London, England

Park(ing) Day, San Francisco, California

Kensington Market, Toronto, Canada

GuerArsenal, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Posterchild, Toronto, Canada

SEE ALSO:

40 Gorgeous Photos of Europe

40 Gorgeous Photos of North America

40 Gorgeous Photos of Latin America

40 Gorgeous Photos of Asia

40 Gorgeous Photos of Africa

25 Photos of Islands Threatened by Climate Change

25 Images of Female Adrenaline Seekers

40 Photos from Flea Markets Around the World

30 Gorgeous Photos of Winter Snowscapes

30 Gorgeous Photos of Farming and Agriculture

15 Hilarious Photos of Interspecies Mingling

30 Photos of the World’s Most Uniquely Designed Buildings

20 Photos of Female Activists Throughout History

30 Gorgeous Photos of Spring

30 Gorgeous Photos of Traditional Textiles

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Tips to celebrate Earth Day every day.

Happy Earth Day. If your community is hosting one of many Earth Day events this weekend, have fun – and we hope the weather is nice. But Earth Day is just one day, and there are many things you can do all year around to live a more conscious, eco-friendly life. Here are some actions you can take anytime.

Changes at Home

• Make sure your home is in good repair. Leaky faucets and loose window seals waste energy. Exchange outdated appliances for energy efficient models. Use fluorescent bulbs in lamps and dimmers to conserve electricity, and turn down the thermostat. Have your furnace checked out before winter to ensure it’s in good working condition.
• Small changes around the house can reduce energy consumption, waste and toxins. Unplug devices when they aren’t in use, even chargers left plugged in and devices on standby use power. Turn down your water heater by a few degrees. Wash only full loads in the washer and dishwasher. Instead of using paper towels, use cloth dish towels instead. Carry your beverages in refillable stainless steel containers. Make sure your home is properly ventilated to discourage mold growth and guard against hazardous conditions when using gas stoves, kerosene or burning wood.
• Cut down on clutter. Unsubscribe from databases to eliminate junk mail. Scan documents and store photos electronically. Pay your bills and file your taxes online. Read news online instead of receiving print magazines.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

• Recycle all materials you can. Call 1-800-RECYCLE or visit Earth911 to find recycling centers near your home.
• Donate electronic devices that are still in working order to schools and charities. Those that no longer work should be recycled correctly.
• Streamline your belongings. Donate everything that you don’t use frequently.

Shop Responsibly

• Buy only when necessary. Check Craigslist and eBay for quality used items. Borrow things that you don’t need to use often instead of buying. When you do buy, purchase a few high quality items made with recycled content.
• Support local businesses and buy local products. It helps the economy and reduces distribution costs. Support green businesses and eco-friendly products. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets.
• Carry your own reusable bags to stores. Buy in bulk and reduce packaging. Use refillable containers.
• Buy eco-friendly products. Use green cleaning products (here is a good list), and buy personal hygiene and cosmetic products that have environmentally friendly ingredients and no added perfumes. Buy and wear as little as possible.
• Buy quality clothing. Aim for classic styles that can be worn for a long time. Avoid replacing your wardrobe frequently.
• Climate Counts ranks companies on their eco-friendiness. If you need to buy a product, it’s worth checking their score and there is an iPhone app available on iTunes.

Going Out

• Use public transportation and carpool when possible. Choose the most fuel-efficient car that fits your needs. Here are some ways you can save at the pump.
• When eating out, choose restaurants that use local produce and meat.
• Leave no trace behind when camping or hiking. Report any environmental damage to authorities.

Action

• Join environmental organizations and learn about current environmental issues. Communicate your point of view to local and state government, and encourage action. If you are involved in the education system, find a way to incorporate environmental studies into the curriculum.
• If your company hasn’t already started, suggest they develop a CSR strategy. Share what you’ve learned with friends and family. If more people make even a few small changes, it can all add up to a big difference.

Image: Sarah Ackerman

The post Earth Day – All Year Round appeared first on EcoSalon.

Forgive the cliché, but every day is Earth Day around EcoSalon. We’re still getting a lot out of April 22nd, though. It’s not just benefit concerts and vegan Iron Chefs!

There’s a bevy of activity online around Earth Day, though the movement started 40 years ago when the predecessor to the world wide web, Arpanet, was just a twinkle in Steve Wozniak’s eye.

We rounded up a dozen of the best Earth Day petitions, quizzes, games and guides to help even the most ecologically-minded among us figure out how to do more to protect and restore the planet.

Quiz

Take this 10-question quiz about climate change, and the Clinton Foundation will donate $2 towards a program delivering solar-powered flashlights to people living in camps in Haiti.

For Kids

Are you a Mary Poppins in the making? PBSKids.org offers some Earth Day content to help you teach your kids, nieces, nephews or just brats you babysit. Their “Eeeko World” is full of kid-appropriate games and cartoons – just be prepared for animated monkeys and silly voices.

Activism

Act.ly asks web citizens to “Tweet change.” We like the initiatives focused around human health and the environment, including one demanding that mobile manufacturers treat their factory workers fairly, and another asking the EPA to control a pesticide chemical, methyl iodide.

Eco-To-Do List

The Nature Conservancy provides a list of things you can add to your to-do list, that will green your house, office and diet. We love their sustainable seafood recipes from star chefs like Dan Barber.

E-waste, Away!

Happy 40th birthday Earth Day, says Earth911.com with this 40 Green Tips & Tricks site, which includes great information about how to recycle your electronics properly, and recycle more than you have before.

Reminders

Don’t have an iPhone or other smart phone where you can access great green apps? Print “reminder” wallet cards with reminders about what to look for in fresh fish, or paper goods, from the Natural Resources Defence Council’s Earth Day pages.

Buy & Trade

The environmentally friendly section of Amazon.com is now live, and includes a program to trade in old stuff for new Amazon.com gift cards. Just be sure to ship green, when you send in your stuff!

Get on the Bus

Once you sign the official Earth Day Climate Petition to “support fair, ambitious, and comprehensive climate legislation”¦”  hitch a free bus ride from the Earth Day Network to attend the Climate Rally on April, 25th from select cities within day-trip-distance from D.C.

Earth Friendly Foodies

Think you’re diet’s eco-logical? Take this Food, Inc. inspired Earth Day quiz at YumSugar to find room for improvement.

Green, Inc.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce set up a special Business Civic Leadership Center page for Earth Day 2010, highlighting what their members are doing to go green. Read through and if you see any signs of greenwash, call “˜em out!

Green IT

The Green IT Economics summit, a major conference of the information technology industry, is taking place appropriately on Earth Day. Tune in to this webcast what thought leaders in tech are worrying about, environmentally speaking, when it comes to servers, software and social media. Check the program guide for what’s going on at Green IT!

Image: Ed Yourdon

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