June 21, 2012
Eco News Network presents our favorite eco-celeb of the week. We love seeing what celebrities are up to, and that doesn’t mean when it comes to movies, television or music albums, but with how they’re giving back to the planet. This week, Olivia Wilde caught our eye, as she contributes greatly to the environment. See how the actress lends a helping hand in protecting Mother Earth.
The beautiful actress Olivia Wilde is much more than a pretty face. Yes, she is known for her stunning good looks, especially when she starred on “House,” but she is also recognized for her support surrounding the environment.
The 28-year-old actress is passionate when it comes to charity work. One particular charity she benefits is Power Up Gambia, which supports both health and the environment. She even penned an article for USA Today about the charity and her beliefs regarding solar power. Here’s what she had to say.
“Beyond reducing our carbon footprints, I learned that using the power of solar technology is the best path toward a cleaner and more responsible future. After years of supporting environmental and humanitarian aid groups, I was elated to discover one grass-roots organization tackling both issues at once.
“I learned about Power Up Gambia two years ago when I presented an award to its founder, Kathryn Cunningham Hall. The concept was brilliant: outfitting hospitals and clinics in Gambia with solar panels to generate the electricity needed to provide medical care.”
In her article, Olivia goes on to say, “My hope is that all Gambians will be able to benefit from this sensible, innovative concept of providing sustainable access to medical care without worsening the toll of modernization.”
Way to go Olivia! In addition to giving back and promoting solar power, the actress is also a committed vegan and a yoga enthusiast. “Not eating meat [really keeps me trim]. It’s a lifestyle choice, but meat, and what’s usually served with it, is a big calorie packer,” Olivia told the Belfast Telegraph.
Olivia’s dedication to her veg diet earned her the title of PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian of 2010. “Beyond my desire to boycott the torture factories, I am also way happier when I eat a plant based diet, and I feel about a thousand times more energetic.”
It’s always great to see a young Hollywood starlet give back to the planet and inspire others along the way.
-Allyson Koerner
Photo Credit: Flickr/Gage Skidmore
