Cup of Snarky

When the whole “going green” cause first began, all it took was a few celebrities to join the cause and suddenly the movement spread like wildfire. Unlike other trends in Hollywood, this is one that is extremely beneficially. Saving the planet and your health at the same time is something that will remain popular longer than many pop stars careers. (Sorry Miley!) Simply put, “green” is the new celeb must have. Even Paris Hilton says we should all drive electric and hybrid cars and you know if Ms. Hilton says it, it is important! There are a few green celebs that stand above all the rest however when it comes to supporting their cause. These celebs have put a lot into helping better the world we live in and deserve a little recognition every now and again.

1. Ed Begley Jr.
Begley Jr. is one mean green Earth saving machine. In fact, he uses solar and wind power in his own home, as well as human power. You may be thinking, “where can I buy solar panels for my home electricity?” Well just ask Ed, he’ll be sure to tell you! He markets green cleaners and other products, with his own name on them. From 2007 to 2009 he stared in his own show, “Living With Ed,” in which he shared he love of going green with the world.

2. Robert Redford
Robert Redford is a long standing member on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Counsel. He also makes a point to are green television on his Sundance channel. he is a huge promoter of solar energy and campaigns to save wildlife.

3. Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone has gone green and gone vegan. She not only wants to save the planet, but also all of the creatures that live on it.

4. Ed Norton
Ed Norton is an expert on renewable energy and works with BP Solar Neighbors. For each solar panel purchased by a celeb, BP donates one to a low income family in the Los Angeles area. Nothing like going green and giving green!

5. Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz is a green activist. She has worked with Al Gore and had her own MTV series about going green. She is also working towards more sustainable living for everyone by being part of the Environmental Media Association.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio started his own foundation that helps inform people of environmental issues to help raise awareness. His own home is equipped with a super expensive green toilet. He also drives a hybrid car, and has a green blog!

7. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has helped rebuild a greener New Orleans after Katrina. He works with his own Make It Right foundation.

8. George Clooney
George Clooney has attempted to raise awareness about our countries addiction to oil. He is also a United Nations Messenger of Peace. He too drives an electric car.

These 8 aren’t the only green celebs out there. Many celebrities care about the Earth and have taken a stand to better their lives and the lives of all the people that share this planet with them. If you want to join in, you don’t need to go so far as receive your solar pv installer certification, you just need to have a concern for the earth and mankind to get you going…and a contract in Hollywood wouldn’t hurt either!

The most obvious and loudly discussed benefit of converting a home or business to solar power is that it helps the environment. Solar energy is much less destructive to the natural world than power generated by fossil fuels. It’s also important to consider that the world’s dwindling supplies of oil won’t last forever. Switching to alternative energy sources reduces America’s dependence on oil.

The next big benefit of switching to solar power is cost. After the initial investment of installing solar power systems , home and business owners can expect drastically reduced electricity bills for years to come. Some utility programs have programs where they actually pay the consumer for access to any excess power generated by their solar panels.

Residents in states like California have additional incentives to convert their homes and businesses to solar power. Under a partnership between the state and various local utilities, there are California solar power rebates available to offset the cost of conversion. Residents should always check with their electric company and their state government to see what rebate and incentive programs exist before starting a conversion project.

There’s one other benefit that many people forget, but that’s vitally important to the country’s struggling economy. Switching to solar power actually results in the need for more green-collar workers. That means solar conversion helps the economy.