Pollution, biodiversity loss, water and food scarcity and climate change are the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. In such a context, sustainable green businesses, circular economy and conscious capitalism seek to balance profit with the health of the planet. Keeping the climate emergency and related issues in mind, these boss ladies of the global entertainment industry are walking their talk and supporting environmentally sensitive businesses and initiatives.
Dia Mirza
For decades, actor, producer, entrepreneur and climate champion, Dia Mirza has led campaigns against plastic pollution for biodiversity conservation and wildlife conservation. On her 40th birthday, she donated Rs 40 lakh to the families of the forest warriors who lost their lives in the epidemic. Also a discerning eco-investor, she supports sustainable brands like Shumee (wooden toys for children), Beko India (organic cleaning agents), GreenDigo (sustainable baby wear) and Alter (plastic-free diapers). As a UNEP (UN Environment Programme) Goodwill Ambassador, the multifaceted actor amplifies important messages on air and water pollution and climate action with stakeholders around the world. Be it her zero-waste wedding or her son Avyan’s second birthday plastic-free celebration, she now exemplifies the values she instills in her children.
Natalie Portman
The Oscar-winning leading lady of films like ‘Black Swan’, ‘Heat’, the ‘Star Wars’ franchise and ‘V for Vendetta’ is also an environmental activist who supports animal welfare and vertical farming and advocates for sustainability. In 2020, the actress invested in MycoWorks (a biotech fashion company) that promotes sustainable fashion. They have also invested in sustainable brands like Bowery Farming (vertical farming), Oatly (milk alternative) and Tender Foods (plant-based meat). The vegan actress won the ‘Ongoing Commitment Award’ at the 27th Annual Environmental Media Association Awards and was one of the producers of the 2018 documentary ‘Eating Animals’.
Emma Watson
The British actor who immortalized the spunky Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series is also known for promoting gender equality, sustainable fashion and green values. It has collaborated with multiple ethical fashion brands and invested in People Tree, a sustainable clothing brand that manufactures eco-friendly clothing. Moreover, her investment in biodegradable plastics startup Fabric Nano shows her commitment to reducing environmental impact. In 2011, she teamed up with designer Alberta Ferretti to unveil an eco-friendly fashion collaboration, ‘Pure Threads’.
Gul Panag
Actor, producer and entrepreneur Gul Panag is passionately advocating for a greener future by promoting clean energy through his latest venture, SunFuel Electric – a startup that provides a seamless charging experience for electric vehicles across India. They also encourage increased use of electric vehicles for a cleaner and healthier environment. They also participated in India’s first Green Auction to support sustainability and planet-friendly businesses and startups. The popular actress has also invested in OneGreen.in, Asia’s largest one-stop online shop for all things natural, safe, conscious and green.