When Leonardo Di Caprio went onstage to claim his much-deserved Oscar at the 88th annual Academy Awards, he used his time in the spotlight to not only thank those who have helped him reach a milestone in his career, but also to shed light on an important cause very close to his heart – climate change.
“Climate change is real. It is happening right now. It’s the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating,” he shared. “Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted.”
The message resonated with many viewers across the globe, and it immediately encouraged discussion online and in conversations thereafter.
Though far removed from the glitter of Hollywood, our very own celebrities and influencers are putting their words into action, advocating change in their own homes and starting the movement in their very own backyard.
Come March 19, 8:30 p.m., they join the world in a show of solidarity to celebrate Earth Hour. Here they share why making a stand for #changeclimatechange is important, and how they aim to make a big difference in their own small ways.
Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski
I will continue to do the things I’ve pledged before, which include education and conservation. And for this year I will try to go more organic/natural in my home and not use so much of the chemicals we’re used to using. Instead of chemical disinfectants, we’ll use a white vinegar and water mixture instead, which is a lot cheaper also.
Iza Calzado
I will try to be a better citizen of the world and try to take better care of Mother Nature. I’m slowly thinking of ways on how I can make my household more eco-friendly. I can’t say I don’t use plastic. My household is not 100 percent plastic-free, as it’s very hard to commit to those things. But I think in small choices in your life, you can choose not to waste. For example, water. When you’re brushing your teeth, shut it off.
Rovilson Fernandez
I think the youth needs to be educated, because they are the ones who are gonna inherit the Earth. I’ve become such a staunch pro-environmentalist, because I was told at a young age that saving the environment is what we can do to benefit us all. My pledge is always about the youth and just telling them what a beautiful planet we have, and I think that goes a long way.
Marc Nelson
After watching the documentary Racing Extinction, I’ve now been inspired to cut down on my meat intake, specifically my beef intake by 80 percent. I’m a big protein-eater, so now I’ve cut down because doing that alone will help the environment a lot more, than by just cutting down on my driving.
Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez
Raising awareness is crucial, because people should know the importance of saving the Earth for our future generations. By raising awareness, you not only educate people about the challenges, you also let them know that they can be part of the solution. Small, day-to-day changes in one’s lifestyle can, indeed, make a difference. I hope to contribute to Earth Hour by teaching my three-year-old about how beautiful the world and our habitat is, and how we should all play a role, whether big or small, in saving it.
Sara Black
Only when we’ve understood the truth that everything in existence is ONE will there be truly peace on earth. This starts with everyone waking up and discovering this truth. It’s the journey of every human being.
Bianca Valerio
It’s sad that just because we don’t see climate change’s direct effect on us, we take it lightly. Protecting the planet we live in is crucial for our survival and the evolution of the generations to come. Every day, not just Earth Hour, we should use less electricity, use the stairs, go outside, unplug and tune in to nature.
Nicole Dela Cruz
Raising awareness about saving the Earth is important because it is our home and our source of living. It provides us everything we need – from food to the air we breathe, and shelter. Once we abuse, act carelessly and selfishly, our only home will become unlivable and our children will suffer from our actions.
As a mom, I want to be an example to my child. In my own simple way, I will teach him to be aware and to care for Mother Earth and our environment – from throwing trash to conserving energy and water. On Earth Hour, we will turn off all the lights and appliances, and will enjoy this hour with my family, taking time to appreciate the stars.