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World Environment Day: 5 celebrities show us how to clean up our act

These eco-friendly stars share their top tips on how we can each reduce our carbon footprints

Leonardo Dicaprio climate change
Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
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Leonardo Dicaprio climate change© Photo: Getty Images

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is a vocal environmental activist and launched The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to support initiatives dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our planet. The Oscar-winning actor encouraged his 17.3 million Instagram followers to do their bit to help following Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the UN's Paris agreement on climate change last week.

"Now, more than ever, we must be determined to solve climate change, and to challenge those leaders who do not believe in scientific facts or empirical truths," Leonardo wrote. "It is time for all of us to stand up, organise, fight back, and channel our energy into grassroots political action." He has also implored fans to educate themselves by watching his documentary Before the Flood, which explores what we need to do to take action against climate change. The documentary is available to watch for free on natgeotv.com/BeforeTheFlood.

Brie Larson instagram© Photo: Instagram

Brie Larson

Another Academy Award winning activist is Brie Larson, who reminded her fans that there are many "small contributions" they can make to help the environment regardless of whether the US leaves the Paris agreement. Taking to Instagram over the weekend the Room star revealed what she and her friends had done to help, and pledged to do more to help the environment.

"Some friends and I managed to collect NINE bags of trash and a fricken tire in 40 minutes within a 400 foot zone on the beach. What are we doing people?? With so much talk about how our government is handling the future of a clean planet… I'd like to remind you that there are still small contributions YOU can make to be a leader of change," Brie wrote.

"Call your senators, make your voice heard, but don't stop there! Use the comments to share with us how you plan to help clean up our world. I'll start: driving an electric car, starting a compost bin, diligently recycling, always choosing organic/ local produce and avoiding plastic bottles. Your turn! We got this."

Ellie Goulding Sean Penn event© Photo: Getty Images

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding said she has a "passion" for helping to educate people on climate change, and revealed that she first became aware of the problem when she stopped eating meat. "I first became really concerned about climate change after I became a vegetarian and started looking into the impact food production can have on the planet," she said.

"I grew up in the countryside, I love the natural world, forests and mountains were my playground when I was young. Knowing that that could be taken away from my kids and their kids and future generations just makes me sad."

Following President Trump's decision to leave the Paris agreement on Thursday, Ellie shared a passionate Instagram post telling her fans: "To young people all over the world, we need to recognise our responsibility to take control of our future. The fate of our beautiful planet and our way of life is at stake."

Emma Watson Emilia Wickstead© Photo: Getty Images

Emma Watson

Harry Potter star Emma Watson does her bit to support the environment by championing ethical fashion. The 27-year-old launched an Instagram account dedicated to the cause while promoting Beauty and the Beast, which showcased her sustainably sourced and manufactured ensembles from designers including Elie Saab and Louis Vuitton.

Should you wish to follow in Emma's footsteps and wear more sustainably produced clothing, many high street stores have started to launch their own eco-friendly collections such as the H&M Conscious collection and ASOS' Eco Edit.

Sean Penn charity event© Photo: Getty Images

Sean Penn

Sean Penn has previously called on world leaders to tackle the issue of deforestation, and said that today is "the most exciting time in human history" as we have the knowledge and opportunity to make important changes. The actor founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization and has proposed a ten year plan to make Haiti a "model of reforestation".

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