13 Sustainability Influencers You Might Want to Follow
Sustainability is one of those broad and dense topics that can be difficult to approach without a little help.
You want to learn more and do your part to aid the environment, but you have no idea where to start. There are thousands of influencers who can guide you through the different issues, but there are only so many people you have time to follow.
To make it easier to get informed and choose influencers whose message might resonate with you, we created this curated list. For quick browsing, we organized the people by popular subtopics that should illustrate some of the facets of sustainability. We want you to join us in the dialogue, and connecting with influencers is a fun way to get started.
Zero Waste
Megean Weldon, the Zero Waste Nerd
Megean’s website and social media pages chronicle her journey to produce as little waste as possible. Along the way she shares thoughts and lessons on sustainability and lifestyle choices.
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Bea Johnson, Zero Waste Home
Bea Johnson has a blog and bestselling book that have made her a leader in the waste-free living movement. She emphasizes the idea that happiness in life should come primarily from experiences, not material possessions.
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Lauren Singer, Trash is for Tossers and Package Free
Inspired by Bea Johnson, Lauren Singer created Trash is for Tossers to show how, even in New York City, it’s possible to go zero waste. She also founded Package Free, a store and e-commerce platform that sells zero waste products.
Follow Her On:
- Trash is for Tossers website
- Trash is for Tossers Facebook
- Trash is for Tossers Instagram
- Lauren Singer/Trash is for Tossers Twitter
- Trash is for Tossers YouTube
- Package Free Website
- Package Free Facebook
- Package Free Instagram
Lifestyle
Jill and Luke Matthews, Sutton + Grove
Jill and Luke Matthews show that living a sustainable lifestyle can be fun. On their site there is a list of sustainable brands, as well as thoughtful blog posts on fashion, travel and beauty.
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Tashina Combs, Logical Harmony
Tashina Combs specializes in cruelty-free beauty and lifestyle. On her site there is a frequently updated list of brands that do not use unethical manufacturing, labor or distribution practices. Her loves of animals inspired her to inform people about animal testing used in the products they buy.
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Climate Change
One these influencers of is already a household name, but you might not have known he is a powerful advocate for climate change. The other is a brilliant writer and brave activist who often reports on climate change in the context of politics.
Naomi Klein
Klein is an activist, author and reporter who frequently covers sustainability issues such as climate change and alternative energy. One of her books, “This Changes Everything,” was a best-seller and galvanized efforts to build a more sustainable world.
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Leonardo DiCaprio
He may be known as an actor, but Leonardo DiCaprio has also been a climate change advocate for decades. In 2014 DiCaprio spoke at the United Nations Climate Summit, and recently he worked on “Before the Flood,” a documentary about changes around the world that seem to be happening because of climate change.
Food and Treatment of Animals
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Patrick-Goudreau writes about veganism, both its health benefits and power to save animals. On social media she often posts informative graphics about animals, as well as adorable photos.
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Kristina Carrillo Bucaram
Known to thousands of followers as “FULLYRAW KRISTINA,” Carrillo Bucaram inspires people to try a diet that consists of raw fruits and vegetables, as opposed to the processed goods found at most supermarkets. She claims that this diet has helped her cope with type 2 diabetes. On social media and her website she discusses her signature diet in the context of several subjects such as healthy living and travel.
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Michael Pollan
To quote the man himself, Michael Pollan writes about “the places where nature and culture intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in our minds.” He was written several best-selling books about food, dieting, plants, cooking and culture.
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Business and Economics
William McDonough
A globally recognized leader in sustainable development, McDonough has served on the World Economic Forum and written books about sustainability. His mission is to help companies and communities think differently so they can positively impact the world.
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Jeffrey Sachs
Jeffrey D. Sachs is the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. From 2002 to 2016 he served as Director of the Earth Institute, and he now advises the United Nations on sustainability efforts. He has authored several books, including “The Age of Sustainable Development.”
Fashion
Clare Press
Because our clothes are often manufactured using cruel or unethical labor, sustainable fashion has become an increasingly popular subject. As Vogue Australia’s Sustainability Editor-at-Large, Press frequently covers fashion and discusses ethical fashion on her podcast.
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Credit for Above Image of Clare Press: Grace Elizabeth
Multiple Topics
Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben has written books that cover almost every aspect of sustainability, from energy and economics to nature and culture. He is also the founder of 350.org, a nonprofit that mobilizes climate change activism.
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Are We Missing Anyone?
Do you follow any sustainability influencers who didn’t appear on our list? Feel free to email suggestions to Joseph at joseph@publicgoods.com. We are trying to keep the list at a readable length, but we can consider adding a few more people.
Download Our Free Guide to Sustainable Living.
From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about.
