What if we told you it’s easy being green? It’s amazing to see celebrities use their time to make the world a better place, ranging from eco-conscious clothing lines, sustainable beauty brands, and social activism. This week, we’re focusing on Jaden Smith, who was honored as an “Environmental Champion” by UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability earlier this year.
Jaden Smith began showing an interest in sustainability at a young age and it has since been a large part of his life and career––including his fashion choices!
Let’s take a look at how Jaden Smith is helping the planet in his everyday life.
Jaden Smith’s sustainable fashion
Throughout his career, Jaden Smith has publicly supported sustainable fashion in multiple ways. In an interview with Essence, Jaden said that when he realized the impact that the clothing industry had on the environment, he wanted to work with a brand that had sufficient knowledge of sustainable fashion.
In 2018, Jaden Smith partnered with G-Star RAW, a Dutch denim brand that has been recognized for its ethical fashion. Jaden Smith designed a collection titled “Forces of Nature” that was inspired by the Earth’s elements.
G-Star RAW is responsible for making the first pair of jeans with zero water waste, according to Sleek Magazine. The brand’s sustainability efforts were catapulted by Pharrell when he became the HEad of Imagination at the company in 2016.
When speaking with Essence about the collection, Jaden Smith said, “I chose G-Star because they’re at the frontier of environmental sciences and because of the way that they manufacture their clothes — minimizing dye exposure, lowering CO2 emissions, plus [boosting] water and energy efficiency. I knew I wanted to partner with them based on those ethical reasons.”
Jaden Smith x G STAR RAW “Forces Of Nature” Collection✔️ pic.twitter.com/nvL19DrY0l
— Outlander Magazine (@StreetFashion01) October 9, 2018
According to Dazed, the “Forces of Nature” collection included the use of a new type of dye that presented zero risks to the environment. The items were also made with organic cotton, as stated on the collection’s website.
In 2020, Jaden Smith collaborated with New Balance to co-create the brand’s most sustainable shoes to date, according to GQ. The sneakers were made from vegan and partially recycled materials.
After some new kicks? Actor/musician, @jaden has partnered with @newbalance to create vegan sneakers! ?? The NB Jaden Smith Vision Racer incorporates partially recycled ♻️ and sustainable vegan materials, including vegan leather, recycled polyester, foam, rubber and yarn. pic.twitter.com/l1jB17Qrz3
— Veganuary (@veganuary) August 5, 2020
Earlier this year, Jaden Smith worked with Levi’s on their sustainable “Buy Better, Wear Longer” campaign, which encouraged shoppers to buy second-hand and favor quality and sustainably sourced materials.
In a video he made with the denim brand, Jaden Smith said “When people are aware of how difficult it is to make that product that you’re over-consuming, then it gives us the proper information to be like ‘Okay, I’m not going to buy this a million times for this reason.’”.
Jaden Smith’s JUST Water
In June 2021, Jaden Smith received recognition from UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability for his commitment to environmental justice and giving communities safe water.
“There is no doubt Jaden represents the new generation of environmental warriors who understand not only the climate crisis but also climate justice,” said Lawrence Bender, the Insitute’s producer and board co-chair. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to honor him and by doing so, help shine a light on these most pressing issues.”
According to Dazed, Jaden Smith co-founded JUST Water at the age of 11 with his father Will Smith after seeing the way that plastic bottles were polluting the ocean. The water brand sustainably sources natural spring water from Upstate New York that is packaged in plant-based materials.
In a Reuters article, Jaden Smith is quoted saying that seeing the ocean polluted at a young age made him want to learn more about the environment and make an impact. Jaden’s nonprofit 501CTHREE has deployed mobile water filtration systems for communities in need of safe water like Flint, Michigan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Jaden Smith encourages his fans and followers to live sustainably
Jaden Smith participated in climate change protests in September 2019 and encouraged teens and young adults to have discussions with their parents about what’s happening in the world and what needs to change.
According to GQ, Jaden Smith spoke alongside Greta Thunberg at the New York Climate Strike in September 2019 saying, “As I’ve been getting older, the summers have been getting hotter, hotter and hotter and warmer, warmer and warmer, and this is something we need to pay attention to.”
Jaden Smith even urged his followers on Twitter to reduce their meat consumption.
Dear Meat Eaters Let’s Start Doing #MeatlessFridays Where We Don’t Eat Meals That Include Meat For The Entire Day. ??♂️
— Jaden (@jaden) September 6, 2019
Jaden Smith starred in the 2020 documentary Brave Blue World, which shows innovations that are being used around the world to build a future for sustainable water.
In his Levi’s video, Jaden Smith stated, “My main goal with everything that I’m doing is to help people, to improve lives, and then also to de-carbonize the atmosphere.” By creating initiatives, fashion items, and participating in causes that promote sustainability, Jaden is doing just that in his career and everyday life!
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