Jack Johnson

"I can change the world, with my own two hands, make it a better place," Jack Johnson sings, in his song "With My Own Two Hands." Johnson plans on making the world a better place, environmentally. Being born on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Jack Johnson grew up amongst the surf culture, learning to appreciate the ocean. That appreciation grew into a passion for nature, and now Johnson is notorious for his environmental avocation. Johnson is a man of many passions, and has gained a following from surfing, filmmaking, and his main focus, music. He uses those followers as a platform to speak for the environment. Jack Johnson is a hero because he uses his fame to promote his humble, optimistic, and motivational actions for environmental activism.

Jack Johnson's humble Hawaiian roots remind him to take care of the nature he came from and put it before himself, so that others can enjoy it in the same ways he does. Jack values the happiness in things around him, rather than materialism: "The material, in essence, was immaterial. 'That's as happy as I'd ever been,' he added. 'It wasn't about being overloaded with Christmas presents.' It's that scale-it-back philosophy that Johnson's trying to bring to his music career" (Cohen). Johnson doesn't need possession, so he has learned to appreciate, respect, and care for the nature that he is happy to be with. He incorporates his laid-back lifestyle into the words of his songs, and tries to share it with his audience. Johnson knows that famous or not, the environment needs conservationists: "He was prepared to stop performing internationally just to reduce his impact on global warming? 'A little bit,' he nods. 'But I wanted to keep my options open. To us, to make the whole thing make sense, there are two things: we can either withdraw from this industry if we feel it's too impactful. Or, you can be part of it and try and do little changes to make your part of the industry better'" (McLean). Johnson puts the environment before himself, and expects nothing in return. Johnson is willing to sacrifice his career for the environment, but knows that will only show others how to give up. His humble beginnings taught him to work tirelessly to pursue his passions, rather than expecting immediate progress. He views obstacles he faces as a challenge to do something new and innovative. With fifteen million album sales, Jack Johnson's labor has been more than beneficial. However, he doesn't let anything inflate his ego, he simply uses his fame as a tool to help advocate for the environment. Johnson's humble disposition keeps his intentions pure. He strives for the benefit of the Earth and its people, and views the wasteful majority of the music industry as something he needs to change and overcome.

Jack Johnson's humble, optimistic, and motivational activism for environmental conservation make him a hero. He views nature as something more important than himself, and sees it is his duty to teach others how they can live more environmentally friendly. Johnson focuses on advocating his message to today's youth, and is hopeful that they will continue spreading what he has taught them. Johnson uses his fame to promote positive messages, rather than abusing it. He has an appreciation for nature that he wants to share through his songs, voice, and actions. Jack Johnson has already made a positive impact in the lives of newfound conservationists and on the environment, and is striving to continue the trends he has set.

Jack Johnson's optimism towards the future of nature preservation keeps him working towards his goal of being waste-free. Before each of his shows, fans can tour around an area that teaches them about conservation and working for the environment: "It's nice to meet people from every town we go to and those people who sign up and decide they want to volunteer. Those are the same kids who maybe are starting an environmental club at their school. They're the motivated ones who decide to sign up and help with the greening efforts of the show."(Chupka). Johnson knows that the eco-friendly changes that his fans are making help the Earth, and is hopeful he will inspire others to works towards conservation with him. He focuses his teachings on today's youth, because he knows that they will be the adults, and that if they are inspired, they can make an even bigger difference than he does. Johnson is optimistic that the messages he teaches about conservation are encouraging people to be environmentally-conscious: "It's an idea Johnson hopes will move out of the amphitheater and into fans' homes so that his children and theirs can enjoy the Hawaiian surf and a myriad of other natural wonders for years to come"(Chupka). Johnson encourages conservation everywhere he goes. He knows that the messages he sends are impacting the environment positively, and wants to keep sending them as long as possible. Johnson has faith that he is making a big impact on the amount of conservationist in the world. He keeps inspiring others so that the nature he grew up in will thrive. Johnson has high hopes for the future of environmental conservation, and does everything he can to support it now.

Jack Johnson motivates everyone who surrounds him to make changes that are environmentally friendly. While touring, Johnson insists that each of his venues makes certain changes so his shows can be as waste-free as possible. Oftentimes, this inspires the venues to keep the changes that he makes, so that all of their shows can be less wasteful: "Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of the tour was the influence that the eco-actions had on the venues hosting the tour. The Meriweather Post Pavilion was especially active in their participation: creating a compost pit, switching to florescent lighting, LED lighting and updating their recycling program were all done as a result of hosting the Jack Johnson show"(Courtenay). Johnson is able to inspire others to make changes, big and small, that reduce their impact on the environment. He works towards undoing all the negative impact that he's put on the environment, but he also works so that others follow in his footsteps. He lives the life that he promotes. Johnson isn't quiet about the changes he makes and teaches his venues to make, he also guides his fans towards making more sustainable choices: "A lot of times you come through town and do a show, and if someone was inspired or motivated it may take them a while to start up that club or start up that new business. It takes a while to see the impact. I've met people who've definitely said that they never heard of biodiesel before and now they run their truck off it" (Chupka). With Johnson's guidance, people are learning sustainable changes that they can make every day. When Johnson sees positive impact that he has made on someone's lifestyle, it motivates him to keep teaching others about ways that they can conserve. Johnson's songs and actions promote conservation and motivate others to live more sustainably.