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Featured Earthkeepers

Conservationists and activists who have dedicated their lives to preserving the environment for future generations.

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Dr. E.O. Wilson Edward O. Wilson Dr. E.O. Wilson is best known for his studies on the impact that human activity has on the planet.
Sir David Attenborough Read about Sir David Attenborough, a television broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and author beloved by millions.
Wangari Maathai (Reading level 5-8 years) Read this story about Wangari Maathai. This version is suitable for a reading level of 5-8 years.
Dame Jane Goodall (Reading level 5-8 years) Read this story about Dame Jane Goodall. This version is suitable for a reading level of 5-8 years.
Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas is a primatologist, anthropologist and conservationist, celebrated for her extensive work with orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo.
Wangari Maathai: Early Reader Edition Read about environmental and political activist Wangari Maathai. This version is suitable for early readers.
Steve Irwin Steve Irwin was an animal conservationist and teacher.
Colleen Cooley Read about Colleen Cooley, a San Juan River guide featured in one of the winning films at the 20th Annual MY HERO International Film Festival.
How One Environmentalist Changed Our World: Jane Goodall Mark Schierbecker / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) Jane Goodall is an anthropologist and the leading researcher of chimpanzees.
Abound Food Care A public-private organization dedicated to reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity by facilitating the safe donation of excess edible food.
Velma Bronn Johnston By ISPMB [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons Velma Bronn Johnston worked to save the wild mustangs in the United States
Dian Fossey Dian Fossey ( ()) Dian Fossey worked to protect the endangered Mountain Gorilla.
The Sloth Conservation Foundation Read about The Sloth Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of sloths.
Roz Savage Roz Savage challenges people to live in a more environmentally conscious way.
Matumbawe: A Story of Hope and Resilience
Dr. Vandana Shiva Dr. Vandana Shiva works to preserve biodiversity for the planet.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Alice Waters Alice Waters has dedicated her life to promoting local, sustainable agriculture and transforming the way we think about food.
Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu Read this story about Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu, winners of the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize.
Murrawah Maroochy Johnson Read this story about Murrawah Maroochy Johnson, one of the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize winners.
The Goldman Environmental Prize Winners 2024 Read this story about the 2024 winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize, for their grassroots efforts to protect our planet.
Dayna Reggero Wins Special Award for THE STORY WE WANT Two grassroots environmental activists--moms address fracking and coal ash dumping in Walnut Grove and the state of North Carolina.
Goldman Environmental Prize Wins MY HERO Media Award Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded Media Award at the MY HERO 17th Annual Film Festival
Rich German Rich German is a prominent advocate for ocean conservation, an accomplished author, and an inspirational speaker.
Behind the scenes with filmmaker Will Parrinello in 'RIGHTS OF NATURE' among the Cofán In May 2022, two young indigenous Cofán activists from Ecuador were awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize. Will Parrinello went to Ecuador to film them.
Marina Silva
Ma jun
Paul Stamets
Melina Laboucan-Massimo
Saalumarada Thimmakka Saalumarada Thimmakka is an Indian environmentalist who has planted 385 banyan trees along a 4-kilometer section of highway.
The Vegan Farmer - Sarah Heiligtag Heiligtag is a vegan and farm owner who understands that farmers often struggle with conflicted emotions of caring for their animals while earning a livelihood
Paul Salopek’s 24,000-Mile Odyssey: A Journey Through Time and Terrain Inspired by the idea of slow journalism, Salopek's journey began in 2013 and is projected to span seven years.
The Goldman Environmental Prize Winners 2023 The winners of the 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize have been announced, celebrating six grassroots climate activists from across the globe.
Surfgrass Productions, Finalists at the 2023 MY HERO Film Festival One of the finalist films for the 2023 Award is ‘Fishing into the Future: A San Diego Story,’ directed by Lindsay Bauman and Andrea Sanchez Davidson.
Amazon Frontlines: "Who Should Decide the Future of the Amazon?"
Frances Moore Lappé’s Diet for a Small Planet Celebrates 50th Anniversary Frances Moore Lappé’s Diet for a Small Planet Celebrates 50th Anniversary with new edition.
'Sorry for your Loss' is a finalist for a MY HERO 18th Annual Film Festival Award
Michael Ben-Eli on Creating a Sustainable World Michael Ben-Eli and his Sustainability Laboratory are creating some new ideas and experiments to change the way that we take care of our planet and ourselves.
Voice Above Water Wins MY HERO’s 2022 Sylvia Earle Ocean Award
Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award
Jacques Cousteau Jacques Cousteau pioneered marine conservation, underwater sea explorer, born 1910
David Attenborough David Attenborough
MY HERO content for INSPIRE Friday - Ocean Conservation Content for the MacGillivray Freeman Films newsletter
Chibeze Ezekiel : Award Winning Climate Activist
Gaz Oakley – Vegan Chef and Food Hero Gaz Oakley, known as the Avant-Garde Vegan, is a vegan chef and cookbook author from Cardiff, Wales.
Dennis Weaver Dennis Weaver was an actor and an advocate for animals and ecologically sustainable living.
John Muir John Muir advocated preservation, feeling that natural areas promote mental health.
Rachel Carson Maia Desjardins Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, was the mother of the environmental movement.
Trash Heroes Trash Heroes is an international, volunteer-led organization that mobilizes youth in over 12 countries to clean and prevent plastic waste in their communities.
Chewang Norphel - The Ice Man of India Chewang Norphel, known as "Ice Man," has built artificial glaciers in Ladakh, India, to provide water for the community.
Jack Johnson Jack Johnson is a musician who encourages kids to take care of the environment.
Ric O'Barry Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world.
Chico Mendes Chico Mendes working with a rubber tree (Wikipedia Commons (Miranda Smith, Miranda Productions, Inc. Chico Mendes died a martyr defending the rainforests.
John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) (Drawn by Jacob) John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) is a much loved American hero and legend.
David Suzuki David Suzuki is a Canadian environmental activist with a PhD in zoology.
Help Mary Save Coral Help Mary Save Coral works to repopulate the world's coral.
Olivia Bouler Olivia Bouler Olivia created 500 paintings of her feathered friends to raise funds for Audubon's bird rescue.
Wangari Maathai Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement that plants trees to help restore the desolate ecosystem in Africa.
Greta Thunberg On the first day, Greta Thunberg, a climate activist with Asperger's, protested outside of Swedish Parliament alone. Now, she's leading 1.5 million students globally.
Fin Donnelly Fin Donnelly works to keep our rivers and waters clean.
Alexandra Cousteau Alexandra Cousteau is a visionary and trailblazer who pushes the boundaries of discovery, adventure, and global problem solving.
Frances Moore Lappe Frances Moore Lappe works to eliminate the injustices that cause hunger.
Adarsha Shivakumar and Apoorva Rangan Project Jatropha Adarsha Shivakumar and Apoorva Rangan Project Jatropha started the nonprofit Project Jatropha which is an alternative to fossil fuel.
Tuy Sereivathana Tuy Sereivathana with Asian elephant. (By Tom Dusenberry) Tuy Sereivathana is a Cambodian environmentalist who solves conflicts between elephants and people.
Surfrider Foundation A Blue Water Task Force member enjoys the waves. (myhero.com) Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches.
Sandra Postel Sandra Postel believes in the importance of water conservation.
Philippe Cousteau Philippe Cousteau continues the work of his father, Jacques Cousteau, through Earth Echo International.
Mika Vanhanen Mika Vanhanen is the founder and director of Environment Online, a global virtual school for sustainable development
Jim and Jamie Dutcher Jim and Jamie Dutcher (by Sarah) Jim and Jamie Dutcher are wolf conservationists.
Harrison Ford Harrison Ford is an actor, humanitarian and ardent conservationist.
Dr. Shirley McGreal Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League.
Chief Oren Lyons Image courtesy of Fraktali.com Chief Oren Lyons is an internationally venerated advocate for preserving biodiversity.
Earthkeeper Hero: Pretoma by Amanda Molinaro PRETOMA works to protect ocean resources in Costa Rica.
Severn Cullis-Suzuki Severn Cullis-Suzuki an environmental activist, speaker, television host.
Stanislav Petrov Courtesy of NASA. Stanislav Petrov averted nuclear disaster, yet remains unknown to most.
Hayrettin Karaca Hayrettin Karaca (album.comu.edu.tr) In Turkey, Hayrettin Karaca is known as Grandfather Earth for making our planet brighter, greener and better for future generations.
Buck Brannaman (www.brannaman.com)
Buck Brannaman Buck Brannaman is know as "The Horse Whisperer" because of his deep understanding and empathy for horses."
Gisela Motta and Leandro Lima Gisela Motta and Leandro Lima use art, science and technology to show us the past, present and possible future of our environment.
Dr. Liang Congjie and Friends of Nature Mr. Liang Congjie on the cover of Asia Week (google.com) Dr. Liang Congjie and Friends of Nature: was a voice for China's environment.
Sylvia Earle Earle diving in the ocean (www.achievement.org/.../ear0/large/ear0-012.jpg) “We've got to somehow stabilize our connection to nature so that 50 years from now, 500 years, 5,000 years from now there will still be a wild system and respect for what it takes to sustain us.”
Dawa Steven Sherpa Dawa Steven Sherpa works to protect his beloved Himalayan Mountains and villages.
Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh<br>Photo from greatapetrust.org Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh is a scientist dedicated to the study and conservation of bonobos.
David T. Suzuki A hero in my eyes (Google) David T. Suzuki has been teaching the public about the science of environmentalism for many years.
Australian Aborigines Protecting Wetlands <center>Landscapes of Kakadu <br>http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/kakadu/<br>imagegallery/landscapepics.h Australian Aborigines protect the wetlands by working to conserve the environment around them.
Global Youth Climate Movement Slater Jewell-Kemker interviews inspiring young activists from the Global Youth Climate Movement and US Youth for Sustainable Development.
Lynn Henning Lynn Henning is one farmer who acts to save environment from factory farms.
Emily Hunter Emily Hunter is an environmental activist, eco-journalist and filmmaker.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Jean-Michel Cousteau is committed to protecting the ocean for future generations through education and conservation.
Ocean Robbins Ocean Robbins helps organize young people committed to protecting the planet.
Zoe Kelman Zoe Kelman (provided by Zoe Kelman) Zoe Kelman brought attention to toxic waste sites in New Jersey.
'No Butts' Measure Inspired by Ingenious Woodbridge Siblings Amy, David and Allie Steinmetz<br>Photo courtesy of the Steinmetz family. Three Woodbridge siblings' bid to stop smokers from using the world as their ashtray has been heard on Capitol Hill. "No Butts About It," is the name of the campaign founded by teens Amy, Allie and David Steinmetz.
YouthCaN YouthCaN is a youth- run organization promoting environmental awareness through technology.
Tom McNichol saw swirling trash he launched his Clean Up Boat Tom McNichol is the unofficial garbageman of the Charles River, beautifying Boston's iconic strip of water.
William McDonough William McDonough designs buildings for ecological sustainability.
Wes Jackson Wes Jackson was a professor who returned to the land to advance sustainable agriculture practices.
Pratibha Syntex: Trendy threads from waste Pratibha Syntex could lead in the next textile wave: low-waste, recycled cotton.
Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt was a pioneer in protecting the environment
The Seawater Greenhouse A thriving Seawater Greenhouse in Oman<br> (http://www.seawatergreenhouse.com/30.07.04%20038.JPG) The Seawater Greenhouse transforms seawater into drinking water.
Terram Foundation Terram Foundation brings job growth, community involvement, and local solutions to larger environmental concerns.
Tanzania: Obama kicks soccer ball, generates power The so-called Soccket ball dribbled by the president captures kinetic energy that can later be used to power a light or charge a cell phone.
Suryo Wardhoyo Prawiroatmodjo (www.rolexawards.com/l Suryo Wardhoyo Prawiroatmodjo educated people in Indonesia to protect the environment.
SUJANA Sujana is cleaning the road. SUJANA cleans roads in Indonesia to help the environment.
SOCCKET energy-generating soccer ball powers up poor villages Uncharted Play has designed a soccer ball called the SOCCKET, which generates electricity for an LED light. One minute of kicking produces around six minutes of light to read, do homework, or help illuminate a home.
Roxanne Kremer Roxanne Kremer works with the Mestizo Indians of the Peruvian rainforest to save pink dolphins.
Rod MacVicar Rod MacVicar teaches kids how to take care of our oceans and streams.
Rory Stear and Kristine Pearson Kristine Pearson<br> (http://www.schwabfound.org/img/Stear_Pearson.jpg) Rory Stear and Kristine Pearson developed and distribute wind-up and solar powered radios to poor communities around the world.
Randall Arauz Randall Arauz Randall Arauz founded the Association for the Restoration of Sea Turtles (PRETOMA).
Ramani Sankaranarayanan and Geeta Vaidyanathan Ramani Sankaranarayanan and Geeta Vaidyanathan founded CTxGrEn to show villagers how to turn native materials into fuel for electricity.
Prigi Arisandi http://www.ecoton.or.id/tulisanlengkap.php?id=1520<br>Prigi Arisandi (Executive Director of ECOTON) Prigi Arisandi works to educate people on the importance of protecting the rivers of Indonesia.
Mrs. Mei Ng: Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) Mrs. Mei Ng (Friends of the Earth, Hong Kong) Mrs. Mei Ng: Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) uses education to foster environmental awareness in China
Oil + Water Oil + Water is a project that uses alternative fuel for long journeys.
Mike Browne Mike Browne started Get the Lead Out of Fishing.
My Trip to Catalina Island Jean-Michel Cousteau snorkles with Slater on Catalina Island My Trip to Catalina Island Slater, a young environmental and peace activist, meets her hero, Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Michael Reynolds, Garbage Warrior Michael Reynolds (Earthship.net) Michael Reynolds, Garbage Warrior combines biology and architecture to build sustainable housing.
Michael Biddle and MBA Polymers Michael Biddle and MBA Polymers is one of the world leaders in the development of recycling technologies.
Mama Aleta defends Indonesia's natural habitat After successfully defeating miners, Aleta Baun is heading into the regional parliament to continue her campaign to protect the environment in western Timor, part of Indonesia.
Leanne Sarco Leanne Sarco is a ranger at Grand Isle State Park, located on a barrier island off the coast of Loui Leanne Sarco recruited Facebook friends to save Gulf Coast's hermit crabs
Laurie David Laurie David (www.lauriedavid.com) Laurie David is passionately committed to stopping global warming.
Latino Environmental Activists (Mujeresdelatierra.org) Latino Environmental Activists are shaping an urban agenda with smog, foul water among priorities.
L.E.A.F. Rocks 2011 LEAF Awards (LEAF Rocks) L.E.A.F. Rocks empowers youth to use the art of film, music and technology to become environmental leaders.
Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park is the only park in the Americas established and run by indigenous peoples.
Julia Hill Julia Hill brought public attention to deforestation in California.
John McConnell 90 year old John McConnell, viewing MY HERO's mural in his honor John McConnell founded Earth Day (March 20) and continues his fight for environmental education and awareness.
Jennie Vedder Snowy Egret<br>Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<br>Southern New England - NY Bight Coastal Jennie Vedder saved her schoolteacher salary to create a rich wildlife sanctuary.
Jason Expedition Disappearing Wetlands "The mission of this JASON Expedition is to work with our host researchers to better understand what wetlands are, why they are disappearing, and how to best manage these ecosystems in Louisiana, in your neighborhood, and around the world."
James Dilley James Dilley worked to protect open space in Laguna Canyon.
Jaime Lynn Butler Jaime Lynn Butler is the story of a young Navaho artist environmentalist.
Jack Rudloe (http://www.minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/08/03/oil-spill-ark/) Jack Rudloe works to conserve the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunita Narain, India's feisty - and effective - environmental champion Sunita Narain has learned that being an environmentalist in India means being an advocate for the poor – and for immediate action.
How renewable energy is rescuing US schools from budget cuts Educators across the country are finding millions of dollars in savings through cheap and simple forms of renewable energy. Since 2003, one school district has cut more than $7 million in energy costs. That equates to 45 teaching positions.
Heather DeWitt Heather DeWitt is a devoted conservationist.
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Cleanup Team http://www.flickr.com/photos/19378856@N04/2037098785/sizes/m/in/photostream/ (marinephotobank) Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Cleanup Team work hard to return the Gulf to a healthy state.
Greenpeace The crew of the founding voyage<br>(http://www.greenpeace.org/<br>international/about/<br>history/fo Greenpeace works globally to save the environment.
Green roofs in Nairobi save energy, water Kenyan architects are designing buildings with green roofs covered in vegetation to cool their interiors, conserve energy and water, and help curb greenhouse-gas emissions.
GoodGuide and others use technology to help turn consumers green Environmental activists dressed as what they called 'toxic beauties' protest against unsafe cosmetic GoodGuide and a host of companies and nonprofits are using technology – from smartphones to social networking – to make it easier for consumers to choose environmentally friendly products.
Gerald Durrell Gerald Durrell established the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust for endangered species.
Friends of the Sea Lion Friends of the Sea Lion rescue, treat, and release these mammals back into the ocean.
Nourishing the Planet examines five innovations that are improving the sustainability of aquaculture around the world. Nourishing the Planet finds that combining rice paddles and fish ponds, and using locally caught fish as feed, are just two of the ways that fish farming, or aquaculture, can be made more environmentally friendly.
Envirofit <a href=http://www.envirofit.org/>The Envirofit Kit</a> Envirofit retrofits engines to reduce pollution and enhance energy efficiency in developing countries.
Ellen Lee DeGeneres Ellen DeGeneres, is escorted as she runs her leg of the <a href=http://www.viewimages.com/Search.as Ellen Degeneres, born January 26, 1958, is an actress, comedian, and a talk show host.
South Luangwa Conservation Society together with our neighbours – ZAWA South Luangwa Conservation Society together with our neighbours – ZAWA – the wildlife authority – joined forces to try and save the mum and baby elephant.
Dr. John Todd: A Sewer Becomes a Water Park Map of China<br>Photo from www.maps.com Dr. John Todd: A Sewer Becomes a Water Park with floating botanical gardens that are helping restore ecological health.
Denis Hayes Denis Hayes, Creator of Earth Day (Hand Drawn by Kathryn Yu) Denis Hayes founded the Earth Day Network and is a leader in environmental and energy policy.
Debesai Ghebrehiwet Andegergish Debesai Ghebrehiwet Andegergish is an environmental crusader in Eritrea.
David Nathan Chain David Nathan Chain was killed during a nonviolent protest to save the redwoods.
Curacao looks at using ocean water for power Curacao, an island nation in the southern Caribbean, may use cold seawater to generate power, taking an innovative step toward clean, local energy.
Caroline Cannon Caroline Cannon is an Inupiat indigenous leader who is a champion for biodiversity in the Arctic Sea.
CAMPUS CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY at Humboldt State University.
Benjamin Kahn Coral and sponges<br>Photo courtesy of Jim Dean Benjamin Kahn involves school children in regrowing coral to help save damaged reefs in the Red Sea.
Bill Roley Bill Roley taught children in a Mexican orphanage how to work the land.
Ben Redclay Ben Redclay was an earthkeeper whose legacy lives on through his daughter.
Barry Commoner Barry (http://c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/<br>remarkable_columbians/barry_commoner.html) Barry Commoner works to protect the environment and raise awareness about the danger of radio activity.
William Whittenbury employs his 'can do' spirit to save an endangered porpoise Fewer than 100 little vaquita porpoises are left in the Gulf of California. California teenager William Whittenbury aims to save them.
Andrew Cote roams the world to teach the sweet science of beekeeping Andrew Coté founded the nonprofit Beekeepers Without Borders to teach beekeeping as a way to fight poverty.
John Dennis Liu inspires people to save Earth's ecosystem John Dennis Liu says humans can stop destroying their planet. He's documented ecological restoration projects around the world to prove it.
Heat-absorbing ceramic stoves cut fuel use In Malawi, a new kind of cooking stove made from local materials requires much less fuel than traditional stoves, cutting the need for firewood and benefiting families and the environment.
Coalition helps the Connecticut River become the first National Blueway Between 40 and 50 local and state entities, both public and private, from four states will work together to preserve the 410-mile-long Connecticut River and its watershed.
Public-private teamwork helps save Connecticut's threatened alewives The once-abundant fish have played a big role in Connecticut's development. But now they need help to reach their freshwater spawning grounds.
World Water Day 2012: Two innovations for purifying water An Afghan girl drinks water from a well through a makeshift faucet in a village in Kandahar Province Harnessing the bacteria naturally occurring in water and using solar energy are just two innovations that may help bring clean drinking water to the world's poor.
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