Why Environmentalism Matters to Him
Justin Hartley isn’t loud about his eco-conscious values, but his actions speak volumes. In an age of climate crisis, many celebrities support environmental causes with one-off campaigns or high-profile donations. Hartley’s approach is different—less splashy, more systemic.
“It’s not about being perfect or preaching. It’s about being mindful, being better each year,” he told People in a 2023 interview.
Hartley’s commitment to sustainability began in his personal life: switching to solar panels, limiting single-use plastic, and driving an electric car. He also converted portions of his home into low-impact zones with water-saving systems and organic gardens.
Changing How Sets Operate
When Hartley co-founded Change Jar Productions, one of his goals was to create a production model that reflected his personal values. He introduced changes on his sets including:
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Eliminating plastic water bottles
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Encouraging digital scripts to reduce paper use
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Requiring environmentally certified vendors
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Offering incentives for cast and crew who carpool or use electric transport
For Hartley, building greener sets isn’t just about reducing footprint—it’s about setting a new standard in an industry that generates massive waste.
Supporting Environmental Nonprofits
Behind the scenes, Hartley contributes to and partners with various eco-organizations including One Tree Planted, Earthjustice, and Ocean Conservancy. His contributions help fund:
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Forest replanting after California wildfires
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Coastal cleanup efforts
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Legal battles against corporations harming ecosystems
He doesn’t publicize these efforts often, believing that advocacy is about consistency, not applause.
Looking Ahead: Green Storytelling
Hartley is also working on scripts that explore climate change from personal and emotional angles. He believes that storytelling can move people in ways that statistics cannot.
One such project in development is a limited series that follows a family dealing with generational farming loss due to drought. “If people don’t feel it, they won’t change,” he said. “That’s where actors and writers come in.”
By embedding environmental messages into the stories he helps tell, Hartley merges artistry with activism.
