Even though being “green” is pretty trendy these days, pop culture seems more concerned about C-list celebrities and their latest faux pas than environmental issues. Luckily, across the sustainability and environmental spectrums are dozens of celebrities attempting to use their fame, fortunes and visibility to make a difference. You might even be surprised to see some of the eco-activist celebs who made it to the top of our list!

Being smart about energy usage at home not only helps the environment, but can also put some money back in your pocket. Even so, many people are hesitant as they believe it means making drastic lifestyle changes or purchasing expensive energy efficient products.

They’ve been around for a few years already, but like TerraCycle, Recyclebank has been growing and engaging communities around the country with the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of a start-up. Recyclebank actually rewards people with points for their recycling efforts.

My company, TerraCycle, has been obsessed with questions like these, and our strange consumer culture for more than a decade. Our culture of consumption had duped me into thinking that some things, be it a product or a raw material, could be reduced to such uselessness that it can only be defined by the broad label “trash.” It was the single-greatest epiphany of my life, both personally and professionally, because from it TerraCycle was born.