Everyone knows Daryl Hannah – she’s practically the poster child for Hollywood environmentalism along with other walk-the-walk rather than talk-the-talk greenies like Woody Harrelson, Robert Redford and Alicia Silverstone. Her decades-long commitment to various eco-causes and her seriously squeaky green off-the-grid lifestyle makes her previous red carpet status hard to recall, but there was definitely a time not too long when she reined on the silver screen. Showbiz may seem like an odd career path for someone who is so deeply connected to living an authentic life free of the typical excesses of such a high profile status, so the recent news that she’s stepping away from the big screen to focus on more substantial pursuits likely comes as no surprise.

She’s the real deal, as GOOD recently confirmed in their one-on-one interview with her. Among their findings, they learned that:

• Her infamous 2006 Los Angeles tree sitting experience — in which she was ultimately arrested along with 16 others for opposing the potential development of a thriving 14 acre South Central Farm – came out of her desire to help preserve the relatively small but incredibly valuable eco-treasure situated in a seriously economically depressed area. Thanks to the farm, those living at poverty level relied far less on food banks, wildlife was able to take advantage of valuable urban habitat and the air in the immediate region was continually filtered.
• Her second arrest in 2009 – along with 31 others – emerged from her protest of West Virginia’s surface mining practices which completely remove the tops of mountains, causing serious environmental consequences including pollution, loss of biodiversity and health issues.  She became involved simply because she was shocked that 500 mountains have already met this fate. As always,  the “what factor” was brewing inside of her, compelling her to add her voice.
• Her latest cause has been the documentation of human trafficking — she only recently learned that this form of slavery and forced prostitution is alive and well throughout countless global regions, the majority of the victims being younger than 18.
• She has been able to overcome her inclination to be shy, moving on to become a successful actress as well as a very outspoken eco-advocate, because when she’s “standing in solidarity” she’s “simply compelled, so my fears don’t stand a chance”
• Hannah’s totally self-funded DH Love Life web show – which is filmed during her free time – makes a habit of pursuing all environmental, human rights and welfare species subjects that instinctually make her ask “what?” (this also serves as the foundation for all the activism efforts that she pursues).
• She feels that the single biggest misconception about biodiesel is it won’t help America to break free of fossil fuel dependence. In fact, Hannah – the founder of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance – feels that biodiesel and alcohol based fuels can certainly help us to make the most of potential landfill-bound waste, take advantage of sustainably produced options and ultimately help us to ease up on oil reserves.

Via GOOD Magazine