Shailene Woodley on environmental advocacy: Beyond Erewhon and 'That Cute Little Hippie Girl' label

Shailene Woodley, known for her roles in Big Little Lies and Divergent, has been a passionate advocate for the environment since her teenage years. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she opens up about her evolving approach to environmentalism, emphasizing inclusivity and long-term impact.

Woodley's latest project, the PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, tackles the issue of sustainable seafood consumption. She emphasizes the importance of making environmental messages accessible to all, regardless of economic status or location. "It's not something that's limited to people who shop at Erewhon," she states, highlighting the need for inclusivity in environmental conversations.

Reflecting on her childhood spent outdoors, Woodley shares her deep connection with nature and her concern for humanity's impact on the environment. She prefers not to be labeled as an "activist" or "environmentalist," but rather as someone who simply loves the Earth.

Woodley's activism journey began in high school, where she successfully campaigned for a recycling program. She later discovered the website Green is Sexy, which provided her with tangible tools to reduce her environmental footprint. These early experiences shaped her focus on practical actions that can make a lasting difference.

In choosing projects to support, Woodley prioritizes initiatives that can truly move the needle. She emphasizes the importance of long-term impact over short-lived trends.

Regarding the upcoming presidential election, Woodley expresses her desire to contribute meaningfully to the conversation, seeking ways to cut through the noise and make a real difference.

Woodley also reflects on the changing landscape of environmental activism, noting that the conversation has evolved significantly since she first started speaking out. She acknowledges the exhaustion of longtime advocates who have been fighting for change for decades, emphasizing the need for continued action and engagement.