Leonardp DiCaprio, 42, has invested in a new plant-based company.
The actor, who founded The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998,has pumped an unknown amount of cash into Beyond Meat, which aims to creates vegetarian substitute products that look and taste just like meat without using animals, as the firm’s mission to combat greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating livestock aligns with his beliefs and his determination to raise awareness of climate change.
The Wolf of Wall Street star said: “Livestock production is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Shifting from animal meat to plant-based meats ... is one of the most powerful measures someone can take to reduce their impact on our climate.”
Beyond Meat CEO Ethan Brown added: “Leo is serious about climate change.”
He’s a really good ally for us. This is not a celebrity deal. He is someone who genuinely believes in what we’re doing and wants to help grow it.”
This isn’t the first time Leonardo - who is a long-time vegetarian - has invested in a plant-based company as he previously donated an undisclosed sum to Hippeas.
Hippeas CEO Livio Bisterzo said at the time: “As the brand continues to grow with such momentum in the marketplace, it’s incredible to bring on board partners who align with our vision and values as a company.”
These are just two companies across more than 100 organisations that are committed to environmental sustainability that Leonardo has awarded money to.
The Academy Award-winning actor recently announced that his foundation has dished out $20 million (approximately R270 million) in grants over the past 19 years.
He said: We are proud to support the work of over 100 organisations at home and abroad. These grantees are active on the ground, protecting our oceans, forests and endangered species for future generations, and tackling the urgent, existential challenges of climate change.”