THE annual Environmental Media Awards kicked off in Burbank, California with five celebrities honored for their influential, positive role modeling in environmental protection and lifestyle improvement.

    This year’s honorees included businessperson Van Jones, filmmakers George Miller and Kristin Davis, actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Don Henley.

    Paltrow’s mother, actress Blythe Danner, elaborated on the environmental efforts of her daughter.

    “Her lobbying and campaigning in Washington is so articulate with Barbara Boxer and Senator Leahy. I’m just always astonished at her articulate abilities, which I don’t have. She is extremely eloquent. And I’m so proud of her passion, and her mind and heart coming together and speaking so well for the cause.”

    Founded in 1989, the Environmental Media Association believes the entertainment community “has the power to influence the environmental awareness of millions of people” through TV, film and music.

    President of the association, Debbie Levin, spoke on how the awards have evolved throughout the years.

    This year’s event was held on the back lot of Warner Bros.

    (SD-Agencies)