Saving the World One Acre at a Time
The Evolution of Ian Somerhalder’s Activism
Ian Somerhalder is a dedicated environmental activist who has largely stepped away from acting to focus on regenerative agriculture and global conservation. As of 2024, has officially retired from acting to focus full-time on regenerative agriculture and sustainability efforts.
His passion is rooted in his childhood in the delicate ecosystems of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, where witnessing the destruction of local habitats—specifically during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill—solidified his commitment to the planet.
Key Initiatives and Advocacy
- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF): Founded in 2010, the ISF aims to empower youth and distribute resources toward green energy, global conservation, and ending animal cruelty.
- Regenerative Agriculture: Somerhalder is a major advocate for soil health as a solution to climate change. He executive produced and narrated the documentaries Kiss the Ground (2020) and Common Ground (2023), which highlight carbon-sequestering farming techniques.
- UNEP Goodwill Ambassador: Designated as a United Nations Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2014, he uses his platform to address issues like illegal wildlife trade and the impacts of climate change.
- Eco-Conscious Business: He co-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon with Paul Wesley, specifically building it to be a “regenerative spirits company” that uses grains grown through sustainable farming practices.
Core Philosophy
Somerhalder advocates for a holistic view of the earth, arguing that humans are not separate from the environment but are an integral part of its cardiovascular and respiratory systems. He frequently encourages younger generations—Millennials and Gen Z—to become “conscious consumers” and use their purchasing power to demand environmental responsibility from corporations
