Going Green for the Gulf

At the end of a week in which the Gulf Coast oil leak was FINALLY plugged, I wanted to focus on professional athletes that have been vocal throughout the catastrophe.

This week, I've chosen two athletes to share the title of "Green Gladiator of the Week." Considering they are married I decided it's ok. World Class Surfer Laird Hamilton and Volleyball Champion Gabrielle Reece are both fierce athletes who bring their competitive edge to their environmental work. Their motivation and commitment to saving the environment (especially our oceans!) is why they are this week's Green Gladiators!

Earlier this summer the couple toured the Gulf Coast with the NRDC and witnessed the tremendous devastation firsthand.















Here is a video they made with the NRDC after the trip. It's VERY powerful and inspiring!



While Hamilton the Reece aren't the only athletes working to protect the ocean and cleanup the Gulf, they definitely stand out from the crowd. What really impresses me is their awareness and ability to communicate the bigger issue; ensuring a disaster like this never happens again. Reece said it best in her blog, "This isn't just about how we clean up the Gulf, but how we can get policies passed in government to legally protect other places."

I couldn't agree more and hope that Hamilton and Reece continue their passionate work for our planet and help bring about real change in our energy policies. Thank you Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece and congratulations on being named this week's Green Gladiators!