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Ian Somerhalder, star of “The Vampire Diaries,” testified before Congress yesterday in the name of our animal friends. Somerhalder was recently named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program, Go Green, and he works closely to help save and improve the quality of life for many animals in his charity, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation.

“Being surrounded by the pure and genuine energy of animals allows a person to understand the necessity and brilliance of compassion—a key element that could truly inspire positive shifts for many of the world’s problems,” he said. “And being from a state like Louisiana, especially the Gulf Coast area, where it’s an extremely delicate ecosystem, you also have a deeper understanding of wild animals and the environment as well, because you realize how fragile that balance is.”

According to the Committee on Natural Resources web page, Somerhalder spoke on the elephant ivory trade ban.

We’re excited to see so many celebrities using their fame to help bring attention to animal issues. But, you don’t have to be a celebrity to make a difference! “You don’t have to be famous to help make a difference,” Somerhalder said, “Everyone is busy! It may seem hard to find the time and energy to make considerable change, but some of the most monumental change we can make is within our daily consumer habits. No matter how hectic a day can be, there is always opportunity within our busy schedules to make thoughtful decisions that reflect the changes we want to see in the world.”

What can you do today to help animals? Maybe you can’t testify before Congress right this second, but can you do more to bring attention to animal issues in your own circle of friends and acquaintances? If you ask yourself this today, you, too, can make a difference!

Image source: vagueonthehow/Creative Commons