Throughout literature, many characters are nothing short of activists in their unique ways.
These characters inspire readers to stand up for what is right and speak for those who have no voice.
Eco- and Animal-Friendly Literary Heroes
Here are a few of the most influential, animal-loving, and eco-friendly characters that we will always love!
1. The Lorax
Debatably the most well known of all environmentally-conscious characters, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax truly embodies what it means to be eco-friendly.
Not only is The Lorax one of the most eco-friendly Dr. Seuss books, but it is also one of the most environmentally-aware children’s books of all time.
The Lorax’s character spoke for the trees and the animals that depended on them.
“I’m the Lorax who speaks for the trees which you seem to be chopping as fast as you please…”
— The Lorax
As you may remember, the main discourse that takes place in the book is between the Once-ler and the Lorax.
The Lorax speaks in defense of the environment and the animals that inhabit it, while the Once-ler speaks in defense of his business.
The story beautifully presents the dangers of pollution and deforestation in a way that both adults and children can comprehend.
We will always love the Lorax who spoke for the birds, the fish, and the trees! His call to action is one that is not easy to forget.
If you’d like to be more like the Lorax, try recycling more when it comes to the paper products in your home. The next time you go through your junk mail, try to jot down everything you can unsubscribe yourself from.
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It is estimated that every year 104.7 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered across America. On top of this, 44% of that junk mail will end up in landfills.
Do your part to save the trees like the Lorax, and think twice the next time you go to throw out unopened mail!
2. Hermione Granger
While most remember Hermione for her intelligence and her hair, as opposed to being eco-friendly, her character stood up for the rights of magical creatures.
A huge part of putting our planet first is also putting other living beings first, and in the Wizarding World, Hermione did just that!
In her fourth year at Hogwarts, you may recall Hermione founding an organization known as S.P.E.W, Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.
This organization fought for the rights of House Elves who were still held in captivity and slavery by cruel witches and wizards.
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While Hermione wasn’t necessarily going out of her way to save the Forbidden Forest, her activism is still something to be celebrated.
A great way to follow in Hermione’s footsteps in your own life is by looking for companies with a similar mission as SPEW!
The next time you’re looking for the perfect Hermione worthy look, whether it be with your beauty or hair routine, try supporting a cruelty-free brand.
Beauty brands that refuse to practice cruel testing methods align perfectly with Hermione’s mission! You can find the perfect, animal-friendly, dreamy pastel hair color that would make even Nymphadora Tonks jealous!
There are also magical looking, cruelty-free, eye shadow options that are sure to earn Hermione’s stamp of approval!
“Not spew,” said Hermione impatiently. ‘It’s S – P – E – W. Stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.’
— Harry Potter
‘Never heard of it,’ said Ron.
‘Well, of course, you haven’t,’ said Hermione briskly, ‘I’ve only just started it.’
3. Mullet Fingers
Also known as Napoleon Bridger Leep, Mullet is one of the main protagonists in the novel Hoot by Carl Hiaasen.
Mullet’s character discovers that a local construction site is taking over the home of the endangered owls that live there.
Instead of allowing construction to continue as planned, Mullet takes a stand for the owls who are burrowing thereby doing all he can to delay the construction process.
He is incredibly passionate about wildlife and all of the different animals that play a part in the ecosystem of his town. He even lives in the woods for the majority of the book!
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While we’re not saying you need to move into the forest to take a stand for the environment, we are saying that all of us can learn a thing or two from Mullet’s character.
Most importantly when it comes to being eco-friendly, it helps to be fearless. Mullet didn’t let anything stand in his way from protecting the endangered owls, and neither should you.
Don’t be afraid to be the voice that stands up for what is right when it comes to our planet.
Educate others on how they can prevent deforestation and the destruction of habitats. Whether you organize a peaceful protest or merely try to conserve more at home, there are many ways you can help!
“Ever since I was little,” Mullet Fingers said, “I’ve been watchin’ this place disappear – the piney woods, the scrub, the creeks, the glades. Even the beaches, man – they put up all these giant hotels and only goober tourists are allowed. It really sucks.”
4. Primrose Everdeen
You may remember Prim as the soft-spoken and sweet younger sister of Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of The Hunger Games series.
What you may not recall about Prim is her intense passion for both animals and healing others.
While Katniss was known for her sharp-shooting hunting skills, Prim could not stand the thought of harming a living creature.
Though food and supplies are scarce in the dystopian Hunger Games universe, Prim somehow manages to take care of and feed multiple pets throughout the series.
Up until her death in the final book, she is always putting herself in harm’s way to save and help others, making her an incredibly kindhearted and selfless character.
If you’re looking to embrace your inner Primrose, a great way to do so is to volunteer at your local animal shelter.
Spending some time working with animals in need is a great way to do your part for the environment, and your community!
You can even take your experience one step further by committing to adopt a rescue animal. Whatever you decide, spreading some extra love to your local furry friends is the perfect way to embody Prim’s character!
“Even though it was years ago, I think he still remembers how I tried to drown him in a bucket when Prim brought him home. Scrawny kitten, belly swollen with worms, crawling with fleas. The last thing I needed was another mouth to feed. However, Prim begged so hard, cried even, I had to let him stay.”
— The Hunger Games
Who Are Your Favorite Eco- and Animal-Friendly Fictional Characters?
Eco-friendly and animal-loving characters are inspiring and thought-provoking for so many reasons.
As you reflect on which literary activist you identify with most, hopefully, you also feel encouraged to go out and take action to live a greener lifestyle!
How do you plan on taking eco-friendly action in your own life?