Hawaiian-American actor Jason Momoa’s signature bushy beard is no more; the “Aquaman” star shaved it off last month for the first time since 2012, in a bid to raise awareness of plastic pollution and to encourage people to recycle.
In a YouTube video titled “Goodbye Drogo…I shaved,” Momoa says farewell to his role in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones” as Khal Drogo.
Drogo died in the first season of the show, but remained a popular and iconic character; a feared and accomplished warrior, his long beard signified a lifetime of being undefeated in battle.
Likewise, Momoa’s decision to shave in a litter-filled dessert and then publicize it on YouTube has nothing to do with defeat, it’s more to do with solutions. Plastic pollution solutions. “I just want to do this to bring awareness that plastic is killing our planet. And I think I have a solution,” he says.
“There’s only one thing that can really help and save our planet, as long as we recycle. That’s aluminum,” he explains. “About 75 percent of all aluminum that’s ever been used is still in circulation today and it’s 100 percent recyclable. You drink the can and in about 60 days, it’ll be back. One hundred percent, infinitely recyclable.”
Celebrities Take on Plastic Pollution
Momoa intends to bring Mananalu to other companies; to help steer businesses and consumers away from relying on single-use plastic bottles.
The star isn’t alone. Jaden Smith — the son of actor Will Smith — is also battling plastic pollution with his boxed water company Just. Instead of aluminum cans, Smith’s company opts for 100 percent recyclable packing in the form of paper and sugarcane.
Like Mananalu, Just also makes use of aluminum. The paper boxes are covered in a thin layer of the metal to protect the water from light, oxygen, and other potential contaminations.
“There’s a change coming, it’s aluminum. We’ve got to get rid of these plastic water bottles,” says Momoa. “Aquaman is trying to do the best he can, for my kids, for your kids, for the world.”
