Ian Somerhalder Interview With MTV

MTV talks with Ian Somerhalder about his charity and more.

Check it all out here.
Below is an excerpt:

ACT: Why did you choose to concentrate on the environment and animal rights for the Ian Somerhalder Foundation?

IAN: Imagine just for a second that this word we use, “environment,” (which typically people would describe as the natural area around us) is something not separate from us. Imagine us as one biological organism. The trees on earth effectively act as our lungs do. If you look at a tree or a lung, you almost cannot differentiate it from a piece of coral. They’re all so intertwined and interconnected. Then the question becomes, “Why wouldn’t you want to take care of yourself?” Essentially, this allows you to live a much healthier life. This is something [ISF executive director Kim Klingler] and I really focus on.

As far as the animals go, the only living thing we share on this earth with besides plants are creatures. Whether wild or domestic, they represent great purpose in our lives. The wild ones represent balance in the natural world, and without that balance, the imbalances can be catastrophic. In the domestic world, creatures represent a balance in our lives, and our families. In order for us to evolve as a species, humans must begin to recognize the value in all life, in all its forms, treating each life form with respect and reverence, and ultimately compassion.

Learn more about ISF here.