"In the beginning of this year, I really wanted to have a movement. I wanted to do something to make a difference. I was really in search for something," kuwento ng Lupin heartthrob.
"Like before, I did na with the kids, the orphans. I did all of that already and it felt good. But I wanted to make a movement talaga that I will pioneer.
"So, after watching [the documentary film] An Inconvenient Truth by [former US Vice President] Al Gore, I was inspired to research more and to learn more about the environment.
"I did my own research dito sa Philippines, kung ano ba ‘yung mga grupo rito ng environmental activists, ano ba ‘yung mga nangyayari at concerns natin dito sa Pilipinas, and doon ko nahanap ang Greenpeace.
"May nagsabi sa akin na Greenpeace is the best, kasi it's an international group at marami siyang affiliations with different countries.
"Greenpeace is a non-profit organization na ang main concern is the environment. It's a group of experts and pioneers that promotes non-violent direct action against environmental abuse and destruction.
"Ako mismo ‘yung nag-email at tumawag sa kanila. Sabi ko, ‘I wanted to be part of it, how do I start?' I just recently joined, mga a month-and-a-half ago lang. Pero nag-research muna ako at nagbasa, kasi if I wanna devote myself into this, I wanna have enough knowledge about it.
"And then, tuluy-tuloy ‘yon, parang nag-domino effect na. Ako kasi, pag naging passionate ako sa isang bagay, I really dedicate myself to it.
"Right now, I'm still talking with Greenpeace kung anong mga puwede naming gawin. Pero I'm very committed. I've approached GMA-7 and Bench to help me out and they're all willing to help out naman. So, it's gonna be a big movement.
"Towards the end of the year, we're gonna have another campaign for water naman. Kasi, water is gonna be a big issue within the next five years, so isa ‘yon sa mga target namin," sabi pa ni Richard.
Ang "Simple Lang" project is an energy-consciousness campaign to address climate change in the Philippines. Ang three simple acts that everyone can do are 1. "switch off" (lights and other appliances that are not in use), 2. "unplug" (electrical outlets to conserve energy), and 3. "use energy-efficient lighting" (called CFL or compact fluorescent lightbulbs and LED or light emitting diodes instead of incandescent bulbs).
"That is how we can make a difference with climate change as Filipinos. So, nakatipid ka na, nakatulong ka pa sa environment, naging energy-conscious ka pa," dayalog ni Richard, who sounded like a true-blooded Greenpeace spokesperson.
International stars known for their environmental advocacy include Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, and Cameron Diaz. Katuwiran ni Richard, kung kaya ng foreign artists na maging involved sa ganitong worthy cause ay kaya rin natin.
According to him, marami nang local stars ang nauna sa kanya sa laban na ito, like Amanda Griffin, Juddah Paolo, and longtime eco-activists Chin Chin Gutierrez, Roy Alvarez, and Angel Aquino.
Sa Greenpeace event ni Richard sa Conspiracy bar ay na-surprise siya sa pagdating ng idol niyang si Cesar Montano, who congratulated him for his selfless endeavor.
