The Lorax is what we would call a modern day environmentalist. He realizes that the environment cannot speak for itself until it is too late. He is committed to helping protect the environment because he loves the things that live there and values what he gains from the environment. The Lorax is not worried about buying things because he is content with what he has. He also realizes that if something is going to harm the environment, he doesn't need it that bad. That means a lot of sacrifices and not always making the easy and popular choice.
Julia Butterfly Hill - click around this site, it has a lot to offer - read a lot of the links so you understand her story http://www.peaceheroes.com/JuliaButterflyHill/juliabutterflyhill.htm
10 Things you can do to help save the Earth http://people.howstuffworks.com/save-earth-top-ten.htm
New York Times Article: No Fishing Zones http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/17/science/earth/17fish.html?_r=2&ref=science&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
People working for conservation http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/michigan/preserves/art17158.html
A Modern Day Environmentalist - click the different peoples names for how they are helping to "talk for the environment" http://www.nature.org/wherewework/greatrivers/people/