Barton is currently the spokesperson for “Climate Star”, an organization that fights Global Warming through social and legislative activism. Barton serves as an Entertainment Industry Foundation Ambassador teaming up with QVC to spread awareness and raise funds for women's cancer research through the Fashion Footwear Association of New York Shoes on Sale Initiative. In 2007, Barton also became a spokesperson for the SAFE (Skin Awareness for Everyone)campaign and also lent her name to the TRAID campaign (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) in association with Visa Swap. Barton is an ambassador for "Save the Children" and the "One Water" campaign which brings water to remote locations in Africa., and is on the board of the "Lupus Research Committee" in Los Angeles. Barton dated oil heir Brandon Davis, grandson of Marvin Davis, from 2004 to 2005. From 2005 to 2007 she was in a relationship with Whitestarr lead singer, and ex of Kimberly Stewart, Cisco Adler. They separated in 2007 when pictures of Adler began to circulate on the internet. At the end of 2007 there were rumours of a brief fling with actor, model and musician Jamie Dornan, after the two were seen leaving an Arcade Fire gig together in Brixton, London, but Barton has always denied they pursued a relationship. Barton is currently dating Rooney guitarist Taylor Locke (who appeared with his band on an episode of The O.C. back in 2004).