Green Daily http://www.greendaily.com Green Daily http://www.greendaily.com/media/feedlogo.gif Green Daily http://www.greendaily.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Gordon Ramsey says "Use local ingredients, you %$#&ing @*&$#%*!http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/10/gordon-ramsey-says-use-local-ingredients-you-anding-and/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/10/gordon-ramsey-says-use-local-ingredients-you-anding-and/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/10/gordon-ramsey-says-use-local-ingredients-you-anding-and/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Foul-mouthed and unexpectedly green TV chef Gordon Ramsey wants to move up from terrorizing would-be cooks on his TV show Hell's Kitchen to telling the whole restaurant industry what to do.

In an interview with BBC News, Ramsey says that all fruit and vegetables served in restaurants should be locally sourced and in season. "I don't want to see asparagus on in the middle of December. I don't want to see strawberries from Kenya in the middle of March. I want to see it home grown."

Ramsey feels so strongly about the issue that he's calling for laws which would require restaurants to use seasonal produce or be fined. According to the story, he's already spoken to UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown about the idea, no doubt shrieking abuse at jet engine decibel levels, with the terrified head of state cowering behind his desk mumbling "Yes chef, yes chef."

I'm a little torn here. The use of seasonal, local food is a great idea with very tangible social and eco-benefits, especially when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. On the other hand, laws requiring the practice would be expensive and unenforceable, and as an Oxfam spokesperson points out, possibly devastating to African famers who rely on food exports for their living.

Also, if the real-life Ramsey is anything like the person we see on TV, he's such a rude, loathsome bully that I'm inclined to disagree with him just on principle. Still, at least he's using his celebrity to raise awareness for a good cause, and kudos to him if his tirade convinces more restaurants to go locavore.

 

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]]>gordon browngordon ramseyGordonBrownGordonRamseyhells kitchenHellsKitchenlocal foodLocalFoodseasonal foodSeasonalFoodPatrick Metzger2008-05-10T15:30:00 00:00Cindy Crawford teaming up with PUR to help make plastic bottles disappearhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/08/cindy-crawford-teaming-up-with-pur-to-help-make-plastic-bottles/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/08/cindy-crawford-teaming-up-with-pur-to-help-make-plastic-bottles/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/08/cindy-crawford-teaming-up-with-pur-to-help-make-plastic-bottles/#commentsFiled under:


Cindy Crawford is ready to do her part to save the environment. The insanely gorgeous supermodel has teamed up with PUR Water Filtration Systems to try and eliminate usage of plastic bottles all together.

If people in the U.S. would all go in the same direction and Miss Mole and drink water out of reusable bottles, thousands of plastic bottles every year would "disappear."

In an effort to bring more publicity to the cause, Cindy has designed a reusable water bottle for the company. It's available from the aptly named website, Thirsty For Change. Cindy has decided to promote this cause because of her desire to make the world better for her children.

She says,"Environmental issues are on the top of everyone's mind, including my own. As a mom, I'm particularly concerned because I want my kids to grow up in a healthier environment. I filter my tap water with PUR. It's a really simple yet impactful way to reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic my family uses while also ensuring that we always have access to clean, great-tasting drinking water."

Drinking out a reusable bottle can also save you money -- up to $600 a year. That's a significant amount, as much as the government refund, so why not give it a try? If Cindy can do it, so can you.

 

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]]>celebritycindy crawfordCindyCrawfordexpire-images2009-5-8featuredgreenpurreusable bottlesReusableBottlesthirsty for a changewater bottlesKyle Hepp2008-05-08T18:31:00 00:00Ecoists: Daryl Hannahhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/08/ecoists-daryl-hannah/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/08/ecoists-daryl-hannah/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/08/ecoists-daryl-hannah/#commentsFiled under: ,



In 2007, the Sundance channel launched a series called Ecoists -- "short, intimate dialogs with some of today's most active and recognizable environmentalists." It's a great way to get more info on eco-friendly, but moreover, it's a great way to get inspired by some truly passionate, intelligent people who are working for the planet. We'll be syndicating these profiles on Green Daily, so you have a chance to catch up on any episodes you might have missed.

In this video: Daryl Hannah discusses solar power.

Top 10 Green Celebs


 

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]]>celebritiescelebritydaryl hannahDarylHannahecoistssundancetvJonathon Morgan2008-05-08T15:11:00 00:00Scarlett Johannson will get an eco-friendly wedding dress whether she likes it or nothttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/scarlett-johannson-will-get-an-eco-friendly-wedding-dress-whethe/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/scarlett-johannson-will-get-an-eco-friendly-wedding-dress-whethe/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/scarlett-johannson-will-get-an-eco-friendly-wedding-dress-whethe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Stella McCartney, the planet-loving designer famous for her eco-friendly bags and cute organic panties, is now stalking Scarlett Johannson, apparently. In the wake of news that the actress is getting hitched to her long-time boyfriend McCartney recently told reporters that she'll be making the wedding dress.

However, Scarlett doesn't know that yet.

OK, I'm sure Stella's statements were taken out of context, so it's probably not nearly as creepy as it sounds -- and, in fact, it's fairly common for designers to create clothing specifically for famous people who may or may not wear it. However, McCartney did joke that she wanted to make the gown out of "Latex. Latex for Scarlett!" So...um.

In any case, Stella has wedding experience (she made Madonna's presumably eco-friendly bridal outfit when the singer married Guy Ritchie back in 2000), so if Scarlett does decide to take her up on the offer, it wouldn't be a bad idea. Plus, who wouldn't want a gown that's good for the planet?

 

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]]>eco-chicfashionscarlett johanssonScarlettJohanssonstella mccartneyStellaMccartneyweddingwedding-dresswedding-gownweddingsJonathon Morgan2008-05-07T17:28:00 00:00Tom Cruise could have been Captain Planethttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/tom-cruise-could-have-been-captain-planet/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/tom-cruise-could-have-been-captain-planet/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/tom-cruise-could-have-been-captain-planet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Long before Scientology, Katie Holmes shopping sprees, or his civil union with Al Gore -- oh wait, that didn't really happen -- Tom Cruise was staking out a much different career path for himself.

Few people know that Tom was actually supposed to be the original voice of ecological superhero Captain Planet. At about the time he was inking the contract for the instant bomb, Days of Thunder, he was studying the script for Ted Turner's zany new show about a pollution-fighting superhero. Apparently, Tom was set to begin recording dialog when he all of the sudden backed out -- and turned to the dark side.

The Captain Planet role was eventually given to David Coburn, who did a heck of a job, btw. Since then, Tom's career has been a continuing saga of gay jokes, cult rumors, and burning more fossil fuels than we thought was possible for one man. Oh sure, he's had a few blockbuster roles, oscar nominations, fame and fortune -- but he'll never get another chance to lead the glorious Planeteers into battle against the forces of pollution -- assuming the live action movie thing never pans out. It's a tragic story of wasted opportunity.

Plenty of A-listers did get on board though, like Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Goldblum, Meg Ryan, Martin Sheen, and Sting -- who coincidentally played an eco-villain. Now, Sting's charity is being accused of pocketing millions donated to save the rainforests.

[thanks, Ecorazzi, for keeping us up to date on Captain Planet news]

 

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]]>Captain PlanetCaptainPlanetcartoonDavid CoburnDavidCoburnDays of ThunderDaysOfThunderfeaturedJeff GoldblumJeffGoldblumMeg RyanMegRyanPlaneteersStingsuperheroTed TurnerTedTurnerTom CruiseTomCruiseWhoopi GoldbergWhoopiGoldbergJosh Loposer2008-05-07T16:30:00 00:00Hunka Hunka Burnin' Sludgehttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/hunka-hunka-burnin-sludge/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/hunka-hunka-burnin-sludge/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/hunka-hunka-burnin-sludge/#commentsFiled under:

ElvisOver the next few weeks, I will be covering the events at Chicago's Green Festival, a large environmental conference sponsored by Global Exchange and Co-op America that will also be visiting Seattle, Washington D.C. and San Francisco. The conference features a number of speakers and vendors, and I'm on a quest to spotlight as many as possible.

I wanted to give you advance notice of just one of the characters who will be in Chicago. Green E: The Environmental Elvis, whose motto is "Savin' the Planet, One Song at a Time," rewrites the lyrics of famous Elvis songs into titles like "Don't Waste Fuel" ("Don't be Cruel") and "Hunka Hunka Burnin Sludge" ("Burnin' Love").

He visits schools, attends festivals, nature centers, and performs at a number of venues (including Waste Management) delivering his environmental message to anyone who will listen. Strangely enough, there are more of these guys, like Eco Elvis over in Kansas City.

According to Green E's website, the entertainer's show is perfect for any occasion. Just make those blue shoes are pleather, please.

 

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]]>chicago green festchicago green festivalChicagoGreenFestChicagoGreenFestivalElvisenvironment and musicEnvironmentAndMusicGreen Elvisgreen entertainersGreenElvisGreenEntertainershumormusicLeslie Wolcott2008-05-07T10:21:00 00:00Police's final concert to benefit Bloomberg's tree planting initiativehttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/polices-final-concert-to-benefit-bloombergs-tree-planting-init/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/polices-final-concert-to-benefit-bloombergs-tree-planting-init/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/07/polices-final-concert-to-benefit-bloombergs-tree-planting-init/#commentsFiled under:


After the big scandal about Sting's "benefit" concert profits last year not going to rainforest charities as promised, it looks like he's hoping for a little good press. And he's got some coming his way. The mayor of N.Y.C., Michael Bloomberg, called a press conference to announce a joint venture to between the city and the Police to benefit several charities.

The Police will be holding the final concert of their career in N.Y.C. with the proceeds going to "the production of arts programming for public television stations Thirteen/WNET and WLIW New York."

And, on top of that already generous gesture, Sting and the Police announced that they will be donating $1 million dollars to the MillionTreesNYC. The initiative will plant trees all over the city of New York, and the city will match the million dollar donation.

 

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]]>charityconcertexpire-images2009-5-7michael bloombergMichaelBloombergmilliontreesnycnew york cityPoliceStingKyle Hepp2008-05-07T06:23:00 00:00Scandal alert! Sting's Rainforest Foundation benefit concert only benefits Sting's pocketshttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/06/stings-rainforest-foundation-concert-kept-most-of-the-money/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/06/stings-rainforest-foundation-concert-kept-most-of-the-money/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/06/stings-rainforest-foundation-concert-kept-most-of-the-money/#commentsFiled under:


Remember Sting's big concert from back in 2006 that was supposedly to help raise money to save the rainforests? Well, the concert certainly raised money, but the several million dollar profit made was not given to charity as it should have been.

Charity watchdogs did a review and less than half of the money from that concert ended up going to rainforest saving charities. I can't believe it, and I have to admit that as a Sting fan, I'm in disbelief.

Also being put in the hot seat is Sting's rainforest charity, The Rainforest Foundation. Located in N.Y.C. the charity hangs on to millions of dollars a year, while most charities only keep money needed to cover overhead expenses. Sting's charity kept $5 million dollars in cash. That sounds highly unnecessary and extremely suspicious to me. The charity watchdogs have given the organization an extremely low rating.

What do you think, is there something fishy going on or can Sting explain this all away? And even if it's people underneath him actually running the charity who are the ones involved in shady business, since he gave his celebrity stamp of approval and is the face of the organization, should he be held responsible?

 

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]]>benefitcharityconcertexpire-images2009-5-6featuredmillionsmoneyprofitrainforestscandalStingKyle Hepp2008-05-06T18:26:00 00:00Ron Jeremy takes on Colonel Sanders for PETAhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/04/ron-jeremy-takes-on-colonel-sanders-for-peta/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/04/ron-jeremy-takes-on-colonel-sanders-for-peta/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/04/ron-jeremy-takes-on-colonel-sanders-for-peta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More chicken-hating porn stars

Adult entertainment superstar Ron Jeremy has surfaced on the PETA website, in a video interview where he opines on what KFC should do to make their food more cruelty free. Jeremy, a man who's no stranger to the phrase "finger-lickin' good", wants the Colonel to raise his prices by a few cents a bucket and invest in more humane farming techniques.

While it remains to be seen how much influence Jeremy will have over the chicken-eating public, he and PETA are a nice fit - an organization committed to public nudity in a good cause, and a man whose drumstick is already familiar to millons of adult film enthusiasts. Can we expect to see Ron crouched naked in a cage in Covent Garden in the near future? And is it weird to be looking forward to that?

Can you guess the nude PETA celebrity?



 

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]]>chickencolonel sandersColonelSanderskfcpetaron jeremyRonJeremyPatrick Metzger2008-05-04T10:26:00 00:00Gisele's eco-conscious sandal linehttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/03/giseles-eco-conscious-sandal-line/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/03/giseles-eco-conscious-sandal-line/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/03/giseles-eco-conscious-sandal-line/#commentsFiled under:


As People Magazine puts it, Gisele is "saving the world one flip flop at a time." Gisele was in Berlin this week to promote the eco-conscious line of sandals that bear her name.

Ipanema GB2 flip flops are already made sustainably, "99% of any surplus material in the production process is recycled and all materials are 100% vegan-friendly."
As People Magazine puts it, Gisele is "saving the world one flip flop at a time." Gisele was in Berlin this week to promote the eco-conscious line of sandals that bear her name.

Ipanema GB2 flip flops are already made sustainably, "99% of any surplus material in the production process is recycled and all materials are 100% vegan-friendly."

 

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]]>Kyle Hepp2008-05-03T19:50:00 00:00Jennifer Aniston to build green househttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/03/jennifer-aniston-to-build-green-house/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/03/jennifer-aniston-to-build-green-house/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/03/jennifer-aniston-to-build-green-house/#commentsFiled under:


Jennifer Aniston is going to follow in the footsteps of her super hunky ex-husband and build a green house. Although his green houses are for charity, hers is personal. The Friends star wants to make a totally eco-friendly residence in Malibu.

She'll be neighbors with Julia Roberts, who also built an eco-friendly house in the same area.


Jennifer Aniston is going to follow in the footsteps of her super hunky ex-husband and build a green house. Although his green houses are for charity, hers is personal. The Friends star wants to make a totally eco-friendly residence in Malibu.

She'll be neighbors with Julia Roberts, who also built an eco-friendly house in the same area.

 

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]]>Brad Pittconstructioneco-friendlyexpire-images2009-5-3green houseJennifer AnistonJenniferAnistonKyle Hepp2008-05-03T19:17:00 00:00Sting and others rock for the Rainforest Foundationhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/02/sting-and-others-rock-for-the-rainforest-foundation/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/02/sting-and-others-rock-for-the-rainforest-foundation/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/02/sting-and-others-rock-for-the-rainforest-foundation/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looking for something to blow your economic stimulus check on in the Big Apple? How about putting it towards a ticket for Sting's Rainforest Foundation benefit concert. Sting and his wife Trudie Styler might have a hypocritically large carbon footprint, but they more than make up for it by bringing in huge donations to protect rainforest areas in 23 countries. They do a pretty good job too -- in 1993, they were instrumental in getting a 17,000 square mile area of the Amazon legally recognized as Indigenous Area.

The couple will be celebrating their charity's 20th anniversary at Carnegie hall next Thursday at 7PM, and they hope to net $2M for the rainforest. The concert will feature performances by James Taylor, Billy Joel, Brian Wilson (my personal fave), and Sting -- of course. Kind of a middle aged roster, but hey -- the idea is to target people that have money. After the show, guests are invited to an organic dinner at the Plaza Hotel, where there will be a charity auction. Tickets range from $175-$400.

 

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]]>benefit concertBenefitConcertBilly JoelBillyJoelBrian WilsonBrianWilsonCanegie HallCanegieHallJames TaylorJamesTaylorNew York CityNewYorkCityRainforest FoundationRainforestFoundationStingTrudie StylerTrudieStylerJosh Loposer2008-05-02T16:30:00 00:00Ryan Gosling sticks it to KFC Canadahttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/02/ryan-gosling-sticks-it-to-kfc-canada/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/02/ryan-gosling-sticks-it-to-kfc-canada/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/02/ryan-gosling-sticks-it-to-kfc-canada/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's no shortage of celebs who will line up to bash KFC's faming practices, but few have directed their contempt at the Canadian wing of the chicken empire, until now. Ryan Gosling -- who you may remember from such chick-flicks as The Notebook -- decided it was time to take to the power of the pen, writing a letter on behalf of PETA to the head of KFC's Canadian operations, John Bitove.

Upon first reading, I thought: Ryan Gosling's Canadian? Then later: KFC is super stubborn to continue taking such high profile flack for the cruel way they get their chicken. Seriously, PETA goes overboard with their campaigns about half the time, but you'd think that KFC would budge a little after having a website called Kentucky Fried Cruetly attacking them non-stop. Maybe just some little token changes in the chicken killing? How about it KFC? Honestly, I'm sick of hearing about it.

Read Ryan's letter after the jump.

Dear Mr. Bitove:

I am discouraged to hear that KFC Canada has not intervened to eliminate the abuses that birds raised and killed for KFC restaurants suffer, despite the strides that are being made by other companies.

I understand that KFC Canada is still allowing its suppliers to scald chickens to death in scorching-hot water tanks and that many birds still suffer broken wings and legs because of violent treatment prior to slaughter. As a Canadian, I hope that you'll set a good example for KFC operators in the U.S. and elsewhere by stopping the worst abuses endured by the birds killed for KFC Canada's buckets. Won't you please consider setting a precedent that all other KFCs can follow?

The time is ripe to do the right thing. By adopting the basic recommendations made by PETA and scientific experts (including raising birds in a more natural manner and employing less cruel slaughter methods), you could
dramatically improve the lives and deaths of chickens raised and killed for KFC Canada.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Ryan Gosling
[via Ecorazzi]

 

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]]>chicken scaldingChickenScaldingfactory farmingFactoryFarmingKentucky Fried CrueltyKentuckyFriedCrueltyKFCLars and the Real GirlLarsAndTheRealGirlMobyPamela AndersonPamelaAndersonPETARyan GoslingRyanGoslingThe NotebookTheNotebookJosh Loposer2008-05-02T09:02:00 00:00Schwarzenegger's jet-setting could be groundedhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/01/schwarzeneggers-jet-setting-could-get-banned/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/01/schwarzeneggers-jet-setting-could-get-banned/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/01/schwarzeneggers-jet-setting-could-get-banned/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In recent months, many of California's vigilant environmentalists have been pointing out that -- when it comes to the environment -- the Govenator talks the talk, but he doesn't necessarily walk the walk. In fact, he doesn't walk much at all, he prefers to take his private jet. Not exactly the most carbon-conscious decision.

Here's the controversy: the Schwarzeneggers live in posh neighborhood in Brentwood, and Arnold works each day in Sacramento -- 380 miles away. Usually flies his Gulfstream IV from his mansion to work, but a new ban might close the town's small airport to all jets. The 300 runway was designed for propeller-driven planes and many are concerned about the potential for a disastrous overrun by a jet into the nearby houses. A federal judge will rule on whether to ban the jets. So far, Arnold doesn't seem moved by the criticism of his carbon spewing commute.

 

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]]>Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnoldSchwarzeneggerBrentwoodCO2featuredfederal judgeFederalJudgeGulfstreamLA countyLaCountyprivate jetPrivateJetSacramentoSanta MonicaSantaMonicaJosh Loposer2008-05-01T17:00:00 00:00Ecoists: Morgan Freemanhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/01/ecoists-morgan-freeman/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/01/ecoists-morgan-freeman/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/05/01/ecoists-morgan-freeman/#commentsFiled under: ,



In 2007, the Sundance channel launched a series called Ecoists -- "short, intimate dialogs with some of today's most active and recognizable environmentalists." It's a great way to get more info on eco-friendly, but moreover, it's a great way to get inspired by some truly passionate, intelligent people who are working for the planet. We'll be syndicating these profiles on Green Daily, so you have a chance to catch up on any episodes you might have missed.

In this video: Morgan Freeman discusses global warming.

Top 10 Green Celebs


 

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]]>celebritiescelebrityecoistsmorgan freemanMorganFreemansundancetvJonathon Morgan2008-05-01T15:18:00 00:00Jake Gyllenhaal wants to open an organic restauranthttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/30/jake-gyllenhaal-wants-to-open-an-organic-restaurant/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/30/jake-gyllenhaal-wants-to-open-an-organic-restaurant/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/30/jake-gyllenhaal-wants-to-open-an-organic-restaurant/#commentsFiled under: , ,

He may not be the vegetarian we thought he was, but Jake Gyllenhaal is seriously concerned about the impact his diet has on the planet. The notably green celeb is teaming up with childhood friend and chef Chris Fischer to open up a new high-class dining establishment in LA serving all organic ingredients.

According to the article, cooking is Jake's favorite hobby, and he's vowed to open a restaurant by the time he's 30. Now 27, Jake only has a couple of years left to pull it all together. Apparently, Jake has a flair for Tuscan style cuisine. In fact, he's planning a cycling tour through Tuscany to search out new recipes with Reese Witherspoon -- how carbon conscious.

[via Ecorazzi]

 

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]]>Chris FischerChrisFischercookingfeaturedJake GyllenhaalJakeGyllenhaalLAorganic foodOrganicFoodReese WitherspoonReeseWitherspoonrestaurantTuscanJosh Loposer2008-04-30T08:00:00 00:00Thom Yorke hearts Presdient Bushhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/29/thom-yorke-gives-warm-dedication-to-presdient-bush-on-conan/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/29/thom-yorke-gives-warm-dedication-to-presdient-bush-on-conan/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/29/thom-yorke-gives-warm-dedication-to-presdient-bush-on-conan/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In a follow up to Kyle's post about Radiohead telecommuting to perform on Late Night with Conan O'brien last week to limit their carbon emissions, I feel like we have to share the video with you of Thom Yorke's hilarious on air dedication to the top US executive. NBC was happy to have Radiohead participate in their "Green Week," especially since, consequently, Radiohead was the first band ever to perform on Conan back in '93. I wonder how much NBC appreciated Yorke's off-color comments.

After explaining why the band chose not to fly to the studio, Yorke dedicated their performance to "that tw*t who walked away from the Kyoto agreement." Not that we would expect any warm fuzzies from the highly vocal green activist -- but I have to admit that I didn't expect the parting shot at the lame duck President. Surely there have been more heroic times to Bush-bash -- as of late, he's even started to warm up to the environmentalist agenda.

[via Ecorazzi]

 

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]]>CO2Conan ObrienConanObrienGreen WeekGreenWeekHouse of CardsHouseOfCardsKyoto ProtocolKyotoProtocolNBCRadioheadThom YorkeThomYorkeUKUSJosh Loposer2008-04-29T16:32:00 00:00Pittsburgh Pirates go greenhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/29/pittsburg-pirates-go-green/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/29/pittsburg-pirates-go-green/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/29/pittsburg-pirates-go-green/#commentsFiled under:

In March, Major League Baseball partnered with the National Resource Defense Council to reduce the league's environmental impact. Each team was issued a Team Greening Adviser, and will be taking steps over the course of season to make their organizations more sustainable. We'll be checking in with a new team every Tuesday to see how our favorite ball clubs are working toward a better planet.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken the bull by the horns when it comes to greening their organization -- both on the field and off. Labeling the initiative "Let's Go Bucs. Let's go Green," the team has laid out a plan that includes more eco-friendly nights at the ballpark, sustainable business practices, and even education outreach in conjunction with the City of Pittsburgh.

It started in January of last year, when the club signed on Bob Nutting as Chairman of the Board. He led a "detailed, exhaustive review of their operating procedures at the ballpark," including taking part in the NRDC's Team Greening program. In the months following that review, the Pirates began a number of eco-friendly programs, such as:

  • A robust recycling program at PNC Park that will capture the more than 760,000 plastic bottles and aluminum cans that are distributed during the baseball season.
  • Like the Red Sox, the Pirates also have a "Green Team," that collects recyclable containers after games, and works to make fans aware of the recycling options available to them while they're at the ballpark.
  • The PNC Park's (where the Pirates play home games) concessionaires, ARAMARK and Levy Restaurants, will be using corn-based beverage cups. The companies will also eliminate most of the non-biodegradable materials that were being used in utensils, plates, napkins and food carriers to serve fans in years past.
  • New motion detectors are being installed in 86 specific locations (so the lights shut off when no one is around), and the club is using the lowest voltage lights possible in ballpark signage while also switching to more energy efficient bulbs.

Read on for the full press release announcing "Let's Go Bucs. Let's Go Green."

PRESS RELEASE: The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the launch of the club's new greening initiatives program which has been branded "Let's Go Bucs. Let's Go Green." The program integrates greening initiatives, sustainable business practices and educational outreach. The Pirates were joined at the announcement by City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allen Kukovich, Southwest Regional Director from the Office of Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.

The program's launch marks the beginning of a dedicated effort by the Pirates and their PNC Park partners CB Richard Ellis, ARAMARK and Levy Restaurants to be more environmentally conscious and to strengthen their collective commitment to go green when possible moving forward, according to Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board.

"We are not launching this program because 'going green' is a popular trend. We are doing it because it is the right thing to do," said Nutting. "The measures being put into place at the ballpark will have an immediate positive impact. These initiatives not only make sense for the environment, but they make good business sense as well. This is another example of our systematic approach to improve our operations, both on and off the field."

In the months following Nutting assuming control of the ballclub in January of 2007, the Pirates conducted a detailed, exhaustive review of their operating procedures at the ballpark. To identify additional opportunities to become more environmentally conscious, the club proactively enrolled the help of the Washington D.C.-based National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a nationally recognized authority on environmental studies. The results of the club work with the NRDC which are at the core of the "Let's Go Bucs. Let's Go Green." program.

Elements include a robust recycling program at PNC Park that will capture the more than 760,000 plastic bottles and aluminum cans that are distributed during the baseball season. The club will place 180 recyclable containers, including 90 contour bottle-shaped receptacles, throughout the ballpark with the program's logo. The Pirates will also capture other discarded bottles and cans through collections by game day staff at the end of each game. Cleaning crews known as the "Green Team" will then conduct a separate sweep of the ballpark to pick up all remaining recyclable goods prior to the daily cleaning of the ballpark.

Beginning with the 2008 season, both of PNC Park's concessionaires, ARAMARK and Levy Restaurants, will be using corn-based beverage cups. The companies will also eliminate most of the non-biodegradable materials that were being used in utensils, plates, napkins and food carriers to serve fans in years past.

All paper used in the ballpark, including in the Pirates front office, will be more environmentally friendly, including all bathroom paper products and office paper, including copy paper, team stationary and business cards. The club will eliminate its use of about 33,000 Styrofoam cups each year, encourage all of its employees to print on both sides of paper when possible, separate office trash in order to recycle all dry waste paper products, and print its various publications on FSC certified paper.

The Pirates are also taking steps to make the ballpark more energy efficient by installing motion detectors in 86 specific locations, using the lowest voltage lights possible in ballpark signage and switching to more energy efficient bulbs moving forward.

"The 'Let's Go Bucs. Let's Go Green.' program is a way that we can utilize our position within the greater-Pittsburgh community to raise awareness of this important issue," said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. "We hope that our program will appeal to our fans and area businesses by demonstrating how these green initiatives can be simple activities that any business or household can do."

Part of the program is the planned educational outreach by the club, including in-ballpark promotion. In addition to the hard-to-miss contour bottles, the club will be showcasing the program through various ballpark signage as well as public service announcements from Pirates players on the video board. The club will also promote various program initiatives moving forward on the club's official website, Pirates.com, in its various publications and during game broadcasts.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Pirates organization and what they are pushing to accomplish," said Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist, NRDC. "Having worked closely with Bob and the leadership team in the months since they first approached our organization, the club's strong commitment to being an industry leader of environmentally intelligent operations is quite clear. This program is an important, high profile step forward for Pittsburgh and Major League Baseball more generally. The Natural Resources Defense Council applauds this wonderful work."

 

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]]>baseballboston red soxBostonRedSoxnational resource defense councilNationalResourceDefenseCouncilnrdcpittsburg piratesPittsburgPiratesteam greeningTeamGreeningJonathon Morgan2008-04-29T14:02:00 00:00Sting admits to being a green hypocritehttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/28/sting-admits-to-being-a-green-hypocrite/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/28/sting-admits-to-being-a-green-hypocrite/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/28/sting-admits-to-being-a-green-hypocrite/#commentsFiled under:

Sting and his wife, Trudie Style, have somewhat admitted to being hypocrites when it comes to their carbon footprint, according to the Daily Mail.

At a recent interview, a journalist pointed out to Sting and Trudie that their carbon footprint has been estimated to be 30 times greater than the average Briton's. Sting put his hand up and said, "I'm a musician and I have a huge carbon-footprint." Trudie chimed in with, "Are we being hypocritical?" Then answering the question herself said, "We both work pretty hard for the rights of indigenous people and for the rights of conservation of the Amazon rainforest, but we do need to get around. It's a difficult one."

I guess a person can't have it both ways. If you use your celebrity to promote green causes, as Sting and Trudie do, you are opening yourself up to criticism for the parts of your lifestyle that may not be all that green. It seems that a lot of celebrities are good at doing eco-friendly things like starting organic farms and buying multimillion dollar green apartments in Manhattan. Giving up that air travel? That one can be a little harder.

 

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]]>StingTrudie StylerTrudieStylerPatricia Mayville-Cox2008-04-28T18:30:00 00:00Live Earth part deux: Gore is on boardhttp://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/28/live-earth-part-deux-gore-is-on-board/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/28/live-earth-part-deux-gore-is-on-board/http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/28/live-earth-part-deux-gore-is-on-board/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The rumor mill had it right: there will be a Live Earth this year. Only, this year's simultaneous concert event will be more like a Live US than a Live Earth. Saturday night at the GoGreenExpo in New York City, Live Earth founder Kevin Wall confirmed rumors that the festival will be coming to cities across the US on October 5 -- and yes, Al Gore will be tow. Apparently, this year's slightly less ambitious Live Earth will take place at college campuses across the US and will take aim at 2008's presidential election, encouraging people to "rock the green vote." Now, what exactly does that mean?

Aside from Gore -- who is not a candidate or cabinet appointee -- the lineup of performers has yet to be announced. Heck, even the college campuses that are supposedly hosting the event are still under wraps. Organizers have 5 months to round up the bands, locations, and fans to put together another unprecedented simul-concert. I hope they're more prepared than they appear to be.

[via Ecorazzi]

 

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]]>2008Al GoreAlGorecandidatescollege campusCollegeCampusGo Green ExpoGoGreenExpoKevin WallKevinWallLive EarthLive USLiveEarthLiveUsNew YorkNewYorkpresidential election 2008PresidentialElection2008rock showrock the green voteRockShowRockTheGreenVoteVice PresidentVicePresidentJosh Loposer2008-04-28T15:01:00 00:00