ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

July 17th 2008

The High Costs Of In-Flight Movies

Filed under: transport, travel — mlariviere @ 12:28 pm

Next time you have to sit on a flight and watch Dreamgirls you can think of this…

In-flight movies cost US Airways an extra 10 million dollars annually in fuel costs since the equipment used to show the movies is heavy, an extra 500 pounds. US Airways recently announced that it is going to start removing in flight entertainment systems on domestic flights to alleviate costs, which in turn means less fuel consumption. Good, no?

US Airwaves did mention that they will keep the entertainment systems in their international flights and flights to Hawaii (no mention of flights to Alaska - whon whon), and are looking to install monitors on the backs of headrests.

Now this just makes me wonder what they did with all that money from headphones.

Just some random food for thought.

via: the associated press

July 1st 2008

Sting Gets Attacked By Environmental Groups For Private Plane Antics

Filed under: green and famous, not green, travel — parrish @ 11:50 am

 Looks like Sting is getting some bad press again! Earlier in the year Ecorazzi reported that Sting’s charity, the Rainforest Foundation had been under attack when the New York Post reported that it was rated one of the worst charities in New York City. Later it was revealed that Isabel Vincent, the conniving “journalist” at the New York Post who penned the piece, did so merely to embarrass the organization on the day of their fundraiser. Cool Isabel…real cool. 

Well now Sting is getting it from certain environmental groups who are chastising the singer for his dirty little private plane habit. It was reported that this past weekend Sting flew separately from his band between Germany and London on a private plane that had room for 14 other passengers. A spokesman for Leipzig airport confirmed the reports.

Sting is famous for his green activism and urging the public to cut their carbon emissions and so it makes sense that chartering a plane for personal use might cause a PR issue. However, I have to say this doesn’t really bother me all THAT much. If you’re an Ecorazzi regular you know that my speciality is in animal rights and veganism and, sadly, I’ve found that a lot of times celebrities are weary about saying they’re vegan (even if they are) because it leaves them open for exceptionally harsh and rather unfair scrutiny in many aspects of their life. The same can be true for those outspokenly green.

The fact is that people in the public eye sometimes are forced to lead more enviromentally destructive lives than us “common folk.” And so the question becomes how do these eco stars rectify their occasional less-than-green behavior? Do I think Sting should have taken the other plane with his band buddies? Sure. Do I think that all the great work he does for the environment is more important that an silly slip up? Absolutely! 

What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Are occasional lapses in green judgement more acceptable for stars that preach the word of Mother Earth and otherwise lead environmentally productive lives? Chime in and voice your opinion! 

May 30th 2008

Pamela Anderson Gets Jetlag For The Make-A-Wish Foudation

Filed under: campaigns, donations, events, travel — parrish @ 11:54 am

How can you not love Pamela Anderson? SERIOUSLY!!! She stands up for animals, isn’t afraid to use a bike and now she’s raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Pam is planning to take a trip to the Middle East to host a Make-A-Wish Foundation gala in the United Arab Emirates. Anderson was invited personally by His Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Al Nayan who said: “Our mission is to bring joy into the lives of these very special children who are a shining example of strength and courage. With the assistance of international celebrities, we are raising awareness of Make-A-Wish Foundation in the United Arab Emirates, and, in doing so, we hope to attract generous support from the local community.”

Anderson will participate in the fundraiser gala as well as offer a dinner date with herself. She recently told DUBAI.TV founder Sheeraz Hasan, “I am thrilled to be flying to Abu Dhabi, a place I’ve heard so many things about but have never seen. I am especially excited to be doing this to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Organization, an organization that I have long admired, and I have always enjoyed helping them raise money in the past. We are planning to have a lot of fun and make a lot of money for the cause.”

So Pamela, from us to you, a big Ecorazzi thumbs up for all the great work you do. Keep it up!!!

May 16th 2008

Britney Jets To Mel’s Costa Rican Ranch For A Little R&R

Wide open spaces

Filed under: buildings and construction, cars-houses, travel — michael @ 9:05 am

We all know Britney Spears has not experienced the best of times lately, so perhaps a little vacation right now is exactly what she needs.

Taking the advice of her friend Mel Gibson (the two used to live in the same Malibu community), Britney and her Dad are joining him and his wife for a little down-time on his new $24 million ranch in Costa Rica. As reported earlier, Gibson — facing his own issues — sold off properties in Malibu and Connecticut earlier last year to purchase the 403-acre property. It’s as pretty much close to a natural paradise as one can find these days with minimal tourism and wooded, mountainous landscape bordered by beautiful beaches.

While no green details of Gibson’s new home have emerged, having someone simply own the property who is a committed conservationist and investor in sustainable technologies is good enough for us. We hope all enjoy their time — and Britney, please just chill out girl. LA can wait.

May 2nd 2008

Arnold Schwarzenegger Jet Commute Update!!

Filed under: not green, politics, travel — parrish @ 3:30 pm

Remember a couple months ago when Ecorazzi told you about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daily 380 mile jet commute to and from work? We took a poll and 77 percent of our readers said that Arnold needed to start walking the walk and give up the damn jet already. Well now it looks like he might just have no choice.

Santa Monica – the city Arnold flies into each day – is fighting to eliminate the landing of all jets in their small, local airport that was originally designed for propeller plains only. The ban would apply to jets that land at speeds of 120 knots (138 miles an hour) or faster which city leaders fear aren’t safe for some residents that live nearly 300 feet away. The FAA disagrees saying, “The airport’s 5,000-foot runway is safe and there’s never been a jet accident.”

This isn’t the first time the city of Santa Monica and the FAA have fought over the aiport and Santa Monica might even have plans to shut down the airport down entirely in 2015 when their contract with the FAA expires.  

True, if the ban passes Arnold would probably just take a helicopter to work instead of relocating or finding a more eco sensitive means of transportation, but at least jet traffic would decrease overall.  The judge is set to rule on May 15th, so stay close! We’ll bring you more information as we learn it!

thanks: bloomberg.com

April 11th 2008

Arrested Development Star Will Arnett Bikes Around Manhattan

Filed under: green and famous, thegreenpicture, travel — parrish @ 2:14 pm

As the final days of winter (if you can call it that) come to an end, it’s time to once again dig deep in your garage and pull out that trusty, dusty bicycle.

You can sure bet that Arrested Development comedian Will Arnett will be doing some serious biking this spring, as he recently told New York Magazine that his preferred method of getting around Manhattan is, in fact, by bicycle. Will says: I’m very conscientious–I’m always looking out for the person on the bike. Because that person on the bike could be me,” he says.

Will also revealed that he once got into a fight with a driver from New Jersey who tried to outrun him, eventually driving his vehicle into the bike lane. Long story short: Arnett caught up with the pissy driver at a red like and not so peacefully spat on his windshield. Explaining his actions, Will says: “I didn’t want there to be any physical damage, because then he could prove it. They’re not going to take DNA for a spit infraction. Way too costly.”

Speaking of costly, wheel on down to CommuteByBike.com and use their gas saving calculator to find out how much money you could save by opting for two wheels instead of four. Just beware of angry drivers from New Jersey.

April 2nd 2008

The Green Quote: Kelly Rowland Sends Her Apologies To Planet Earth

Filed under: cars-houses, travel — michael @ 12:15 pm

“I prefer a big truck like a Range Rover. I drive one when I’m at home. I’m totally a Texas girl at heart. Put me in a cowboy hat behind the wheel of a massive truck and I’m happy. Driving a truck has been my dream since I was a little girl. My car’s like a baby, it means everything to me. I think about her every day. My sister’s hugely into environmental stuff, and she gives me a lot of heartache about it. She’s got a Lexus Hybrid car but that thing doesn’t look fun. When Range Rover makes a hybrid I’ll go green. Until then, my apologies to Planet Earth.”

— Singer Kelly Rowland on why going green doesn’t look like “any fun”

March 31st 2008

Airline Places Advertisement Seeking Actors To Fill Seats

Filed under: cars-houses, transport, travel — michael @ 9:34 am

Here’s some odd news to kick off your Monday. Apparently, an airline in the UK called Flybe advertised for actors to masquerade as passengers to avoid a more than $500,000 penalty fine for having too many empty seats. Wow. They even put on extra flights, offered free trips and put its own staff on stand-by to fly in the event that seats were not filled. Why the desperation? From the article,

“The terms of the deal stated Norwich Airport would charge Flybe £280,000 if it did not fly 15,000 passengers on the Norwich to Dublin route during 2007-2008. The airline was 172 passengers short by the deadline, prompting the unusual move to commandeer actors.”

It’s rather hilarious that they advertised for actors — I mean, really, what does it take to come across as a passenger on an airline? Can you imagine putting that down on your resume? “Character, Seat2B, Norwich to Dublin, Flybe Airlines”.

And yes, the environmental impact of flying needlessly did bring the matter to the attention of various green groups. Said Airport director, Richard Jenner, ‘It doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of the agreement. But more than anything our concerns are about the unnecessary impact on the environment. We try here to justify the impact we have on the environment. One of the reasons we like to have Flybe here is that they say they are also concerned about the environment.”

As a result, Flybe does plan to offset the additional carbon emissions. The ridicule, however, will take a bit longer to deflect.

via marie claire

March 29th 2008

Miley Cyrus Gets A Smart Fortwo Convertible!

Filed under: cars-houses, travel — michael @ 10:13 am

Miley Cyrus (aka, Hannah Montana, shhh…) is apparently going to be hitting the streets of LA in her very own convertible smart Fortwo car. Since she’s currently still only 15, we’re not sure if this will be her main vehicle come sweet 16 or simply something for promotional use. After all, it does have “Miley - Girls Night Out” painted on the side — which would basically give a clear signal to paparazzi to “Look over here!” 

Either way, the smart is a great car for parking in some tight spaces and even better for mileage — at about 40+ mpg. Rock on Miley! For more on the little smart, check out the official site here.

March 25th 2008

Clooney and Zellweger Arrive By Train For Leatherheads Premiere

Filed under: cars-houses, film-tv, movies, travel — michael @ 8:59 am

Before the good times of traffic jams, smog, and GEICO, Americans relied on mass transportation — specifically trains –  to travel around the country. Yesterday, George Clooney and Renee Zellweger paid tribute to that tradition by participating in a promotional whistle-stop train tour for their new movie, Leatherheads. Both stars wore period clothing to reflect the movie’s 1920s setting. Besides their stop in Maysville, Ky., near Clooney’s hometown — they also have plans to hit Salisbury, N.C., and Greenville, S.C for additional premieres. For more, jump here.

Photo credit: Jim Mone, AP