ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

June 26th 2008

Celebrities Vote Vegan And Sign The Declaration of Compassion

Filed under: animals, campaigns, events, green and famous — parrish @ 9:28 am

As July 4th approaches and most Americans break out the fireworks and six packs, Kathy Stevens, an animal rescuer and green living superstar, has another idea in mind. In the spirit of “independence”, Stevens has designed the Declaration of Compassion — a petition declaring our independence against industrialized farming and animal-based agribusiness.

The goal is to receive 100,000 signatures by July 4, 2008.  To help her with that lofty number, Stevens has enlisted stars like Brooke Shields, Kristen Wiig, Russell Simmons, Emily Deschanel, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Zana Briski (”Born into Brothels”), to help her on her mission. 

Stevens says, “Global warming is challenging all of us to radically and immediately alter our behavior. Since agribusiness is the #1 culprit in everything from the melting of the Polar ice caps to the extinction of animal and plant species to water shortages, we must all alter our diets if we want this beautiful planet to be here for our children and grandchildren.”

The Declaration of Compassion will be unveiled in a ceremony at the 7th Annual Catskill Animal Sanctuary Shindig on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Can’t make it to New York? NO WORRIES! An online petition allows supporters to virtually sign up and show their support for the compassionate lifestyle. It’s not too late, visit CASanctuary.org and add your name! 

June 25th 2008

Oceana at Christie’s Ocean Liner Auction

Filed under: events: nyc, green and famous — michael @ 11:45 am

Last night at Christies Auction House in NYC, Oceana hosted it annual “Love for the Oceans” cocktail reception. One of the evenings speakers was Actor Sam Waterston. Sam joined Oceana’s board this year spoke a few words to the packed room about protecting our oceans. Michael Hirshfield, Chief Scientist for Oceana also spoke a few words how they are helping to protect bluefin tuna from becoming extinct. The evening showcased many interesting pieces related to the oceans. My most favorite piece was a life jacket from the Titanic — on display for the first time to the public. The evenings main sponsors were Nautica and AIG Environmental. For more information check out www.oceana.org

[Pictured: Actor Sam Waterson]

Photos by Melissa Rosenberg

June 24th 2008

Good Housekeeping Set To Unveil First LEED Home In Manhattan

July 30th grand opening will be the place to be in NYC!

Filed under: buildings and construction, cars-houses, events: nyc, green and famous — michael @ 3:14 pm

Good Housekeeping magazine is placing the finishing touches on what promises to be an incredible renovation in Harlem, NY. Using input from Global Green and oversight and third-party verification by Steven Winter Associates, (one of only 18 LEEDS residential consultancies in the U.S.) the publication has completely gutted a classic brownstone and turned into an eco-friendly model of green building.

Radiant floor heat, solar panels, tankless water system, rainwater cachment, recycled tiles, hardwood, rugs, denim insulation, and efficient appliances are just a few of the features this new home will sport. Additionally, Good Housekeeping will work with Borst Organic Lawn Care to design the landscaping based on the key principles of sustainable gardening.

An official unveiling of the new LEED-certified building will take place on July 30th at a gala celebration, with several celebrities and other notables expected to be in attendance. Those interested in participating should contact Esther Levy for additional details.

The home will be open for public tours on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. All admission proceeds will benefit Go Green East Harlem, an initiative of the Manhattan Borough President’s Office.

June 23rd 2008

Paul McCartney Asks You To Participate In Meat-Free Mondays

Filed under: animals, campaigns, food & drink, green and famous — parrish @ 2:06 pm

Once an activist, always an activist! Paul McCartney is challenging Britons to participate in “meat-free Mondays” to help cut carbon emissions throughout the world. Paul claims to have gotten the idea from Australians who appear to be perhaps a little more aware (or willing to admit) the impact of cattle rearing and meat production on the environment.

Paul recently told trade magazine, The Grocer, “A lot of people go to the gym on a Monday. With meat-free Mondays, it’s a bit like going to the gym but with the added advantage of protecting the planet.” Paul also credits a report released by the UN for helping inspire the challenge. He said, “One of the most significant conclusions of the recent report on climate change was that we should eat less meat. This is not the Vegetarian Society that said that. It’s the UN.”

McCartney has been a long-time vegetarian and worked with PETA and various other animal-rights organizations to help promote the lifestyle, so this challenge comes as no surprise to all of us here at Ecorazzi. Will you be participating in meat-free Mondays? Comment back and tell us what you think.

thanks: peterleemail.com.uk

June 23rd 2008

Catching Up With Sprig’s Green Celebrity Videos

Filed under: green and famous, video, web — michael @ 1:23 pm

The Washington Post’s green-style site, Sprig, is a fantastic destination for checking out the latest in sustainable fashion, home, and beauty. The team there also does a quality job of grabbing some great interviews with some Hollywood celebrities making efforts to get greener. (Check out their great segment with musician Ben Harper.)

Below are a collection of some of their latest vids featuring such notables as Ted Danson and Oceana, hunky handyman Carter Oosterhouse, and Gossip Girls star Kelly Rutherford.

June 23rd 2008

Russell Simmons Dishes On Politics, The Environment and Veganism

Filed under: animals, food & drink, green and famous, interviews, television — parrish @ 12:22 pm

Ecorazzi loves us some Russell Simmons!! Last month I had the chance to chat with Russell at the Farm Sanctuary Gala where he spoke on the importance of spreading awareness about the abuse that occurs in the food animal industry. Well Russell and I only had a few minutes, but last week he appeared on CNN to talk more about his thoughts on politics, the environment and veganism. 

In response to why he chose a vegan diet, Russell said: Well just to cause less harm. And one of things that we DO know, and the UN reports, that a vegan diet is…or the consumption of animals causes more harm to the environment than all the forms of transportation put together. Since we’re talking about the environment that’s one thing. And of course I don’t think when they said dominion over the animals they meant the abuse of 10 billion farm animals every year, which is what we do here in America. So It’s just a nice statement. I feel better. My friends report to me over the last 15 years I look better. You know, so it’s a big change for me. You’re more clarity. And I think that all of us want to be more clear, want to look younger, want to feel better and want to be a greater contributer to good on the planet. 

To hear more from Russell on veganism, environmentalism and why he’s backing Obama, visit cnn.com and watch the interview. Or hell, skip the interview and just get his book. 

June 22nd 2008

Ecorazzi At The 2008 Global Green Millennium Awards

Filed under: ecorazzi exclusive, events: la, green and famous, honors, video — michael @ 4:38 pm

Last week, Global Green held their 2008 Millennium Awards honoring such people whose lives and livelihood jive with the organization’s mission of a sustainable and secure world. Our own Tracy Metro was on the scene and chatted with Anna Getty, Ed Begley Jr., Arianna Huffington, Lyn Lear, Matt Petersen, and many more. Check out the video below! 

June 21st 2008

The Green Picture: Witherspoon and Phillippe’s Little Boy Has One Request

Filed under: green and famous — parrish @ 5:20 pm

You’re never too young to be an activist!! Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe’s little boy was seen this weekend rocking a “World Peace Please” shirt. We here at Ecorazzi totally agree with little Deacon - WORLD PEACE PLEASE!  

via: justjared.com

June 20th 2008

Steve Carell Screens Get Smart For Charity

Filed under: green and famous — parrish @ 9:00 am

 Good news on the charity front! Last night Steve Carell held a special screening of his latest movie, Get Smart, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to benefit the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund.  

The fund has an interesting backstory — Carell met Zachary Carson on the set of The Office last year through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Carson has since passed away from diffuse pontine glioma — a type of pediatric cancer — and the fund was set-up in his memory. In 2007 Carell also lended his fame to the organization when he held a premiere of his film Evan Almighty in Boston. 

Get Smart tickets went for $100 and included not only the film, but also a full fledge auction featuring such items as the chance to have Carell record a special voice mail message just for you. Sweet. About the event, Carell said: ”It was a great group of people, is a great group of people, and I just felt very honored to be included in that circle.” 

To learn more visit Dana-Farber.org and don’t forget to check out Get Smart, opening in theaters today! 

thanks: looktothestars.org

June 20th 2008

The Green Quote: Ringo Starr Wants Peace And Love Day

Filed under: events, green and famous — parrish @ 7:45 am

“Let’s make my birthday, July the 7th at noon, Peace and Love Day. Everybody go, ‘Peace and love.’ In the office, on the bus, wherever. It’s still peace and love for me, I’m a product of the 60s and it was a very influential period in my life, and you know, my head was turned around a bit, my eyes were opened as it were. In fact, I even have it on my arm, ‘Peace and love’. I see nothing wrong with peace and love.”

- Ringo Starr telling Access Hollywood that he wants the world to celebrate his 69th birthday with him as the first official “Peace and Love Day.” To do you part, Ringo’s asking all fans to yell “Peace and love” at noon. Ringo, it’s officially in my blackberry!