ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

September 30th 2008

Celebrities Design Christmas Trees To Help Keep America Beautiful

Filed under: campaigns, contests, shopping — parrish @ 12:42 pm

Is it that time of year already?! Last holiday season, after Josh Lucas purchased a fake Christmas tree, Ecorazzi posed the question: Is an “organic” fake Christmas tree better for the environment than a real Christmas tree? Overall, most people had never heard of said “organic fake tree” and argued that a real tree is not only biodegradable but grown to be chopped down, thus making the latter option far more environmentally friendly. Well, as the holidays approach, the Christmas tree is once again being foisted into the spotlight, but this time for charity.

Actors Julianne Moore, Brooke Shields, Angie Harmon, Eva Longoria Parker and Tony Parker have personally designed Christmas trees – with the help of Robert Verdi and Smith & Hawken — for an online auction to benefit Keep America Beautiful.

Keep America Beautiful “combines education with hands-on stewardship to make America’s communities cleaner, greener, safer, and more livable.” Matthew M. McKenna, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful said, “This is such a great concept for a fundraiser, and with the A-list stars supporting it, Keep America Beautiful couldn’t be more thrilled to be the chosen beneficiary. The funds generated by this auction will help us in fulfilling our grassroots mission to build cleaner, greener, stronger communities nationwide.”

To participate in the auction, simply visit SmithandHawken.com/Trees between October 15 and December 5th and click on the “BID NOW” button. The auction winners will receive their special trees just in time for the holidays. Happy bidding!

August 25th 2008

Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson Give Tips on Going Green

Filed under: books, green and famous, healthy living, magazines — sara @ 3:51 pm

Good Housekeeping recently published a list of tips from celebrity moms on going green. Julia Roberts actually turns to her yoga instructor, Sophie Uliano, with all her eco questions. Uliano actually started a green group for Roberts and her pals to teach them about nontoxic cosmetics and safe cleaners. The result? One of America’s sweethearts making her own eco friendly cleaning spray, keeping a journal on her environmental concerns, checking labels, and planting an organic garden. Go Julia! You can get Uliano’s advice in her new book, Gorgeously Green.

“I’ve made homeopathic treatments and aromatherapy treatments. I’m constantly looking for the best products out there, and I helped my hairdresser launch a line of organic hair-care products, free of animal products as well as parabens and sulfates called David Babii for WildAid. Ten percent of the money goes toward protecting endangered species,” shares bouncy Kate Hudson on her green habits. Kate’s also pretty creative with her vegetables.

To get more of Kate’s tips, as well as some advice from Sheryl Crow, Brooke Shields, Gayle King, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston, click here.

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!