If you’re like me and grew up watching Captain Planet, you’re probably pretty psyched there’s now an organization in the planetary hero’s name — aptly titled the Captain Planet Foundation.

This years the foundation is holding their 14th annual Xmas Party in Atlanta, GA to raise money for their work supporting hands-on environmental projects for youth in grades K-12.  The event will feature musical guests such as Rolling Stones keyboardist and Georgia tree farmer Chuck Leavell, Night Ranger singer Jack Blade, .38 Special’s Jeff Carlisi and the Romantics’ Wally Palmar. The evening will also include a cameo by celebrity guest Chevy Chase and his environmentalist wife, Jayni. 

Oh yeah, and for all you fashion-curious folks out there, Turner Seydel, chairwoman for the organization will be wearing an eco-friendly dress made out of sustainable silk, courtesy of a “free-range silk worm that was allowed to turn into a moth.” Go, Turner! 

The event will be held Dec. 12 at the Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta and sounds like it will be a blast! To find out more, visit xmasparty.org!

Musician Chuck Leavell has had a pretty incredible music career. Not only was he a member of The Allman Brothers Band during the height of their popularity — but he’s also been a keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and The Black Crowes; among many others.

You would think such gigs would leave very little time for personal pursuits, but surprisingly, Leavell is a tree farmer in Twiggs County outside Macon, Georgia. In fact, he is a two-time Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year! Such an occupation has jived well with the musician’s involvement in conservation and environmental initiatives; so it makes sense that he’s about to take his love for the planet online in the shape of a new green startup called the Mother Nature Network.

Details on the new site are a little thin, but from what we’ve heard, there will be 8 channels — with each one covering a different topic like food or politics. According to a news release, MNN is also looking for one college student from each major American university to represent the local scene. From the article,

Each of the winning correspondents will become a highlighted contributor at MNN for 2009 with his or her own video program or blog that will provide access to a nationwide audience. In addition, winners will receive a “Flip Ultra” video camcorder, and the top five correspondents will be selected to participate in an exclusive, all-expense paid summit where they will share ideas with top environmentalists, business leaders, scientists and entertainers.

Sounds like a pretty good gig — and a great way to network and make a name for those looking to pursue careers in environmental reporting, science, etc. If you’re interested, submit your entry here.

Look for MNN to launch in January of 2009.