ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

May 12th 2009

Joaquin Phoenix’s Vegan Sis Has A Green Store In Florida

Filed under: business — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 1:59 pm

Liberty Lord Phoenix, sister of actor Joaquin Phoenix, has recently celebrated the second anniversary of the opening of her eco-friendly store Indigo Green Store. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the shop specializes in environmentally friendly and non-toxic building materials, home products and gift items. From the article,

“Both of my parents raised me vegan and have taught me to love and respect the Earth through not eating animals, recycling, organic gardening, conserving resources and doing all I can on a daily basis to help reduce my impact,” she said.

According to the Vegetarian Star, Liberty did take a stab at acting back in the early 80s with flicks like Kate’s Secret and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers to her name. Obviously though, she’s found a calling in selling green products and we’re psyched that her store is doing well. To take a look at their online catalog, jump here.

April 20th 2009

Pamela Anderson Wants To Do A Veggie Bikini BBQ Show

Um, yes.

Filed under: food & drink — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 9:23 pm

Writing on her blog, Pamela Anderson has expressed interest in returning to television — as a bikini-wearing vegan cook. From the site,

“I’ve been cooking Vegan every day (myself)- muscling my way through- experimenting—trying out new things—I still think I should have my own sexy/fun Vegan-cooking show?— maybe one day. Could always have Girls in bikinis cooking veggies-on the beach- I have such an active lifestyle— being a good mommy—means- a little surfing, dirt biking and planting an organic garden-kids love that- I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time- I keep getting crazy offers to go back on TV—I don’t think I have the passion anymore for it—what is TV these days anyway-?- sensory overload–too busy living the dream…(unless I could do the veggie bikini BBQ show)”

Pam — We love the idea. Just to appeal to a wider audience, perhaps you could have some male guest cooks as well — like Morrissey in a speedo or Joaquin Phoenix as a shipwrecked beach bum. We’re just sayin’.

via vegetarian star

Photo credit: PR Photos

March 31st 2009

Joaquin Phoenix Narrates New Audiobook Version Of “Earthlings”

Filed under: animals, film-tv, movies — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 9:49 am

Much has been said about Earthlings — the stunning documentary about how dependent human beings are on animals. Ellen DeGeneres credits the film with making her go vegan, but acknowledges, “I don’t know if people will actually sit through it, but if they could, it would be amazing. It’s hard to watch.”

Obviously, there’s a great deal of graphic visuals showing animals suffering — something that’s deterred many from taking a look. It’s the unfortunate reality for some that ignorance is bliss — and Earthlings does an amazing job of pulling back the curtain on day-to-day practices that some people would rather not know about.

In an effort to reach out to those who might want to hear the message, but not necessarily see the images, the producers have released a new audiobook of the film adapted from the original feature-length film. It’s once more narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and features music by Moby. “Releasing Earthlings as an audiobook allows us to present this sensitive issue in a way that educates its audience without alienating or overwhelming them,” said Earthlings executive producer Babak Cyrus Razi. “We understand that the film’s shocking images are not suited for all viewers, so the audiobook is ideal for anyone who has been hesitant to see the film, or as a way for animal activists or pet owners to introduce their friends and family to animal rights, vegan lifestyles and the exploitation of animals for profit.”

Want to grab it? The audiobook is available for immediate download at the official site for $13.97 or preorder a two-CD set for $19.99. Alternatively, check out our recent interview with Earthlings director Shaun Monson here.

January 28th 2009

As Suspected, Joaquin Phoenix’s New Rap Career Is Probably A Hoax

Filed under: film-tv, movies — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 11:30 am

We dig Joaquin Phoenix here on the razz for his environmental and charity projects — as well as his vegan lifestyle and animal activism. However, when we heard that he was ditching acting, focusing on a rap career, and documenting the process with help from his brother-in-law Casey Affleck, our immediate gut reaction was “Is this a joke?”

Turns out, according to some sources, it is indeed.

Perhaps taking some cues from Sacha Baron Cohen or Andy Kaufman, Phoenix’s transition into a shaggy-bearded, rapping homeless man is a giant hoax. From EW,

“He said, ‘It’s a put-on. I’m going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it,’” says one source who recently worked with Phoenix. Whatever his motivation or ultimate endgame, don’t expect him to break character anytime soon. “It’s an art project for him,” says a source. “He’s going full out. He probably has told his reps that he’s quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control.”

The only question is: How long will Phoenix continue to play the ruse? And will fans appreciate the joke?

Photo credit: PR Photos

January 19th 2009

Vegans Casey Affleck And Joaquin Phoenix Team Up For Documentary

Filed under: green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 12:20 pm

As Ecorazzi previously reported, vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix announced in October that he was leaving the acting biz to pursue a music career. Now reports have surfaced that fellow vegan actor Casey Affleck will be directing a documentary feature on Phoenix’s attempt to become a rapper.

Joaquin’s album is apparently set to be produced by Diddy and he made his first public performance Friday at Las Vegas club Lavo. Check out the video below and tell us what you think! Is Phoenix gonna be the next big rap star?

October 30th 2008

Ecorazzi Wants To Know How You’ll Celebrate World Vegan Day!

Filed under: animals, campaigns, events, green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 2:05 pm

For us plant-eating folk, October is one big month-long celebration. As Ecorazzi previously reported, October 1st is World Vegetarian Day and kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month. To end the cruelty-free holiday, we pure vegetarians raise a glass and celebrate World Vegan Day on November 1st.

But you don’t have to be vegan or even vegetarian to participate in the fun. Anyone can party hard on World Vegan Day simply by abstaining from animal products for 24 hours! Simple, right? Of course you could always kick it up a notch by baking vegan cookies, wearing a pro-vegetarian t-shirt, passing out leaflets, or simply posting something groovy on your blog!

This year I’m spending World Vegan Day at the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival, but on November 3rd I’m continuing the celebration and renting out a space in midtown, inviting 40 of my nearest and dearest and hosting a screening of Earthlings – a great documentary narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and co-produced by Persia White. Rory Freedman, my very favorite Skinny Bitch, has even agreed to write an extra special introduction for the event. How can anyone not heart Rory?

So the only question remaining is: how will YOU celebrate World Vegan Day? A picnic? A dinner party? Maybe a special meal at your favorite vegetarian restaurant? Leave a comment below and tell the world how you’re getting involved!!

graphic: chow.com

October 30th 2008

Vegan Actor Joaquin Phoenix Retires From The Movie Business

Filed under: green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 11:37 am

There are about a million reasons to love Joaquin Phoenix . He’s a talented actor, a soulful musician and a dedicated activist! Joaquin has been a vegan longer than I’ve been alive and works hard to spread awareness about the joys of a vegetarian lifestyle. Earlier this month, we mentioned that Phoenix had narrated my new favorite documentary, Earthlings, that friend of Ecorazzi, Persia White, helped produce! But was that one of Phoenix’s last films?

Phoenix recently told Extra, “I want to take this opportunity…to give you the exclusive … that this will be my last performance as an actor… I’m not doing films anymore.” Phoniex continued, “Yeah. I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that.”

Extra’s Jerry Penacoli, asked fellow-vegan Casey Affleck who was standing next to Phoenix, “I take it that he’s kidding?” Affleck responded, “I don’t think he’s kidding. He’s got music and stuff.”

Joaquin was being followed by his own camera crew when he broke the news, so peeps are a bit skeptical, but it sounds to me like he’s pretty serious. What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Will Phoenix ditch his film career for the music scene? Chime in and share your thoughts!

October 28th 2008

Tom Hanks, Joaquin Phoenix Attend Star-Studded Newman Benefit

Filed under: donations, events: bay area — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 1:45 pm

Even after passing away at age 83 last month, Paul Newman continues to raise money for charity and help those in need.

Last night in San Francisco, an A-list crowd gathered to honor the late actor and help bring in the green during an annual benefit for Newman’s charity camp, The Painted Turtle, for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Over 2,500 people showed up, including Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, Danny Glover, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Billy Crystal, Sean Penn, Casey Affleck, Joaquin Phoenix, Bruce Willis, Danny DeVito, Bonnie Raitt and Rita Wilson.

In a pre-recorded message just prior to his death on September 26th, Newman talked to the crowd about his camps. “What I was trying to do was acknowledge luck,” Newman said in the clip, which was narrated by Jack Nicholson. “If you acknowledge it, you have to do something about it—something for the less fortunate.”

via USAToday

October 13th 2008

Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Earthlings’ Gets Special-Edition Release

Filed under: animals, film-tv, movies — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 12:56 pm

Just as Mentos is considered “the freshmaker”, the documentary Earthlings is widely known as “the vegan maker”. Originally released in 2003 and narrated by actor Joaquin Phoenix, the film covers the suffering of animals used for food, fashion, pets, entertainment and medical research. And now, it’s getting a special-edition re-release with even more footage.

“Of all the films I have ever made, this is the one that gets people talking the most,” said Phoenix. “For every one person who sees Earthlings, they will tell three.”

The new edition includes extra commentary by writer/director Shaun Monson, and more than 25 minutes of deleted scenes with additional narration by Joaquin Phoenix and two featurettes. Subtitles now are offered in 10 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Russian, Arabic and Hindi.

“The response and support from fans around the world who have been empowered to make a difference in the lives of animals, and in their own lives, has been extremely gratifying,” said Monson. “We hope this new edition provides viewers with some additional experiences that will make showing the film to friends and in viewing parties even more effective and enlightening.”

The film is also now available in eco-friendly packaging with 100 percent recycled paper — 80 percent of it post-consumer — and printed with soy ink.

Please check out the official site and consider picking up a copy here.

May 5th 2008

Joaquin Phoenix Gets Inked In The Amazon Rainforest

Filed under: campaigns, film-tv, television — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 3:56 pm

Joaquin Phoenix has joined the indigenous Yawanawa people of the Brazilian Amazon as part of a new series with MTV Canada called 4REAL.  The activist actor, who also is executive producer of the program, hopes to call attention to global social issues and foster cultural awareness and understanding of different societies. I’m not certain, but I also believe Phoenix will be penning an article for Vanity Fair on the plight of those living in the Rainforests. The above pictures come from a new edition of the Italian Vanity Fair.

Supposedly, Joaquin’s experience in Brazil will air tonight on MTV Canada. It should be available tomorrow online at MTV THINK.  Also taking part in these specials are celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, and Mos Def. We’ll keep you posted.