ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

May 6th 2008

Nigel Barker And Friends Raise Money For Haiti During Birthday Celebration

Filed under: animals, campaigns, events, events: nyc, thegreenpicture — parrish @ 12:28 pm

If you’ve watched even one episode of America’s Next Top Model then you most certainly know “noted fashion photographer” Nigel Barker. But what you probably don’t know is that Nigel is involved with about about a bazillion great charities that span across the board, and most recently helped try to stop the brutal seal hunt in Canada.

Nigel recently held is 36th birthday in NYC — which was attended by friends and family, including some peeps from the HSUS, The Make A Wish Foundation, The Edeyo Foundation and other great organizations — and used the opportunity to help raise a little cash for the people of Haiti.

On Nigel’s blog he says:

As many of you know many in Haiti have been reduced to eating patties made of mud, oil and sugar to curb hunger pains brought on by surging food prices. I have a trip planned to Haiti with the Charity Edeyo where we plan to bring food and document in the form of photos and film the travesty that is unfolding 45 minutes flight off the US shores. Friends of mine donated over $1000.00 the night of my birthday for the people of Haiti. If you too would like to do something to help please go to Edeyo.org and make a donation.

So by all means, get thee to Edeyo.org and give a little dough. Also, don’t forget to check out Nigel’s blog!

May 1st 2008

Go Green Expo Conquers The Big Apple With Eco-tastic Weekend

Filed under: ecorazzi exclusive, events: nyc, fashion, honors — melissa @ 4:48 pm

The New York City-based Go Green Expo had its Big Apple debut this past weekend at the Hilton New York. The green weekend kicked off with an inaugural awards gala which included a runway fashion show featuring eco-wear by Maggie Norris, a former designer for Ralph Lauren. Host Nigel Barker of America ’s Next Top Model auctioned several couture pieces – topping at $7,000 - benefiting Riverkeeper’s Amazon Conservation Association. Award recipients included Congressman Steve Israel, Captain Planet Foundation’s Laura Turner Seydel, Live Earth Founder Kevin Wall and NYT best-selling author David Bach for their individual contributions to the green movement this year. Celebs in attendance included the always-stunning actress Sissy Spacek, model Lauren Bush, Playboy model Lindsey Vuolo and TV personality Pat Mitchell.

The weekend continued with a three-floor, green-living and sustainability event including vendor booths, panels and film screenings. Goodies ranged from bamboo-clothing by Carole Wang to green printers, ride-share companies, bags, jewelry, cosmetics, to organic foods and beverages like Sobe. Many of the products featured boasted free-trade production.

One of the most notable extra-curriculars was the Fields of Fuel, film screening chronicling Josh Tickell’s U.S. road-trip in a “Veggie-Van” fueled by vegetable oil from fast-food eateries. He also breaks down green energy and major myths and misconceptions. Who knew (aside from Josh) that Rudolf Diesel, who created the first diesel engine, had designed it to run on vegetable oil, not petroleum?! To call this film eye-opening would be a great understatement. Despite its current grass-roots marketing effort I would confidently put all bets on this powerful, film as a shoe-in for the next Best Documentary Oscar. “Fields of Fuel” already won the Audience Choice Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The inspirational Josh Tickell took park in Q&A with expo-goers and has been working on this film for almost 10 years and has loved inspiring others. Check out a clip of the movie here or visit the official site at http://www.fieldsoffuel.com/.

For pictures from the fashion show and the gala, please click more below to view Ecorazzi’s gallery!

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April 8th 2008

Lauren Conrad Speaks Out For The Plight Of The Seal

Filed under: animals, campaigns, green and famous, thegreenpicture — parrish @ 12:14 pm

It’s so easy to watch shows like The Hills and Laguna Beach and think to yourself, “Wow those are about the worst people ever”, but every now and then a seemingly unaware reality star steps up and does something admirable.

Such is the case with Lauren Conrad and her recent fight to stop the slaughter of seals in Canada. Ecorazzi reported earlier about this horrific problem when Pamela Anderson used her fame to help make a difference, and now it looks like Lauren is speaking out too.

Lauren said, “I am a huge animal lover and that includes seals. I think the killing of innocent baby seals is awful and should definitely not be allowed.”

Like Lauren and Pamela, other celebrities that have spoken out on behalf of seal, including Hayden Panettiere and Sienna Miller. America’s Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker even designed a t-shirt that says “Make A Fashion Statement, Save the Seals.” However, I find that fishy (no pun intended) after Nigel was so willing to sit back and allow that disgusting meat locker photo shoot on ANTM a couple weeks ago.

If you want to learn more about the cruel seal industry or just pick up some fashionable yet activisty gear, visit the Humane Society of the United States’ website and find out how you can get involved.

UPDATE: Dear Ecorazzi readers, sometimes I’m a jerk! Sometimes perhaps my passion for the environment and animal rights encourages me to jump to conclusions far too soon. If you read the comment section below you’ll see that in it Nigel Barker stands up for his role in protecting the seals and having nothing to do with the meatlocker episode of Top Model. The goal at Ecorazzi is to support people in the entertainment business that are doing wonderful things in the world and I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn. Please check out the shirt Nigel designed on HSUS and help support his awesome campaign. My apologies!