Last night was the EMAs (pronounced “emmas”, in case you didn’t know), the annual awards gala thrown by the Environmental Media Association in celebration and recognition of those working in film and TV production who are supporting and promoting the green cause both behind the scenes and on camera. Sir Richard Branson and Jason Mraz were both honored last night along with 2012 producers Centropolis Entertainment and National Geographic’s Explorers in Residence Derreck and Beverly Joubert.

Presenters for the evening included Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Kathryn Morris, Ginnifer Goodwin, Olivia Wilde, Alanis Morrisette, Ed Begley Jr., Blythe Danner, Amy Smart, Simon Baker, Dana Delaney, Emily Vancamp as well as Dianna Agron and Kevin McHale from ‘Glee’. Razzi heroes Louie and Vicki Psihoyos also made it back from the controversial screening of their film The Cove in Japan for the event.

Amy Smart and Simon Baker presenting.

It was a pretty lavish shindig with vendors and screens lining New York Street on the Paramount Studios backlot. Tables were lit with faux votive candles, no paper plates in sight as well as eco-luxury gifts and a variety of gourmet and organic foods available all across the outdoor event.

Toyota and Lexus hosted the eco-luxury lounges.

The very excellent Melinda McGraw, from Mad Men and Hank, was on hand and we chatted a bit about how much there is to learn from pioneers like Ed Begley Jr. as well as what she’s been noticing changing on sets in the last ten years. McGraw pointed out that while many scripts are emailed these days it’s still hard to conserve paper with so many changing scripts drafts. Her pet peeve on set? The air conditioning on sound stages. “It does not need to be that cold,” she said. She also noted that she was decked out in all vintage for the evening.

I also caught up with the very talented actress and EMA board member Frances Fisher to talk about on-set habits. She said that because of the largess and temporary nature of film sets it’s hard to know what the better options are for something like craft services flatware. “What’s the impact of disposable plates versus the water used in washing all of these dishes?” It feels like there’s still a lot of assessment to be done on set.

Bill Nye The Science Guy and Ed Begley Jr. both agree that getting out of our cars is the single biggest thing that we can do to help the environment. Nye, back at the EMAs after a few years away, also said that he rides his bike everywhere much to the amusement of his friends. He also has a powerful solar set up at his house which allows him to sell electricity back into the grid.

Derreck and Beverly Joubert, National Geographic’s current Explorers in Residence (definitley in the running for ‘best job ever’) also launched the Big Cat Initiative last night which aims to protect the world’s big cats, starting on their home continent, Africa, but also spanning the world, bringing together governments and NGOs to save these rapidly vanishing creatures.

Along with honorees Branson and Mraz, winners for the evening included Better Off Ted, Brothers & Sisters, The Cove, Food Inc., Disneynature EARTH, The Lazy Environmentalist and Biz Kid$.

Highlights of the evening included a sneak peek at the upcoming 2012, Alanis working her way through Jason Mraz’s extensive list of eco-accomplishments and Cedric the Entertainer’s attempt to get the crowd to relax. I can also say that I hope that Blythe Danner and Sir Richard’s broken limbs heal quickly. What troopers!

Check out this exclusive clip of Jason Mraz performing “I’m Yours”.

Olivia Wilde, who earlier this week was highlighted covering GQ magazine, has written an article for USA Today on the importance of giving back. The House actress describes childhood lessons on volunteering and charitable giving — as well as present-day projects she helps support.

“Beyond reducing our carbon footprints, I learned that using the power of solar technology is the best path toward a cleaner and more responsible future,” she writes. “After years of supporting environmental and humanitarian aid groups, I was elated to discover one grass-roots organization tackling both issues at once.”

“I learned about Power Up Gambia two years ago when I presented an award to its founder, Kathryn Cunningham Hall. The concept was brilliant: outfitting hospitals and clinics in Gambia with solar panels to generate the electricity needed to provide medical care.”

Wilde then goes on to describe how doctors benefiting from the solar charity can now perform operations by light rather than candlelight. “My hope is that all Gambians will be able to benefit from this sensible, innovative concept of providing sustainable access to medical care without worsening the toll of modernization.”

To learn more about Power Up Gambia, hit the official site here.

Megan Fox’s self-confessed “girl crush” Olivia Wilde covers this month’s issue of GQ magazine — as we’re happy to hear that her fine physique is due in part to her vegan diet. The 25-year-old actress, who plays “Dr. Remy ‘Thirteen’ Hadley” on the television drama HOUSE, recently told PEOPLE that the only time she breaks down for something with cheese in it is while watching The Godfather and craving pasta. Perhaps she would enjoy some Godfather organic vodka as well? More pics of Wilde’s shoot in GQ below.

via Examiner

Some green Hollywood celebrities are jumping on board a new campaign from the Environmental Media Association to help introduce organic gardening in LA schools. According to the EMA, the organization and Yes To Inc. will directly support a number of school gardens through funding and celebrity mentoring from members of EMA’s Young Hollywood Board.

“I grew up with community gardens in my neighborhood, so I know how important they can be for kids. I am very excited to be supporting the Environmental Media Association’s new project to support organic gardens in LA schools,” EMA Board Member Rosario Dawson told Access Hollywood.

The actress will be joined by Amy Smart, Nicole Richie, Maroon 5, Lance Bass, Matthew Rhys, Olivia Wilde and Maria Menounos. “Organic gardens are so important, especially in urban areas where many students would otherwise never see any greenery,” Bass, 30, told PEOPLE. “I hope that the Environmental Media Association’s support will help them to grow and flourish in Los Angeles.”

School have been on the receiving end of a number of green projects this year — including Global Green’s “Green Schools Initiative“. Great to see young people getting involved in organic projects like this one.

On the show, Wilde chatted about Prop 2, being a princess and competitive eating. 

You see Oliva is one hell of a competitive eater and once ate 33 pancakes in 20 minutes. I’m sorry…WHAT??? In fact, Olivia challenged Ellen to a vegan eating contest, to which Ellen said:

“But you fill up more with vegan stuff, don’t you find? So you can’t eat as much.”

Check out the whole interview below and welcome Olivia to the VEG club! We’re thrilled to have you, chica!!

via: vegetarianstar.com

One thing going for the new mag is their editor-in-chief Rona Berg. She’s the former beauty editor of the New York Times Magazine and editorial director of Elle. “Going green is no longer just a trend, it’s a lifestyle,” says Berg. “Organic Beauty will provide a smart, sophisticated resource for women who want to cut through the confusion and find more natural alternatives.”

According to a release, editorial coverage in every issue will include: natural and organic skin, hair, nail and oral-care products; organic foods, herbs, supplements, elixirs and fitness strategies; Ageless Beauty: natural alternatives to cosmetic surgery and injectables; sustainable beauty, fashion and style trends, as well as beauty bargains, up-to-the-minute news and breakthroughs.

For the first issue, titled “Green and Gorgeous”, the editors decided to feature Olivia Wilde. The actress, who stars on the hit medical drama House, is well known for her green ways and humanitarian efforts. Olivia explains in the feature why she recently changed her mind about natural and organic products and why it’s unnecessary to “sacrifice your health with what you’re putting on your body.”

Interested a bit more on Organic Beauty magazine? Check out their official website — or just look for the premier issue at your local bookstore.