ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

February 26th 2008

Caption Contest: Al Gore And Richard Branson Share A Moment

Filed under: ecorazzi exclusive — michael @ 6:03 pm

[UPDATE] Congrats to our winner, Raychelle!  

And now for something completely different…

Let’s have some fun playing with the traditional “Caption Contest” idea. Above is an image — give it some conversation. Something like:

“It was moments like this when Al Gore hated playing hot potato with Richard Branson.”

That’s weak, but I’m sure you can come up with something better! Winner gets a copy of The Green Book (details here). Go!

February 26th 2008

Friends Of The Earth Not Very Friendly Towards Richard Branson’s Biofuel Plane

Filed under: cars-houses, transport, travel — michael @ 11:05 am

While the rest of the world was intrigued by Sir Richard Branson’s announcement of the first biofuel flight for a 747 jet, the organization Friends of the Earth was miffed by the idea. Apparently, they feel such advances as biofuel flights are a distraction from the main issues of climate-change. They have a right to be suspicious — after all, of the four engines used to power the 747, only one has a biofuel mixture — a 20% blend of coconut and babassu palm oil. But are they being too critical? Branson’s argument is that while it may be a small step, it nonetheless is something positive for the aviation industry. FOE isn’t buying it. From the article,

“Meanwhile, back in the staff room, Kenneth Richter, Friends of the Earth aviation campaigner, said: “Biofuels are a major distraction in the fight against climate change. There is mounting evidence that the carbon savings from biofuels are negligible. If Virgin was really serious about reducing the aviation industry’s impact on the environment it would support calls for aircraft emissions to be included in the climate change bill.”

I don’t know. Brason’s not trying to distract anyone from the big picture. If we can find alternatives to oil — in a sustainable fashion — that have any type of impact on carbon emissions, I’d call that a positive. Certainly, there should be emissions taxes on airplane flights, but to knock the actions of one person trying to make a difference is silly. Global Cool presented this great quote from Branson,

“Biofuel is not the answer. Wind power is not the answer. Wave power is not the answer. Natural gas is not the answer. Nuclear is not the answer. It will have to be a mix of the best solutions from all these areas that will win the battle to keep CO2 levels below those at which Gaia will strike back at some stage, and kill the problem - in this case us.”

And where was this quote pulled from? The Friends of the Earth website. Nice.

via global cool

December 3rd 2007

Jolie and Pitt Buy Their Own Island

Filed under: green and famous, shopping — parrish @ 11:55 am

Do you ever feel like your apartment is too cramped? Ever say to yourself, “Gosh I could totally use my own island?” Well if you’re Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie the thought has more than crossed your mind. It’s been reported that the famous duo just bought one of the exclusive islands that make up the super-development, The World In Dubai.

The World, is located just off the coast of Dubai and was developed by state-owned developer, Nakheel. Although no official reports have been announced, it’s rumored that other celebrities such as David Beckham, Richard Branson and Rod Stewart have also purchased islands.  

Have no fear, the eco-aware power couple don’t plan on simply using the island for pina-colada, eighties themed reggae parties. Pitt and Jolie have both declared that they are going to use their new chunk of land to spotlight environmental issues and to promote a greener lifestyle.

Following in their famous footsteps, I too will be promoting a greener lifestyle by dreaming about purchasing my own island…where I WILL be having pina-colada, eighties themed reggae parties.

November 26th 2007

Celebrity Designers Team Up To Support Climate Project

Round two

Filed under: campaigns, fashion — michael @ 11:51 am

Once more, L.E.N.Y (Limited Edition New York) is uniting celebrity designers to help raise money for Al Gore’s non-profit, The Climate Project. This time round, Buddhist Punk is joining in the fun, which includes designs from Carla Sozzani, Richard Branson, Natalia Vodianova and Charlotte Tilbury, to name but a few. From the article,

“The garments will be sold in the most prestigious multi-brand boutiques and department stores worldwide with net proceeds going to Al Gore’s association, The Climate Project, for the second season. The association works to raise awareness on the dramatic effects of global warming and to persuade citizens and governments of the urgent need to solve this environmental crisis.”

As with the last design fund raiser, these shirts will probably sell out pretty quick. Branson’s design shows a repeating image of Africa with the words “Flick Off!” written on the front. I’m not exactly sure what he’s trying to say…

Anyways, for a full gallery of celebrity creations, click here.