July 15th 2008
These days, if you’re an actor/actress, chances are you also have hubraic dreams to a.) create a line of perfume, b.) start your own fasion label, or c.) open up your own restaurant. It’s the later that we’ll be focusing on today — having gathered what we believe are the top 5 most delicious eco-friendly celebrity restaurants.
Hungry? Let’s hit the first course!
April 21st 2008
Representing the other side of the debate, George Clooney has come out against a boycott of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Over the past few months, we’ve seen everyone from Steven Spielberg to Richard Gere publicly condemn the country for failing to act on the Darfur crisis and human rights violations. Clooney, however, believes a boycott will not do anything to help these issue and is urging people to continue diplomatic relations. From the article,
“‘It seems excessive to boycott the Games because China does business in Darfur. It’s always more important to keep a line of communication open,’ the Oscar-winning thespian told the El Pais newspaper.”
Clooney was also critical of the United States with regards to the environment saying, “What is certain is that there is less consumption (in Europe) than in the United States and people recycle more. Things work in a much more intelligent way.”
What’s George doing to reduce his carbon footprint? The 46-year-old-actor insists he’s doing his part by always traveling by motorcycle while in Italy. We imagine he’d consider doing the same things Stateside if the paparazzi weren’t always knocking him down.
via AFP
April 16th 2008
Summer’s on its way and with it comes crappy re-runs, crappy reality television and the (maybe crappy, maybe not) 2008 Summer Olympics. The event hasn’t even begun and already it’s covered in gooey, international controversy. Earlier this month, Ecorazzi told you that Richard Gere wanted the USA to boycott the Olympics over all the free Tibet drama. But cultural conflicts aside, should environmentalists be getting fiery (you’ll get that joke in like 5 seconds) over the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
The Olympic torch and its worldly travels have long been an international tradition, dating back to ancient Greek times and re-entering popularity in 1928. This year it’s estimated that the Olympic torches trip — which covers 50,000 miles in 20 countries — will break historic records of global disaster by demanding a whopping 270,000 gallons of jet fuel. Wait…WHAT?? Yes, THIS torch has its own private plane.
Now consider this: with every gallon of jet fuel burned, 23.88 pounds of CO2 is forced into the air. Therefore, the air travel alone will fill the atmosphere with 6,447,600 pounds of CO2. According to the United Nations, the average American leaves an annual carbon footprint of 42,000 to 44,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. This means the Olympic torch (not even a person here, people, a torch) will generate as much greenhouse gas as 153 Americans do in a whole year.
Now that’s just airfare, we won’t even talk about the fact the torch is being fueled by propane, thus adding another 12.669 pounds of CO2 per gallon burned.
Listen, I get it - tradition. It’s a big deal right? Well how much are we willing to pay to for a little ancient Greek tradition. I like the torch, I’d even say the torch is pretty, but I kinda think fresh air and tolerable weather is a little prettier. Anyone else here with me?
April 15th 2008
Actor Richard Gere is placing the final touches on a new restaurant/inn in Bedford, NY called the Bedford Post Inn. The 56-year-old purchased the property — which features several 18th century buildings — last year with a business partner. Spread over 14 acres, Gere’s new venture will feature a cafe/bakery, formal restaurant, multipurpose rooms for private parties, community events and yoga classes, stables for horse riding, and 8 suites for overnight guests.
Plans also include a geothermal HVAC system, recycled beams and materials, an on-site garden and a focus on locally produced food sourced from the area’s small farms. Gere can expect some celebrity clientèle from time to time as well — as Bedford is where Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren and Glenn Close all own homes.
Of course, Gere’s new project is not without its detractors. Most recently, neighbors complained about the ‘eyesore’ parking lot for the restaurant — prompting Gere to erect a an 18 foot long, five foot high cedar fence. Now, people claim the fence is spoiling their view — and the town zoning committee has declared that it must be torn down because it violates height limits. Unfazed, the partners are planning to comply, with Gere’s business partner Russell Hernandez saying, “If they say you have to have a four-foot fence, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Look for the Inn to open this summer. The bakery/cafe is open now.
March 17th 2008
Actor/vegetarian/long time Tibet activist Richard Gere is urging the world to boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics in response to China’s brutal attack on the recent Himalayan protest.
Gere, chairman of the International Campaign For Tibet was disgusted with the violent treatment of demonstrators who were protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet on Friday. So far it’s been reported that at least 10 people have been killed and numerous others badly injured.
Richard says, “In this situation if the Chinese do not act in the proper way, change their ways, acknowledge what is going on, allow free access to communication, then I think that absolutely we have to boycott. It would be unconscionable if we continued as if things are hunky dory and everyone’s happy. It’s impossible. Tibetans have been much marginalised in recent years, much more than before. And that’s why you see this pressure cooker effect in Tibet where religion has essentially been outlawed, where pictures of the Dalai Lama, who is essentially their Jesus Christ, are not allowed.”
What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Is Gere spot on or is he taking this too far? Click on the comment button below and tell us what you think!
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The Sierra Club is America’s oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Inspired by nature, its 1.3 million members work together to protect our communities and the planet. Take a look at their latest campaign “Lightbulbs to Leadership” to help lend a hand.
Anna Griffin is an independent TV producer, and freelance eco journalist/ reporter. She is currently producing a green lifestyle TV pilot with Director, Chris Lakin, and is also launching an online eco magazine dedicated to fashion, beauty and lifestyle in September 2008. Originally from London, Anna now lives in LA.
