ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

July 1st 2008

Steven Spielberg Supports Green Fundraiser For Kids In Asia

Filed under: donations, web — michael @ 2:17 pm

In support of heart surgery for children in Asia, Steven Spielberg recently joined a group of other celebrities in attending a fundraiser run by High School kids (one of whom, was Steven’s daughter). ARTtribe and the SPIRAL foundation sold art and recycled material baskets to the attendees. Neal Gray of CTNGreen caught up with the 61-year-old director and asked him about his involvement. Check it out below!

April 21st 2008

George Clooney Urges People Not To Boycott Olympics

Filed under: green and famous — michael @ 11:58 am

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

March 11th 2008

Clooney Puts Pressure On Omega Watches Over Olympic Sponsorship

Filed under: campaigns — michael @ 2:14 pm

If Chinese officials were hoping Steven Spielberg’s Olympic dis over Darfur would quickly blow over, George Clooney is here to remind them that they should get used to the criticism. Much to the chagrin of Beijing, Clooney is back in the media criticizing China’s involvement in resolving the crisis. Meanwhile, he’s also simultaneously applying pressure to a major Olympics global sponsor, Omega Watches. In an article on the BBC today, Clooney said “I have talked with Omega (about China) for over a year and will continue to talk to Omega. I have and will go to the places I and China do business and ask for help.”

Clooney enjoys a good relationship with Omega, having promoted the brand for several years now. Most recently, he joined an advisory board to help the watchmaker enter the fuel cell industry.

For their part, Omega respects Clooney’s passionate activism, but prefers to express its moral engagements through contracts and behind closed doors. From the article,

“‘We have full respect for his strong engagement in the fight for the good cause and share his opinion, especially concerning Darfur, and we are proud to work with a person who has such high ethical views,’ said Swatch chief executive Nick Hayek. ‘It is our policy not to get involved in politics because it would not serve the cause of the sport which is one most noble human endeavors for creating understanding and peace all over the world.’ Hayek said Omega would address China’s association with Sudan through direct high-level contacts rather than publicly. ‘Of course, it is a continuous process but we do it the Swiss way of ‘little strokes fell great oaks,’ Hayek said.”

February 20th 2008

China Talking Smack After Spielberg’s Snub

Oh no you didn't!

Filed under: campaigns — michael @ 2:06 pm

After Steven Spielberg made the decision to pull his participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (based on China’s iffy commitment to helping end the crisis in Darfur), we all wondered what the reaction might be. As expected, the Chinese were none too pleased — though the government has been mum. Instead, it’s the state-controlled media that’s had a field day with Speilberg’s decision; calling the move ‘naive’ and ‘unreasonable’. In other words, they’re embarrassed and Speilberg’s action has done exactly what he hoped it would: draw more attention to China’s lack of involvement in the Darfur crisis. From the article,

“China often uses its newspapers to make statements it does not want to officially comment on. But the issue also has exploded on the Internet, where scores of Chinese have been quick to add their criticism of Spielberg. ‘We should have never invited him in the first place,’ was one retort on Sina.com, the country’s largest Internet portal. Others asked why China’s Olympic Games were being linked to Darfur. ‘Spielberg used the sacred Olympics as a tool. There are so many simpler or more complicated issues than the Darfur issue in the world,’ one said. ‘I rarely heard him say anything. Why was he so keen this time?’”

There are so many simpler or more complicated issues? Could you be any more vague or insensitive? Obviously, the fact that over 200,000 people have died in this conflict is a mere blip on this person’s radar of world events.

I commend Spielberg for making the decision he has. China’s humanitarian record is still dismal — and they have to understand that just because they’re hosting a sports event does not mean the rest of the world should mask criticism of even greater importance. Give Steve the gold and give these guys a cup to catch their tears.

February 13th 2008

Spielberg Severs Ties With China Over Darfur Crisis

Filed under: campaigns — michael @ 12:59 pm

Well, you can’t say the guy didn’t try.

After writing personal letters and making impassioned pleas to the Chinese government to help stem the worsening crisis in China, director Steven Spielberg has decided to withdraw as the artistic advisor to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Spielberg said of his decision:

“I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual. At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur. Sudan’s government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these ongoing crimes but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more.

Actress Mia Farrow was particularly pleased that Spielberg decided to back out. “I’m delighted by his decision and it’s a desperate time for Darfur so this is a shred of good news in a very bleak week. Through his participation with the games it was clear that he was giving his moral cover to Beijing at a time when they’re underwriting genocide in Darfur. So I hoped that he would discontinue his participation with the games.”

China currently receives two-thirds of its oil from the Sudan. As of 2006, more than 2.5 million people have been displaced and over 200,000 killed in the conflict. To get more involved with the relief efforts in Darfur, visit Dreams For Darfur or DarfurGenocide.org.