ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

August 11th 2008

Yao Ming - First Ever U.N. Environmental Champion

Filed under: green and famous, honors, sports — lori @ 9:43 am

Currently the tallest player in U.S. pro basketball is Yao Ming standing at a mind-blowing 7′6″. Do you think there has ever been an article written about him that does not reference his height? Well I found one, and instead it discusses his passion for protecting the world and his appointment as the United Nations’ first Environmental Champion.

The Chinese superstar’s role is to raise awareness of climate change and energy efficiency. Yao explained how he’ll take on this enormously important task, “So I will work with young people across the world and try to inspire them to plant trees, use energy efficient light bulbs, harvest rain water and to become environmental champions in their own communities.”

He’s got billions of eyes on him as he competes for the Chinese basketball team, and he recently had the coveted honor to act as their flag carrier in the Olympic opening ceremonies. He uses this opportunity in the spotlight to ask for help in his task, “As the world celebrates the Beijing Olympic Games, I would also like to call upon the organizers of all major sports events in the world to make sure they use public transport facilities, build proper waste management systems and use greener forms for energy.”

“Please join me in this global team effort.”

I hope his home country, tainted by the polluted haze at their ‘Green Olympics’ will be the first to respond to his plea for assistance in tackling climate change and energy efficiency. Leave the coal in the ground, China!

via: news.yahoo.com

May 20th 2008

Razzi Snap: Salma Hayek Takes A Tour Of New Orleans Eco Home

Filed under: buildings and construction, cars-houses, green and famous, sports, web — michael @ 4:20 pm

Actress Salma Hayek recently took a tour of Global Green USA’s first completed green home in the devastated Lower 9th Ward. A supporter of the organization, Hayek remarked that the home has great value as a symbol of hope for the entire region. “This house was built with so much love and it was the dream of a collective group of people who are trying to change things in the world. I think that what has happened here has been a wake up call and the courage and dignity from the people who have faced this tragedy has been something that will motivate all of us,” she said. [Read more...]

Sporting icon Yao Ming has been criticized by the Chinese people for not donating enough to the recent earthquake disaster. Ming, who makes more than $55 million a year, initially only gave away $70,000 to a relief fund. “He’s been drinking milk and eating bread (like an American) for a while and he’s forgotten where he comes,” one posting said. “You are Chinese!” Ouch. Ming has since caved to the pressure and upped his donation above $250,000. [Read more...]

Treehugger.com contributor buys an SUV. Decides to write about why. All hell breaks loose. 137 comments later, guy is beaten, bruised, and shamed. Awesome decision. [Read more...]

Autobloggreen put together a nice photo collection of celebrities riding around on scooters. You know you’re somewhat interested…[Read more...]