Image: istockphoto.com/Alan Hettinger/Elena Kalistratova
Last night, producer Laura Ziskin and Academy President Sid Ganis with the help for NRDC (who helped green the Grammy Awards just last week) took Oscar a green a step or two further.
This meant looking at everything from possible energy efficient lighting on the stage, to using recycled paper for all paperwork, including the nomination ballots and even the envelope -- may I have the recycled envelope please?
You are what you eat
Ziskin explained says there was a great sensitivity towards “reducing the threat we face from global warming, species extinction, deforestation, toxic waste, and hazardous chemicals in our water and food.”
This year guests will be served their organic, local food on china with silverware. The crews get their food on compostable plates and cups with bioplastic service wear. And of course, the recycling and composting system developed last year is back in action.
Positive energy
It takes a lot of power to run the Oscars -- about the same amount to run 16 North American homes for a year. After a full audit of the Kodak Theater to see where they could be more energy efficient, Oscar took the next step and purchased 178,000 kilowatt-hours of green renewable energy. By using wind power and solar power along with the other green innovations, carbon emissions have been reduced by 250,000 pounds. They are also using biodiesel for all of the light towers and other generators at the venue.
Green limos for the green carpet
As opposed to last year’s cavalcade of alternative transportation, this year's green autos were being brought to us courtesy of General Motors. GM is bringing an estimated 75 fuel cell, hybrid, and ethanol powered Chevy Equinox and GM Yukons. There was also a limo service from Eco Limo, who runs biodiesel and hybrid limousines in Los Angeles.
What’s an award show with the parties?
The first party of the week, was at a club called Avalon, and like the mystical isle, it was a bright green event. The party was thrown by the US branch of Mikhail Gorbachev’s Global Green -- who are involved in the green red carpet fleets again this year. Bill Maher, Oliver Stone and Global Green board-member Salma Hayek were all wearing their party hats. Green “it” boy Adrian Grenier, busy completing his new green TV show for Discovery Channel’s Planet Green was also on hand. The evening raised more than $420K for Global’s Green New Orleans Project, and for bringing a green building infrastructure to the greater Los Angeles area.
What’s an award ceremony without the schwag?
Guests could check out all the newest green fashion, health and wellness products at the Alive Green Expo Pavilion. They even offered tips on how to relax and detox. There’s sure to be some takers, the morning after.
It’s all about you
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is taking green very seriously. The Go Green section on Oscar’s website has 38 tips for all the fans. These are not your standard change your light bulb tips either. Some of them are innovative and daring like join a CSA or ask for bike lanes in your community.
So when you are comparing notes at the office or deciding who was the worst dressed at the awards, rest assured that Oscar is greener than ever!
Lee Schnaiberg is an environmental consultant who has helped green big name festivals such as Bonnaroo, Osheaga and New York City's River to River festival.
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