The Prince of Wales has an Eco Side!

Charles Phillip Arthur George, also known as the Prince of Wales, has championed eco-living since the early 1980’s. Believe it or not, the Prince has engaged in some fascinating projects to cement his footprint on the eco scene, many of which are unknown to most people.

With a great devotion for architecture and the natural world, one of Prince Charles’s most recent environmental efforts includes transforming 25 acres of land in India into a town of sustainability. Given the weak structuring of houses in neighboring towns, Prince Charles initiated a project that revamped the village of Tolasar in a number of ways, including planting palm trees to collect rainwater for washing that is then recycled for plants, given the absence of sewage facilities.

His environmental efforts over the years have been fairly extensive. He is an advocate of organic farming, which spawned his organic brand Duchy Originals in 1990. As co-author of a book detailing his passion for organic farming called Highgrove: An Experiment in Organic Gardening and Farming, the Prince also has a keen interest in sustainable farming, regularly discussing the trade with organic farmers. Recently he publicly intervened on the issue of experimenting with genetically modified food, which he believes will “cause the biggest disaster environmentally of all time”.

As a proponent of non-genetically modified food, the Prince of Wales definitely has my vote!

 

References:

Prince Charles Builds Eco-Friendly ‘Utopia’ in India

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3349308/Prince-Charles-warns-GM-crops-risk-causing-the-biggest-ever-environmental-disaster.html

 

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Living Like Ed Begley Jr.

When it comes to being environmentally conscious, no actor makes it seem more fun than Ed Begley Jr. With spoofs of his environmental efforts on shows like The Simpsons and competitions with people like Bill Nye (the Science Guy) as to who can have the lowest carbon footprint, Begley Jr. definitely does eco-activism with flair.

Begley Jr. is chairman of the Environmental Media Association among other environmentally-targeted organizations. He has been an active member of the environmental scene since 1970, riding around in a golf-cart style electric vehicle, going vegan, and recycling. His entire house is powered by solar energy, and is as eco as they come. It has even been rumored that he pays only $300 a year in electric bills. If that is not motivation to go solar I do not know what is!

What differentiates Begley Jr. from other popular environmentalists is that he has his own eco cleaning product line called Begley’s Best Household Cleaner, which can actually be purchased locally at Co-Opportunity and Wholefoods. Having devoted nearly 40 years of his life to environmental causes, written a book and starred in his very own reality show, a safe, all-natural cleaning agent in his name was sure to crop up eventually. His line of eco-friendly cleaning agents are non-toxic with ingredients like pine extract, olive seeds, and sugar cane roots that are also one hundred percent biodegradable. Almost effortlessly Begley’s Best products remove grit and grime on any surface, be it tiles, tables, cookware, cupboards or floors, without having to worry about the health risks associated with chemical-infused cleaners.

Ed Begley Jr. makes keeping the earth green fun, affordable, and easy. Of all the celebrity activists out there, he is one of my favorites!

 

References:

http://www.begleysbest.com/index.cfm

http://www.edbegley.com/

 

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Ted Danson Saves the Ocean

There are few men on television more recognized than the one and only Ted Danson, otherwise known for his famous role in cheers as “Sam Malone”. With a host of Emmy’s and Golden Globes attached to his name, Danson has also made a name for himself in the environmental realm, donating thousands to great causes and even publishing his own book on how to save our oceans entitled Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do To Save Them.

A great advocate of the environment since he was a boy, Danson’s environmental career began with an interest in the staggering pollution and toxic waste contaminating the world’s oceans. He is co-founder of an organization called Oceana, which used to be called American Oceans Campaigns in the 1980’s. The organization’s goal is to make the world aware of the toxic waste and oil spills polluting our oceans, which Danson has felt the need to defend since he was young.

To cement his own carbon footprint into the minds of his doting audience, he penned a non-fiction novel, Oceana, which is a fine mingling of how his endearment for the ocean came about, along with research done by a host of scientists elucidating the destruction of our oceans through pollution and how we can make it better. The book was co-written with Mike D’Orso, a journalist, and was described as “a celebratory and cautionary look at the world’s oceans” by Rodale publishing house.

If there was ever a time to cheer on the old, acclaimed Red Sox pitcher “Sam Malone”, his real life persona deserves it now! Cheers!

 

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Danson

http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/01/21/ted-danson-pens-ocean-book/

 

 

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Get your Daily Dose of Green at YourDailyThread!


It is no secret that Los Angeles is growing more  and more eco-curious by the day. With hybrid cars swarming every intersection and many big businesses conserving where they can, going green has become quite the trend to follow, and for good reason. Contributing to keeping our earth green and healthy is a team effort! It is for this reason that I am so happy to share with you a great online magazine geared towards all things eco called YourDailyThread.com.

YourDailyThread.com is the perfect online magazine to subscribe to if you are interested in learning more about ways live green. Consider it like your guide to eco-living in Los Angeles, only with giveaways, events and free daily newsletters to encourage return.

Your Daily Thread was started by best friends Tracy Hepler and Lauren Johansen. After college they each traveled abroad to see how best to contribute to the greater good: Tracy became an English teacher in Europe, while Lauren volunteered at organic farms in Thailand and New Zealand. Upon returning the two women realized they wanted to contribute to the social good in Los Angeles just as much as they did abroad, particularly where the environment was concerned.

After sifting through many places to connect with people who had similar ideals, they decided to jot down their finds in one central place—and so became Your Daily Thread. Since they began, Your Daily Thread has received notice by major blogs like The Huffington Post and Ecorazzi, dubbed as the site that is “Greening the City of Los Angeles.”

Your Daily Thread’s topics range from places to travel, volunteer, local environmental events, holistic health, green fashion and beauty, organic restaurants, farmers markets, and so much more. They have a great team of bloggers and contributors who provide excellent ways for anyone to make the switch to a greener lifestyle. Subscribing to their newsletter only takes a minute, and the next time you’re looking for a quick tip on how to be more sustainable, you’ll be glad you did!

References:

www.yourdailythread.com

 

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Jack Johnson–All At Once

What is not to love about Jack Johnson? In my opinion, he seems like a real cool, down to earth kind of guy. His music is catchy, he’s not bad looking, and he is extremely environmentally conscious. My kind of artist! Born on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu, Johnson grew up surfing with his father, Jeff Johnson. After graduating from the University of Santa Barbara with a degree in film, Johnson’s music career began after recording a song entitled Rodeo Clowns on Garrett Dutton’s Philadelphonic album. Since starting out he has sold 15 million albums worldwide, and his Curious George soundtrack, Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George, topped the Billboard 200, the first animated film to do so since the soundtrack to Pocahontas in the mid nineties. Aside from being a talented musician, Jack Johnson has definitely earned my respect with all of his charitable donations. In both 2008 and 2010, one hundred percent of his world tour for the album To the Sea was donated to charity! His 2008 contributions allowed him to establish the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, which supports the advancement of art and environmental education. Through his social action network All At Once, Johnson’s 2010 world tour collaborated with over 200 non-profit groups around the world to promote environmental awareness and plastic-free initiatives. By the tour’s end Johnson and his team saved over 55,000 single use water bottles by using Brita filtration systems, and diverted 450 tons of waste from landfills by setting up convenient recycling stations at each of their venues! You can check out their progress and even join the community to see how you can contribute at http://jackjohnsonmusic.com/greening/2010/. References: http://jackjohnsonmusic.com/greening/2010/

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Thomas Mangelsen: Wildlife Photography At Its Best

Not many photographers can earn the name “Photographer of the Year” by the North American Nature Photography Association and the BBC, but wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen has managed to accomplish both. Because I am such a fan of people who pool together their resources in order to contribute to conservation practices, photographer Thomas Mangelsen is a man I respect, and whose work I greatly admire.

Growing up in Nebraska, Mangelsen was brought up to appreciate the behavior and beauty in animals, particularly the ducks, geese, and cranes that frequent the Platte River. Coupled with his love for capturing these animals on film in their natural setting, Mangelsen became one of the world’s premier photographers, hoping that through his genuine photography people would be inspired to spare and preserve the lives of animals rather than hunt them. His method involves visiting places around the world to watch polar bears, bald eagles, and African lions so he can best capture their behaviors in their truest state, focusing solely on three main elements for the perfect photograph: patience, light, and behavior.

A purist by nature, Mangelsen neither digitally alters his photographs, nor are they in any way computer generated, which has worked in his favor. His work has appeared in the London’s Museum of Natural History, and in National Geographic magazine. Despite these accomplishments, Mangelesen’s main goal is to create “pieces of artwork that stand alone”, which serves as the driving force behind his work.

Probably the most, admirable thing about Mangelsen is his sheer dedication to preserving what wild or endangered species remain. For instance, after coming into contact with a mountain lion and her three cubs, Mangelsen was inspired to promote the conservation of these animals, despite the fact that they are not yet endangered. In 2001 he co-founded the Cougar Fund, a non-profit organization that seeks to protect mountain lions from extinction. He also released a book based on his experience called Spirit of the Rockies: The Mountain Lions of Jackson Hole.

I have several Mangelsen’s work, and one of my favorites is Bosom Buddies-Snow Monkeys (shown above), hanging in my room. It is an adorable picture of two Japanese snow monkeys hugging that I love gazing at daily. It calms my body and lifts my spirit! If you are decorating your house or apartment and are looking for some nature stills, I highly recommend taking a peek at some of his work!

 

References:

http://www.mangelsen.com/store/util/portrait_of_an_artist?Args

http://www.cougarfund.org/

 

 

 

 

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Leonardo DiCaprio: Environmental Activist

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of many celebrities who support efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet. Aside from being nominated for Academy Awards and starring in Titanic, one of the highest grossing pictures of all time, DiCaprio has built a significant presence in spreading the word about climate control and saving animals from extinction.

DiCaprio has been a long time member of the NRDC’s Board of Trustees and sponsored the e-Activism Zone in the Robert Redford Building, home to NRDC’s Santa Monica office, which has been named ‘Greenest’ Building in America. DiCaprio’s ecological efforts became popular back in 2002 when his eco-foundation was awarded the Martin Litton Environmental Warrior Award, an honor in the name of long time environmental activist Martin Litton. From there he has created documentaries including his most popular “11th Hour” which won several awards, launched an eco website entitled leonardodicaprio.org, and produced a show on Discovery Networks called “Eco-Town” which is filmed around the reconstruction of Greensburg, Kansas, a town wiped out by a tornado. In addition, he donated one million dollars to the Haiti relief effort and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

I am a big fan of environmental activism, and I appreciate it when celebrities use their standing to contribute to a healthier Planet. It has been said that DiCaprio drives a hybrid car, uses solar panels in his house, and even flies on commercial jets rather than private ones. He is a great role model and inspiration for many!

References:

http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/aboutus/ecobio

http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/aboutus

http://www.nrdc.org/

 

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Who Is Arianna Huffington?

The Huffington Post is one of the most widely read news sites on the internet, with over one million comments each month. Launched in May 2005, the Post is a liberal news site that would not be what it is today without Arianna Huffington, former wife of right-wing congressman Michael Huffington. Named in Time magazine’s top 100 most influential people in 2006, Huffington has built a name for herself in the political community, and since founding the Post has since become iconic in the world of online media.

Having received her degree in economics from Cambridge University, Huffington tasted success early on when she was made president of Cambridge Union’s debating society, the third woman in the school’s history to ever hold that position. After living in London for awhile, Huffington later moved to Washington D.C. with Michael Huffington where she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Negotiations Policy. She later wrote a biography of Maria Callas and Pablo Picasso, in addition to articles for National Review, a biweekly magazine based in New York City.

Given Arianna’s background in writing and knowledge of politics, it is no surprise she was able to accomplish such a successful news website. She first started out with a website called Resignation.com, which rallied conservatives for Clinton’s resignation, along with a website called Ariannaonline.com, but only the Huffington Post received such widespread success.

I am a huge fan of the Huffington Post because it is a great commentator site written by hundreds of bloggers and journalists. I always feel like I am getting really useful information when I visit and I have had the honor of one of my own articles posted in the Health section. Please look out for my future articles on health, vitality and wellbeing!

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-susanne-bennett/a-bath-a-week-for-better-_b_775696.html

 

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The Oprah Winfrey Network Finally Launches!

For the last quarter century, Oprah Winfrey has brought heartbreak, inspiration, and discovery to televisions across the nation, giving away cars and lavish trips around the globe to her studio audience members as if they were tinker toys. So when the often dubbed “richest woman in the world” announced she would lay her long-time network television talk show Oprah to rest, the world was stunned—until she came out with her OWN television channel!

 The Oprah Winfrey Network has been in the works for some time, and after much anticipation, it finally aired on January 1st 2011. As co-founder of the Oxygen channel, and founder of her own production company Harpo Productions, Oprah was definitely not lacking in background experience. Her new network will take the place of the Discovery Health Channel, the channel of which will vary depending on what kind of cable you have. My service is DirectTV, and OWN is on channel 279!

 Despite the fact that her network just launched, the Oprah Winfrey Network has a great line up of shows with various celebrities behind them, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, Gayle King, Dr. Laura Berman, Peter Walsh, Dr. Phil, and Suze Orman. As the third most watched cable network on the night it launched, there is no doubt in my mind Oprah’s network will succeed. Her talk show performed well for decades, after all—why wouldn’t her OWN network? I know I am looking forward to it!

References:

http://www.oprah.com/own

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U2: One Love, One World

Formed straight out of Dublin in 1976, U2 is one of the defining rock and roll bands of the eighties, and have come a long way in achieving Achtung Baby fame. Often incorporating sociopolitical views into their edgy, rhythmic ensembles, Bono and his gang are not ones to come quietly. They are outstanding live performers, putting on vibrant shows around the world, spearheading global campaigns, and voicing their concerns on social issues like poverty and AIDS in third-world countries.

U2 has been involved in philanthropy since the early 1980’s. They’re first major social project involved collaborating with Band-Aid to end famine in Ethiopia. From there, they have put on worldwide tours in support of Amnesty International, an organization that exposes restrictions on human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness for Africa. Product Red, a clothing brand sold at GAP that raises money for the Global Fund, was founded in part by Bono, and he is also a co-founder for the ONE campaign, which works to increase funding for international aid programs.

I, along with thousands of others, admire U2 for their philanthropic social efforts. There are not many musicians that dedicate so much time and energy into alleviating poverty, hunger, and disease in third world countries, and there are even less willing to donate their earnings to charitable organizations. Their efforts have greatly inspired both their fans and even their music—almost all of the songs from their Joshua Tree album were inspired by their journeys to impoverished countries!

References:

www.u2.com

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