al gore

How Much Do Carbon Credits Cost?

Marcus — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Looking to purchase some carbon credits, but trying to shop around for the best deal? Well, unfortunately, determining carbon credit prices is a pretty complicated business. There is no one set market rate for individual carbon purchases, and prices tend to fluctuate based on a variety of factors. The type of offset being sold, whether or not the selling organization is non-profit, the level of offset certification included in the purchase, the type of project the purchased offsets will benefit, where the offsets come from, and the market demand for carbon credits are all taken into consideration before cost is determined.

Because carbon trading is a relatively new concept with so many potential variables, the buying process has yet to become streamlined. So, for your convenience, here are some helpful links to assist in your search for a good, honest, environmentally friendly carbon purchase:

EcoBusinessLinks.com

This site features an extremely helpful chart that offers a rundown on the leading carbon offset providers, including cost, project type, offset type, and method of certification. It’s a great place to begin your search.

This Wikipedia entry on carbon credits provides some useful background, from the origin of carbon trading in the Kyoto Protocol to the current economic climate in which credits are bought and sold.

SaveThePlanet.co.nz

This site offers an in-depth analysis of carbon credits and how they are incorporated into the global economy.

ClimateCrisis.net

Before buying carbon credits, calculate your impact with this carbon calculator on Al Gore’s site. It’ll give you a good ballpark idea of just how many credits you’ll want to purchase.

Want to learn more about carbon credits?

How to Measure and Price Carbon Credits

Selling Carbon Credits on eBay—Solution or Scam?

Carbon Footprints

The Quest for the Perfect Carbon Calculator

Al Gore on 60 Minutes

deborah — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Al Gore was anything but wooden during his 60 Minutes interview this past Sunday. While politics did play a little part in this interview, it's clear he's committed to his role as "P.R. Representative for the Planet." Folks, this is a man on a mission.

In addition to erecting wind turbines on his parents' land and training others to show his power point "Inconvenient Truth" presentation, Al Gore has plenty of other things to keep him busy. For instance he's got a huge advertising campaign going - the campaign will run about $300,000 and hopes to raise awayness of global warning issues. You should start seeing that campaign this week. Mr. Gore is paying for this campaign with all the profits he would have received from his book and the "Inconvenient Truth" documentary. We think that's a very cool thing.

Clearly Al Gore has redefined himself from the man who was robbed of a presidency to a man with a mission to save the earth. If you're like me, you'll walk away from this interview inspired and wishing you had the Gore's money so you can make a huge difference too. As Mr. Gore put it, "We really don't have a choice."

You can watch the video in its entirety at Ecorazzi.

Rock on, Al.

Green Celebrity News Roundup: Madonna, Ellen DeGeneres, Jack Johnson

deborah — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:00:00 -0400

What are all the pretty green people up to lately? Here's the roundup:

Kate Hudson has partnered with celebrity hairstylist David Babaii to launch a new green hair care line. 10% of the proceeds will go to the wildlife conservation program Wildaid.
Ellen DeGeneres bought Halo, a company that manufactures and sells natural pet supplies.
Al Gore is discussing the climate change issue on 60 Minutes this weekend.
Snow White was really green. That's why she played with the animals. Really. At Treehugger.
Madonna is on the cover of Vanity Fair's Green Issue....but no one seems to know why. She does give to a good cause now and then, but there are way greener celebrities than Madge. She probably sells more covers than Willie Nelson or Ed Begley Jr.
"Living with Ed" might only be available for reruns, but Ed Begley, Jr's book "Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco Friendly Life" is available everywhere.
Jack Johnson was named Billboard Magazines #1 Green Rocker on it's top ten list. Willie Nelson was #2.
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse is hosting a new green cooking program, "Emeril Green." The show airs in July on Planet Green and is looking to help you cook in an environmentally friendly manner.
Mila Kunis is on the cover of Complex Magazine's green issue....but again...why?

Until next week, have fun. Be green!

Top 10 Eco Celebrities

Marcus — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

With the green movement taking this culture of ours by storm, it’s hardly a surprise that celebrities are eager to jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon. Whether they’re promoting their charity of choice, modeling sustainable digs at a Sundance after party, or utilizing a composting toilet, celebrities have burst onto the green scene in a big way. The following list, in no particular order, acknowledges those famous folks who have gone the extra mile in eco-conscious living -- beyond the PR and pats on the back for their selfless efforts, the following ten celebs seem to be truly set on making a difference:

1. Al Gore

What needs to be said, really? Al Gore’s been at the forefront of environmental celebrity since An Inconvenient Truth came out in 2005. Now, an Emmy, an Oscar, and a Nobel Prize later, Big Al continues to dazzle us with his unwavering commitment to the fight against climate change.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio

In addition to the eco-friendly, composting toilet he recently had installed in his home, Leo’s also collaborating with the Four Seasons to build a state-of-the art green hotel on an island he owns off the coast of Belize. Further, DiCaprio has produced and narrated a film called The 11th Hour about the increasing urgency of dealing with global warming.

3. Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has long been an outspoken advocate for environmental preservation, and the past year has been no exception. On the heels of her documentary with Jack Hanna about preserving the habitat of African mountain gorillas, Portman has also released her own line of vegan footwear for Spring 2008.

4. Brad Pitt

Not only has Brad Pitt adopted enough kids from around the world to make his family look like a blossoming mini-United Nations, he’s also become a driving force in the New Orleans post-Katrina green building movement,even donating five million of his own dollars to help fund the project.

5. Ed Begley, Jr.

Here’s a guy who was green before green was even remotely cool which, retroactively, proves just how intrinsically cool Ed Begley, Jr.is. A man who boldly marches to the beat of a different drum, Begley can be seen on his fun, informative HGTV series, or you can check out his new book, Living Like Ed.

6. Hayden Panettiere

This Heroes actress, though only 18, is already making quite a green splash. She’s been an active spokesperson against dolphin hunting, and even recently put herself in the line of fire in Japan when she and a group of surfers attempted to save local dolphins from being killed by fisherman.

7. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett has long been an advocate for a number of ethical causes, most notably women’s rights and health issues in developing countries. She has been vocal in her criticism of celebrities who jump on philanthropic trends, stating that “women and children in Africa need help and that has nothing to do with my career.” Nice.

8. Chris Martin

The brooding, sensitive Coldplay frontman isn’t just one ofthe World’s Sexiest Vegetarians, he’s also the leading celebrity advocate of Fair Trade, both writing “Make Trade Fair" on the side of his piano during live performances, and drawing a green equal sign on the back of his left hand to remind himself to talk about the trade issue on a daily basis.

9. Heather Mills

Mills has long been regarded as an activist for vegetarianism and animal rights. She’s one of PETA’s leading celebrity spokespeople, having campaigned against the dog fur trade. She’s also recently spoken out against the use of landmines.

10. Tobey Maguire

A vegetarian for a full fourteen (!) years now, Tobey Maguire is now mostly vegan as well (he uses dairy and eggs when gaining weight for a role). Recently, Maguire completely banned all leather from his home, insisting that guests remove leather articles before coming inside. The smell of leather, apparently, makes Spiderman sick.

Top 10 Eco-Films

Marcus — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Everybody loves a good movie night, and here at RiverWired, we’re no exception. In addition to being the preeminent form of pop cultural entertainment, movies also have the potential to influence millions of people. Which is why, when a filmmaker uses his or her influence to promote green causes, those of us who have an investment in this planet of ours tend to take notice. With that in mind, the following list has been compiled to highlight those films that have the most environmental significance – and are just plain enjoyable to watch.

1. An Inconvenient Truth

Pretty much the mother of all environmental films, An Inconvenient Truth was extremely effective at both introducing a mainstream audience to the severity of the global warming problem, and making Al Gore look like the greatest man alive.

2. The Day After Tomorrow

Sure, it may be a ridiculous and poorly written disaster movie, but it has two significant redeeming qualities: 1) The catastrophic weather patterns that cause the film’s conflict are global warming-induced, and 2) Jake Gylenhaal.

3. I Heart Huckabee’s

A zany meta-meditation on consumerism, corporate culture, and the American entrepreneurial outlook that is willing to destroy anything (including, but not limited to, the environment) to make a buck. Features a stellar cast including Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin, Jude Law, Naomi Watts, Mark Wahlberg, and Jason Schwartzman.

4. Ferngully

A children’s fable about the problem of deforestation, featuring a cast of loveable cartoon animals. Ferngully was a big hit with the little ones, and decidedly forward-thinking for its 1992 release date.

5. Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich didn’t just feature an Oscar-winning performance from a sassy, sultry Julia Roberts. It’s also a captivating, based-on-a-true-story exposé about the effects of a major corporation knowingly releasing toxic waste into the environment.

6. Grizzly Man

Director Werner Herzog presents a compelling, disturbing documentary about one man’s resignation from society in favor of a life in the Alaskan wilderness, living amongst grizzly bears.

7. Who Killed The Electric Car?

Released on the heels of An Inconvenient Truth, this film looks at the introduction and initial popularity of the EV1 electric car- and its sudden, mysterious disappearance from the automobile market.

8. Free Willy

A classic ‘90s kid’s film about wildlife preservation, the importance of an animal’s natural habitat, and the touching bond that can form between boy and orca. The film also features a rousing soundtrack that includes a classic Michael Jackson track. What’s not to love?

9. Arctic Tale

Another smart, snappy children’s film featuring an all-animal cast (this time, though, they’re sleek, CGI animals), that conveys the dangers global warming can have on an arctic habitat.

10. The American President

In this political drama/romance written by Aaron Sorkin, Michael Douglas plays a U.S. president who falls for an environmental lobbyist, portrayed by Annette Bening. A president who digs green women? Sexy.

Celebrity Dirt

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Pat Sajak on global warming, Michael Jordan’s green sneaks, and Oy, Madonna – $10,000 on bottled water?

Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak isn't buying the theory of global warming. Vanna White's partner in constonants and vowels writes on his web site that people worried that an environmental disaster is imminent if we don't make big changes should give up our cars and form communes instead of merely "recycling Evian bottles." Ripping Al Gore, he nominated the environmentalist as the leader of the commune, saying if he could give up large homes, gas-guzzling cars, private jets and the consumption of meat, millions more would likely do the same. You know what Pat Sajak? I always liked Jeopardy and Alex Trebek more than I liked you. So there.

CSI's Eva LaRue, who is still mostly famous for her soap opera days on All My Children, is the new spokesperson for the Sierra Club. In a new ad, she appears with her super cute look-alike daughter Kaya, and calls for people to make a 2% reduction in their carbon emissions each year – with a goal of 80% by the year 2050 -- as part of their 2% Solution Campaign. Well, sign me up, Eva –2050 will be here before we know it… so will the gray hair and wrinkles. Sigh.

In Touch magazine reports that Madonna spends $10,000 on specially blessed, bottled Kabbalah water. A source told the mag: "Madonna drinks a lot of water -that's one of her fitness secrets. And Kabbalah water is the only stuff she will touch. She makes sure she always has some, and has it shipped to wherever in the world she's staying at the time." Madge, you're breaking my heart. Tell ya what – I'll give you my gallon size Brita water filter and you can just travel with it. Throw it in a Louis Vuitton bag, and whatever city you're in, just bring it to your local Kabbalah centre, fill up that bad boy with some tap water and have a rabbi bless it. See how giving I am?

Lastly, can you believe Nike is launching their 23rd edition of Air Jordans? Michael Jordan's sneaker franchise has come a long way since they were first released in 1985 – the AJXX3 will be the first shoe in the company's history that incorporates environmentally-friendly materials. Like what? Well, they use a small amount of glue and adhesives, relying instead on a system of interlocking panels. “We pissed off a lot of people at the factory because this wasn’t business as usual,” a spokesperson for the company told Brandweek about the design. Hey – if you're helping the green movement, piss, piss away.

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