Natural Resources Defense Council "Greens" the Oscars
HOLLYWOOD -- The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) made history tonight by partnering with the producers of the 79th Annual Academy Awards to significantly reduce the impact the telecast and related events had on the environment, setting a powerful example for the production's estimated 40 million viewers.
The Academy Award's first-ever greening initiative - which included a range of energy-saving solutions - was led by NRDC, the nation's leading environmental research and advocacy organization, and Oscar producer Laura Ziskin.
Leonardo DiCaprio, an NRDC trustee and nominee for Best Supporting Actor, announced the landmark initiative with former Vice President Al Gore during the live Oscar telecast.
This innovative project targeted ecologically significant impacts, including global warming pollution and energy use, paper products, set design, transportation, and food service, at the pre-show, red carpet event, telecast, and Governor's Ball. A major goal of NRDC's collaboration on this project is to advance environmentally intelligent production and consumption by other mainstream businesses and organizations.
"By announcing this initiative from such a legendary and respected stage, the Academy is reaching tens-of-millions of people across the world with a message that cleaner, more sensible energy choices and a simple commitment to environmental stewardship are Oscar-worthy endeavors for everyone," said Frances Beinecke, NRDC President.
"The NRDC salutes Oscar producer Laura Ziskin who worked to reduce the environmental impact of this production by making the Academy Awards carbon neutral, cutting waste and choosing environmentally preferable materials."
The initiative included:
* Energy audit of Kodak Theatre by Los Angeles Department of Water & Power; efficiency plan and recommendations.
* Renewable energy credits purchased from Bonneville Environmental Foundation to offset carbon emissions from events.
* Use of ecologically superior paper for materials such as nomination ballots, envelopes, press materials, programs, and invitations.
* Hybrid vehicle transportation provided for presenters and staff.
* Comprehensive recycling system instituted for event waste.
* Crew meals and craft services included reusable service materials, post-consumer tissue products, and biodegradable dishware.
* Governors' Ball menu featured organic and environmentally-friendly food, including seafood, dairy, produce, and even the large chocolate Oscar.
* Left-over Governor's Ball food donated to Angel Harvest.
Collectively, these impacts enabled selected events of the Academy Awards to be "carbon neutral," a coveted environmental designation which means the event reduced or prevented the accumulation of global warming gases in the atmosphere to make up for the gases that it has emitted.
"The amount that we accomplished during this inaugural effort exceeded our expectations," said Allen Hershkowitz, a senior scientist at NRDC who managed the greening effort. "We hope viewers will come away with an understanding that environmental change can be achieved through a series of deliberate, but relatively simple first steps."
The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.2 million members and online activists nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Beijing. For more information on how to green an event or organization, go to www.nrdc.org.
Contacts
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Shelby H. White, 615-327-7999, ext. 311
Mobile: 615-210-0537
The Academy Award's first-ever greening initiative - which included a range of energy-saving solutions - was led by NRDC, the nation's leading environmental research and advocacy organization, and Oscar producer Laura Ziskin.
Leonardo DiCaprio, an NRDC trustee and nominee for Best Supporting Actor, announced the landmark initiative with former Vice President Al Gore during the live Oscar telecast.
This innovative project targeted ecologically significant impacts, including global warming pollution and energy use, paper products, set design, transportation, and food service, at the pre-show, red carpet event, telecast, and Governor's Ball. A major goal of NRDC's collaboration on this project is to advance environmentally intelligent production and consumption by other mainstream businesses and organizations.
"By announcing this initiative from such a legendary and respected stage, the Academy is reaching tens-of-millions of people across the world with a message that cleaner, more sensible energy choices and a simple commitment to environmental stewardship are Oscar-worthy endeavors for everyone," said Frances Beinecke, NRDC President.
"The NRDC salutes Oscar producer Laura Ziskin who worked to reduce the environmental impact of this production by making the Academy Awards carbon neutral, cutting waste and choosing environmentally preferable materials."
The initiative included:
* Energy audit of Kodak Theatre by Los Angeles Department of Water & Power; efficiency plan and recommendations.
* Renewable energy credits purchased from Bonneville Environmental Foundation to offset carbon emissions from events.
* Use of ecologically superior paper for materials such as nomination ballots, envelopes, press materials, programs, and invitations.
* Hybrid vehicle transportation provided for presenters and staff.
* Comprehensive recycling system instituted for event waste.
* Crew meals and craft services included reusable service materials, post-consumer tissue products, and biodegradable dishware.
* Governors' Ball menu featured organic and environmentally-friendly food, including seafood, dairy, produce, and even the large chocolate Oscar.
* Left-over Governor's Ball food donated to Angel Harvest.
Collectively, these impacts enabled selected events of the Academy Awards to be "carbon neutral," a coveted environmental designation which means the event reduced or prevented the accumulation of global warming gases in the atmosphere to make up for the gases that it has emitted.
"The amount that we accomplished during this inaugural effort exceeded our expectations," said Allen Hershkowitz, a senior scientist at NRDC who managed the greening effort. "We hope viewers will come away with an understanding that environmental change can be achieved through a series of deliberate, but relatively simple first steps."
The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.2 million members and online activists nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Beijing. For more information on how to green an event or organization, go to www.nrdc.org.
Contacts
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Shelby H. White, 615-327-7999, ext. 311
Mobile: 615-210-0537
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