Hollywood Goes Green

by erica ~ June 4, 2008

Stars like Tommy Lee, Ludacris, Tom Bergeron and Adrian Grenier, Leonardo DiCaprio, Maria Menounos, and Bill Nye are taking part in what will be known as the first Green network. The Planet Green Network, which will replace Discovery Home on the Discovery channel, makes its big debut tonight. This 24-hour network will feature special shows and information that reveal the many ways we can become more eco-friendly (and the use of celebrities was definitely the best move).

“Because they’re in the right place at the right time with the subject matter, I think they have a good shot,” cable industry analyst Paul Kagan told the Associated Press.

With green being one of the greatest issue in Hollywood and around the world, everybody wants to be a part of this “it” thing.  To begin the awareness of this network and the benefits of going green, Discovery launched a promotions campaign called “Random Acts of Greenness.” According to the New York Times, “at the Indianapolis 500 last month, they handed out T-shirts and beach balls to consumers who exemplified green living, and sponsored the cleanup day after the race. The giveaways will continue in New York this week.”

I knew something was a little different about the NY Post when I picked it up this morning - their banners were green to support Planet Green! Similar promotions will occur in Milwaukee; Washington; and San Diego, San Francisco and Oakland, California. Joining the celebrities in bettering the environment are Discovery employees and executives who are opting for the bus or a bike instead of a car. Those who ride their bikes in receive bonuses! Also, the company installed 400-gallon reservoirs to collect rainwater. It put in motion-detector lights and toilets that use less water. “This is a new genre,” Ms. O’Neill, general manager of Planet Green, told the NY Times. “People don’t have any set expectations of what green media is, and we’re defining it - as really funny, engaging, entertaining and definitely credible.”

I think this is great start for green education and I really respect the network for ‘walking the walk’. I plan on tuning in myself tonight to pick up a few pointers on how to become more eco-friendly!