Global Green’s Pre-Oscar Party Guest Hosted by James Cameron
by Roberta Cruger, Los Angeles on 03. 4. 1o
Across the street from Capitol Records’ tower, outside the Avalon Hollywood club, a line of green autos included the Tesla, Prius and luxury Audi A3 TDI from LA Car Guy, the biggest green car dealer in the US. GM also displayed its Chevy Volt as celebrity guests arrived in a variety of hybrids for Global Green’s 7th annual Pre-Oscar bash last night, raising awareness for climate change solutions. Strolling down the lead-free green carpet, eco-minded stars shared stories, such as the set of Valentine’s Day had solar powered trailers and no bottled water. Suzy Amis Cameron, wife of Avatar’s director, unveiled her “green” Oscar gown , Leonardo DiCaprio snuck in and surprise guests took the stage for a jam session.
The head of Global Green USA, Matt Peterson, spoke of the changes over the years that he has run the organization with its all-encompassing efforts from affordable green housing to green schools. In 2010, the theme for the evening’s fundraiser was Greener Cities for a Cooler Planet. “It’s a broader perspective this year. When we started the green carpet campaign seven years ago, we managed to squeeze stars like Cameron Diaz and their gowns into the small first-generation Prius. Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins were real pioneers.”
“The good news now there’s more coverage than ever before. The movement doesn’t need celebrities to get attention.” But he looks ahead with “calculated optimism.” There’s a lot of great stuff going on but its still challenging.” Hollywood won’t change environmental policy, he admits, “Though this year Avatar has a strong environmental message.” Attitudes have shifted, he says, as evidenced by the Cocktail Party Test: “When I’d mention I worked with an environmental organization it used to be a tune-out, but now people are really interested and ask questions. That’s a big difference.”
