AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…
The 9th Annual Global Green Oscar Party

By John Grafman Are we there yet? Maybe this one question has been asked a million times by thousands of kids in the back seat, but I’m asking this for a very different reason. Global Green President Matt Petersen, and Sebastian Copeland, event co-chair and Board member remind attendees at the Avalon Hollywood, that this is the 9th annual Pre-Oscar Party. This is being held to build awareness as to the state of our world and to make a change in sustainability. So, is mother earth finally a better place, or do we need to keep trying harder? Sadly, we seem to be slipping downhill still. But, the troops are rallying to get the message out. Hollywood celebrities, and other sponsors are lining up to keep the pressure on, and keeping the cause in the headlines. So, can all of the king’s horses, and all of the king’s men put our globe back together again? Let’s hope so! A couple facets at this event are to raise funds for its national green school initiatives, and to raise awareness about the upcoming 20th Anniversary Earth Summit in Rio this June. Also the nonprofit is engaged in other Smart Climate Solutions like building green homes and schools, buying green products, and even voting for green political leaders. This even goes so far as to having celebrities driving green cars to the Oscars. Of course, this has to be more than just lipstick or skin-deep activism if anything substantial is going to happen. If we see the very same celebrities on TMZ the following week in inefficient cars, trucks or SUVs, all the good work tonight goes down the drain.

This year helping to promote the cause and parading down the “Green Carpet” are Adrian Grenier (Entourage), Emmy Rossum (Shameless), Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), Kelli Garner (Pan Am), Alison Brie (Community), Ed Begley Jr. (Pineapple Express), Michelle Branch (Musical Artist), Anthony Denison (The Closer), Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother), and Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story), among others. Plus, the 2012 headline musical performance is by Sheila E! Corporate assistance comes from Chevy, showcasing the 2012 Volt featuring the new Low Emissions Package, which is now eligible for the coveted car pool lane sticker and $1,500 CA Clean Vehicle Rebate. The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. But what makes the Volt really cool is the ability to run without generating emissions for the first 35 to 50 miles. Volt does this by using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. As the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Its like having an electric car without having the range anxiety, or need for a really, really long extension cord. Not to be overshadowed, Evolve Motorcycles also shares the limelight by debuting its new $55,000 electric Xenon bike that will be auctioned off to benefit Global Green. Added visuals like the living wall installations by landscape designer Jamie Durie, an eco couture collection by Hollywood fashion designer Oliver Tolentino, a Pureology Salon hairstyling station, and creative organic food and drinks along with Gardein's new mini meatless sliders, show that going green doesn’t need to be painful or boring.

A top flight Pre-Oscar affair does require boatloads of support. This year a number of companies step up to the plate including Additional featured event sponsors this year included LAcarGuy, Lux & Eco, Office Depot, Revo, The Ambrose Hotel, Cline Cellars, Gardein, KeepCup, Lexington Social House, MKG, 7th Generation, Zimride, North Star Moving, Picore Worldwide, The Playlist Generation, Mulu, Sunset Marquis, Verdant Brand, J. Lohr, One Hope Wine, 360 Vodka, BWR, EcoFabulous, and SHFT.com. On the green carpet actor Anthony John Denison jokingly responds to a fashion related question. “What would you wear to the Armageddon?” Anthony quickly snaps back with a clever answer. “A tuxedo, as its going to be a big event.” But, all joking aside, Global Green and the supporters believe it doesn’t have to come down to that. Although the ice caps are still melting, climate change is looking like a reality, and hundreds of eco related issues are far from being resolved; at least the thousands in attendance are getting the message. If the word can spread from tinsel town to main street as well as Wall Street, this will be worth every last dime the donors have made and then some. Find out more at globalgreen.org