Living: The green parties
'Evan,' 'Simpsons' splurge on eco-conscious preems
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Everyone from corporate chieftains, such as the recently green-washed Rupert Murdoch, to eco-conscious movie directors are now insisting that everything their work touches be more environmentally sound.
So, these days, event planners are finding it easier to get a green light for slightly more expensive party favors -- like edible centerpieces.
This summer, Hollace Davids, Universal's senior VP of special projects, was charged with putting together one of the studio's largest events ever -- a 4,500-person premiere for "Evan Almighty."
"Evan" helmer Tom Shadyac made sure his production as well as the preem went green.
"I've been involved in environmental issues for 20 years," says Davids, "and to now have a mandate to do this at work is great."
Davids arranged for rickshaws, not golf carts, to shuttle guests from theater to party at Universal Citywalk. There were fruit centerpieces and live saplings that could be taken home. Goodie bags, stuffed with efficient light bulbs from (U parent) GE, could be re-used as shopping bags. All the lumber used for the soiree was donated to Habitat for Humanity. Left-over food was given to missions. Talent and other VIPs used eco-friendly vehicles. And the event's entire carbon footprint was zeroed out via the Conservation Fund.
In essence, recyclable materials were ubiquitous, which is something Davids repeated at the recent "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" premiere.
"It's creeping into the way we are doing business," Davids adds.
Events are getting much more verdant over at Murdoch's Fox too. The upcoming "The Simpsons Movie" premiere, for instance, will feature a dizzying array of recyclables: 100% compostable greenware cups made from corn, sugarcane plates and cutlery, as well as biodegradable trash bags.
Haven't gotten your fill? Here's a handy link to event greening tips from event mag BizBash:
