IN THIS ISSUE: EMA 2009 Highlights » 19th Annual Awards Winners » 19th Annual EMA Awards » 19th Annual EMA Awards Honorees » EMA Green Holiday Tips » It's A Wonderful Life – for Compost and Mulch and Kellogg » Hogs Lies and Red Tape » Mexican Chocolate Cream Pie » Spicy Tuna and Green Papaya Tacos »           EMA 2009 Highlights In 1988 we were a concept. By 1989 we were born. Twenty years later our mission is being heard by a global audience. When we began, no one had email. Forget the Internet. In fact, cell phones were still a luxury. The world was not small. Very few people recycled. Hybrids were a concept, not a car. Global warming? And green was most definitely NOT cool. Things have changed. But we're still a work in progress. We all live in a "world" that is conscious, but we live in a big country…. A big earth. There are habits to change, people to educate and inspire. We have a lot of work to do. After twenty years, we're still just beginning. Yes, the economy has been more challenging than any of us can remember. But with an Administration promoting a green agenda and families everywhere scrambling to understand and reevaluate how they spend their dollars and care for their families, this is exactly the perfect storm for our shift in behaviors. We have the opportunity to show people that they can save money and honor the environment at the same time. Our mission to use the media to role model is essential now, more than ever. This year, EMA partnered with the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) in order to incorporate sustainability into the production of the annual SAG Awards. Held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in January, EMA and the SAG producers focused on waste stream reductions to come as close as possible to a zero-waste event. The goal was to immediately address and reduce the environmental impact of the event and to create a framework to build on for future SAG Awards. When presented with the opportunity, the producers of the SAG Awards immediately seized upon the chance to "green" their event and have made long term commitments towards sustainability, beginning with this year's show. The 2009 SAG Awards featured many environmental initiatives including comprehensive recycling and composting, local and organic foods, recycling and reuse of all staging and red carpets and the purchase of materials made with recycled goods. These actions earned them an EMA Green Seal Award. Coordinating the environmental initiatives for an event as large as the SAG Awards at first appeared daunting, but once primary and secondary goals were set, all that remained was determining how best to proceed. By establishing the initial best practices, the first year was a success and EMA and SAG have formed a partnership, which will broaden its scope each successive year. We congratulate SAG on the great strides they made this year and for their great commitment to environmental awareness. In upcoming years watch to see what SAG and EMA can do together. New initiatives will be adopted each year as we work to reduce the footprint of this event towards the ultimate goal of a zero-waste event. We look forward to this ongoing partnership and have already started to work with them on the 2010 Awards. EMA and Leeza Gibbons invited celebrities to join in at TreePeople's Headquarters in Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills to plant trees and show Hollywood's commitment to greening the planet. On a beautiful April morning, celebrities gathered together to support this worthy cause. Jim Hardie, TreePeople's Director of Park Operations, welcomed and thanked everyone for their help and concern about the environment as celebrities gathered their planting tools and trees in preparation. Leeza Gibbons and Olivia Newton-John, both deeply committed to caring for the planet, inspired the tree planting. On Oscar Night, they hosted a special event titled A Night to Make a Difference, where Leeza and Olivia committed to dedicating 100 trees through TreePeople's Gift of Life Tree Dedications program. These trees were planted in the park woodlands and mountains surrounding Los Angeles, but our celebrity tree planters including Rachelle Carson, Sarah Clarke, Olesya Rulin, Debby Ryan, Taylor Spreitler, Jennifer Stone, Justin Martin, Yara Shahidi, KayCee Stroh and Alani ‘La La' Vazquez, lovingly planted the first five trees. In the end, Leeza streamed her live show to 71 countries, and a million and a half viewers saw the celebrities' messages on Oscar Night. Their hope is that the Night to Make a Difference party helped to underscore the importance of greening the planet and the role Hollywood and celebrities continue to play as agents of change. Renowned chefs from across North America, including The French Laundry's Thomas Keller and Food Network's Alton Brown shared their passion for fine dining and environmentally sustainable living when they were honored at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's "Cooking for Solutions 2009," on May 15-16, 2009. At the two-day celebration, celebrity chefs, selected and recognized by the Monterey Bay Aquarium for their leadership in promoting food practices that protect the health of the ocean and the soil, created gourmet dishes, hosted food and wine adventures and offered cooking demonstrations that featured sustainable seafood and organic ingredients. All proceeds supported the nonprofit aquarium's Seafood Watch program, an EMA partner, which has worked for the past decade to transform the seafood market in ways that preserve healthy ecosystems and sustain ocean wildlife. "Cooking for Solutions 2009" was part of the Aquarium's 25th Anniversary celebration. The Monterey Bay Aquarium opened on October 20, 1984, with a mission to inspire conservation of the oceans. The gala was preceded by a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception with Alton Brown. Thomas Keller signed his cookbooks and hosted a deluxe food and wine adventure on Saturday, May 16, along with winemaker Jim Fetzer and Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. The two-day panels included one focusing on the media, "Communicating Environmental Messages." EMA President, Debbie Levin was asked to speak along with Jane Black from the Washington Post, Barry Estabrook from Gourmet Magazine and Katherine Alford from Food Network with Sam Fromartz author of Organic Inc. moderating. It was a terrific discussion regarding the power that the media has regarding the way people think about nutrition, food trends and the business of organics. The Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, which inspired creation of "Cooking for Solutions," gives consumers, retailers and restaurateurs the tools and information they need to make seafood choices that help assure a future with abundant ocean wildlife. Seafood Watch creates regional and national pocket guides to sustainable seafood that consumers can use to guide their seafood buying decisions at the restaurant or market, including a new consumer guide to sustainable sushi that recently debuted. As a bonus, Debbie was able to spend time with long time friend and supporter, Myra Goodman, founder of Earthbound Farm. Debbie was given an amazing tour of some of the acres and acres of organic farmland as well as a private tour of the Earthbound Farm production facility. You can all be assured that the most care and the CLEANEST facilities are at work getting produce to your table with Earthbound! The bonus, bonus was visiting the famous Earthbound Farm "Farm Stand" that is one of a kind located at the original site of the first farmland. Myra, author of Food to Live By and a new cookbook coming out in Spring 2010, The Earthbound Cook: Recipes for Delicious Food and a Healthy Planet, developed her own special recipe for frozen yogurt. Unfortunately, this insanely divine nectar is only available there at the Farm Stand!!!!! On a picture perfect day in Los Angeles at the beautiful home of Jane Long Gering, 50 busy working Mom's were guests of EMA and InStyle Magazine to learn about the importance of having a green and sustainable home. Hosted by Julie Darmody, Anna Friel, Anna Getty, Mary Alice Haney and Lauren Whitesell, The Busy Mom's Guide to Greener Living Luncheon was both informative and delicious! Guests enjoyed an incredible organic meal, provided by O Organics and prepared by Chef Domenica Catelli (Mom-a-licious.) Julie Darmody welcomed all the guests and Debbie Levin opened the program speaking about the importance of detoxifying your home. She explained how the average home contains over 60 products considered hazardous to human health. Typical cleaning products contain chemicals linked to health issues and found in the bloodstreams of newborn babies. And yet cleaning products don't have to be toxic. You can make safe household cleaners from items commonly found in the home including baking soda, white vinegar and lemon. Chef Domenica Catelli talked about the importance of organic foods and offered some quick and easy ways to prepare nutritious dishes. (Her new cookbook contains many great tips and easy recipes: Mom-a-licious: Fresh, Fast, Family Food for the Hot Mama in You!) Organic products are now readily available thanks to O Organics, which offers over 300 organic products at over 1,500 locations in the Safeway family of stores, as well as over 250 Albertsons stores. EMA Board member Anna Getty, the ultimate healthy-lifestyle guru, inspired everyone as she talked about how easy and important it is to make healthy lifestyle choices for you and your family. And Liz Earle, co-founder of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare products, captivated everyone with her travel stories from round the world finding natural ingredients for her amazing skincare line. Guests went home with incredible gift bags filled with products from Alexx Jae for EMA, Beyond Learning, Chef Domenica Catelli, The Green Garmento, Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare, O Organics, Southern California Edison, Starting Green, Strange Invisible Perfumes and Veev Spirits, and an informational guide from EMA titled "The Busy Mom's Guide to Greener Living." And, Tiffany & Co. donated a gorgeous 14K gold key necklace for one lucky attendee at the luncheon. We're thrilled to be launching a new adjunct EMA Board for the first time in many years. The EMA Young Hollywood Board is our newest program with its own mission. The Green Movement, or should we say, the "new normal," is a way of life that the younger generation is logically attracted to. Of course they are! A sustainable lifestyle makes sense! So it's only natural that our 20 and 30 something celebrities understand and live a greener existence. In recognizing that, we've had a tremendous interest in our work from this demographic. Because we understand that bringing the media's attention to an issue or a concept can help move that idea to millions and millions of people, we decided that it was time to embrace our "green cool" and work with these passionate folks on programs that get right out into the media and can quickly garner attention and thus effect change. And who would be better suited to Chair this EMA Board, but longtime EMA Executive Board member and "Young Hollywood" leader herself, Amy Smart. On May 12th, the Environmental Media Association launched an exciting new program to support and encourage organic gardens in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Nicole Richie, Amy Smart, Anna Getty and Garden sponsor Yes to Inc. joined in at Helen Bernstein High School for the inaugural groundbreaking. In this time of school budget crises, we can't forget the impact that organic gardens can have on a school and student body. Students who are able to leave the confines of a classroom for an outdoor, environmental experience learn more and test higher than other students. They also make healthier food choices in their own lives and have greater self-confidence and leadership skills. Focusing on urban and lower socio-economic areas, EMA and the Young Hollywood Board have launched with 10 school gardens, and look forward to expanding this program in the coming years. The launch event showcased the LAUSD program and featured the high school students planting with the celebrities. Most importantly, the event generated significant national media attention for school gardens to the tune of almost 70 million impressions. EMA President Debbie Levin hosted the event and was joined by speakers, our gardens guru Mud Baron, Anna Getty, Amy Smart and Yes to Inc. co-founder and CEO Ido Leffler. One of the emotional highlights of the morning was a speech by a Bernstein High School student about how important this garden is to him and his fellow students. When school returned in the fall, EMA Young Hollywood Board members adopted schools around the county to mentor and raise money for the cause. Additional Young Hollywood Board members include Rosario Dawson, Maroon 5, Carter Oosterhouse, Emily VanCamp, Olivia Wilde, Lance Bass and many others. Moving forward, EMA hopes to take this program national with additional fundraising and celebrity support. EMA established the EMA Green Seal in 2004 as an Award that recognized and praised film and television productions incorporating green initiatives into production practices. As environmental awareness has become more mainstream, EMA has seized the opportunity to create a more robust EMA Green Seal program through a partnership with the Washington, DC based non-profit organization, Green Seal. The Green Seal Organization is a recognized leader in the field of best sustainability practices for many industries. Green Seal provides science-based environmental certification standards that are credible, transparent and essential in an increasingly educated and competitive marketplace. Their industry knowledge and standards help manufacturers, purchasers and end users alike make responsible choices that positively impact business behavior and improve quality of life. Through our program, EMA and Green Seal will provide comprehensive information regarding reduction of waste, increased energy efficiency, promotion of sustainable consumption, as well as other steps in the greening process. The environmental benefits of such practices and relevant sourcing information will also be provided to make the process as straightforward as possible. Our newest EMA Green Seal program will allow EMA and Green Seal to simultaneously promote sustainable production methods and highlight those in the industry who make strides in incorporating these practices into both film and television production. The first EMA Green Seal Awards using these new criteria will be handed out in 2010, and we look forward to a long and lasting partnership with the Green Seal organization. For more information on our criteria and resources, please go to: http://www.ema-online.org/green_seal.php EMA, in cooperation with Green Seal, the Institute for Local Government, and Southern California Edison, issued a challenge to ten Southern California cities to become recognized as a "California Green Community" by 2012. Although there are many cities already engaged in some areas of environmental preservation, these ten communities were nominated to launch this challenge due to their ability to be "thought leaders" with their peers. The first participating cities are: Claremont, Culver City, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Redlands, Riverside, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica and Simi Valley. Each city was asked to develop a Green Community Action Plan that includes specific commitments in ten action areas (criteria available from the Institute for Local Government California Climate Action Network Best Practices at http://www.cacities.org). The recognition program focuses on actions that would reduce carbon emissions. The elements in each level would include ten achievements in fields including energy efficiency, climate-friendly purchasing, waste management, urban forestry, water management, air quality, and transportation. Cities will be recognized at the Silver Level (basic city commitments), Gold Level (advanced city commitments), or Platinum Level (city and communitywide commitments). Each level will require a baseline Assessment Plan and one commitment in each of the ten criteria areas established by the Institute for Local Government. Recognition levels will include promotional activities provided by EMA, ability to use the California Green Community logos and designations on all city and community promotions, and identification in statewide recognition efforts. Each of the ten criteria areas will have support from a Corporate Partner to assist the city in its efforts to achieve success. For example, Southern California Edison will be providing energy efficiency support at all levels for cities in their service territory. The California Integrated Waste Management Board will provide support in achieving waste reduction goals, and Toyota will be an advisor in achieving new green transportation objectives. The kickoff Press Event was held at Sony Studios on November 4th to launch the California Green Communities challenge. The Mayors involved in the challenge, along with some of the Corporate Partners and EMA celebrity talent were present for the launch. We're so excited to be part of this important and motivating program taking us into our next decade of expanding on the mission set forth twenty years ago. As always, your support for EMA helps us continue our work putting the power of Hollywood to use on the broad spectrum of crucial environmental issues that we're encountering and effect positive change. 19th ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA AWARDS WINNERS Reality Program: The Lazy Environmentalist Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Dorfman , Mala Chapple, David Metzler, Olivia Wilde The Lazy Environmentalist: "The Lazy Family/The Lazy Pet Groomer" Executive Producers: Sarah Barnett, Mala Chapple, Lynne Kirby, and David Metzler Co-Executive Producer: Natalia Garcia Consulting Producer: Josh Dorfman Vignette Producer: Heather Feldbaum Associate Producer:  Cydney Kaplan and Eric Kutner Sr. Producer: Kyung Sun Yu Writer: Josh Dorfman Documentary: The Cove Louie Psihoyos , Amy Smart, Simon Baker The Cove Director: Louis Psihoyos Executive Producer: Jim Clark Producers: Paula DuPré Pesman, Fisher Stevens Co-Producer: Olivia Ahnemann Writer: Mark Monroe Feature Film: Disneynature EARTH: Mark Zoradi Disneynature EARTH Director: Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield Executive Producers: Stefan Beiten, Don Hahn, Amanda Hill, Andre Sikojev, and Nikolaus Weil Producers: Sophokles Tasioulis and Alix Tidmarsh Associate Producers: Melissa Caron, Michael Henrichs, Amanda Hill, and Connie Nartonis Thompson Post Production Producer: Jon Thompson Series Producer: Alastair Fothergill Writers: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield, and Leslie Megahey Documentary: Food, Inc Melissa Robledo, Simon Baker, Amy Smart, Food, Inc. Director: Robert Kenner Executive Producers: William Pohlad, Robin Schorr, Jeff Skoll, and Diane Weyermann Producers: Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein Co- Producer: Richard Pearce, Melissa Robledo, and Eric Schlosser Associate Producers: Sascha Goldhor and Jay Redmond Children's Live Action: Biz Kid$ Michael Rady, James McKenna, Jeannine Glista, Jamie Hammond, Erren Gotlieb, Katie Cassidy Biz Kid$: "The Green Economy" Executive Producers: Jeannine Glista, Erren Gottlieb, Jamie Hammond, and James McKenna Line Producer: Norma Jean Straw Writers: Phil Laaveg, Brian Rosenquist, Steve Birge, Michael Gross, John Keister, and James McKenna Director: Dean Bushala TV Comedy: Better Off Ted Jay Harrington, Andrea Anders, Malcolm Barrett, Jonathan Slavin, Victor Fresco Better Off Ted: "Jabberwocky" Executive Producer: Victor Fresco Co-Executive Producers: Justin Adler, Michael Glouberman, Dan O'Shannon, Michael Ross, and Mike Teverbaugh Consulting Producer: Michael Fresco Associate Producer: Lisa Lannone Writer: Michael A. Ross Director: Michael Fresco Children's Animated: Safety Smart Goes Green Kevin McHale, David Bossert , Gordon Ho, Dianna Agron Wild About Safety—Timon and Pumbaa: "Safety Smart Goes Green" Executive Producers: L. Mark Medernach Producer: Daniel Ridgers and Dave Bossert Associate Producer: Liane Abel Dietz Writer: Douglas Segal Director: Dave Bossert TV Drama: Brothers and Sisters Michael Foley, Kathryn Morris Brothers and Sisters: "It's Not Easy Being Green" Producers: Sherri Cooper-Landsman and David Marshall Grant Writers: Jon Robin Baitz, Peter Calloway, and Sherri Cooper-Landsman Director: Laura Innes EMA Legacy Award: National Geographic Society John Fahey, Beverly Joubert, Dereck Joubert EMA Corporate Responsibility Award: Sir Richard Branson Sir Richard Branson, Daryl Hannah EMA Green Production Award: Centropolis Entertainment Ed Begley, Jr., Michael Wimer EMA Missions In Music Award: Jason Mraz Jason Mraz   Click here to view full awards photo coverage » 19th Annual EMA Awards The Environmental Media Association celebrated our 20th Anniversary on October 25th with the 2009 Environmental Media Awards.  Hollywood's biggest green night, presented by our friends at Toyota and Lexus, was held on the streets of New York at Paramount Studios for a perfect evening under the stars.  The night celebrated the founding of the organization, our outstanding honorees and winners and looked towards the future of EMA's next 20 years. Almost 1,000 guests joined us as Harrison Ford presented the National Geographic Society with the EMA Legacy Award; Daryl Hannah presented Sir Richard Branson with the EMA Corporate Responsibility Award, Ed Begley Jr. honored Centropolis Entertainment with the EMA Green Production Award, and Alanis Morissette presented Jason Mraz with the EMA Missions in Music Award.  Hosted by the incredibly talented Cedric the Entertainer, Ozomatli opened the night with a lively performance that got the crowd on its feet.  An intimate, acoustic performance by Jason Mraz was the perfect close to the exciting evening. The show was streamed on wonderwall.msn.com. With 100 media outlets covering the event, the green carpet was packed with celebrity guests, including Dianna Agron, Andrea Anders, Simon Baker, Malcolm Barrett, Ed Begley Jr., Hart Bochner, Andrea Bowen, Sir Richard Branson, Katie Cassidy, Cedric the Entertainer, Chevy Chase, Blythe Danner, Dana Delany, Frances Fisher, Calista Flockhart, Harrison Ford, Beau Garrett, Anna Getty, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jay Harrington, Daryl Hannah, Marilu Henner, Natasha Henstridge, Finola Hughes, Vanessa Lengies, Kevin McHale, Melinda McGraw, Alanis Morissette, Kathryn Morris, Jason Mraz, Michael Rady, Amy Smart, Kaycee Stroh, Emily VanCamp, Olivia Wilde and many others. After the big show, guests roamed the New York streets on the Paramount lot as they enjoyed organic food prepared by our partner chefs. Special thanks to our wonderful chefs: Akasha Richmond (Akasha and Silk), Helene An (An Catering by Crustacean), Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Border Grill and Ciudad), Ann Gentry (Real Food Daily), Susan Feniger and Kajsa Alger (Susan Feniger's STREET), Andrew Kirschner (Wilshire Restaurant) and Govind Armstrong (8 oz.) They also enjoyed the chance to try out the products of our amazing sponsors and bid on a one-of-a-kind Prius with all proceeds going to EMA. In addition to our Presenting Sponsors Toyota and Lexus, we would like to thank our Sponsors:  Earthbound Farm, Kellogg Garden Products, Mike Sullivan's LAcarGUY Family of Dealers, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pure Power Distribution, Silk, Southern California Edison, Tetra Pak, Tiffany & Co. and Yes to Carrots with additional support from Bonterra Vineyards, Eel River Brewing Company, Pasquini Espresso Co., The Patron Spirits Co., Ultimat Vodka and VeeV Acai Spirits. We would like to give a special thanks to our EMA Board members at Paramount Studios for hosting our incredible event. Additional thanks to all of our sponsors for their ongoing support and our guests for joining us to celebrate EMA's 20th Anniversary in such a beautiful way! Click here to view full awards photo coverage » Sir Richard Branson is a successful international entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group. Virgin is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands and has expanded into sectors ranging from transport, tourism and space travel to telecommunications, health and fitness, and renewable energy. Virgin companies employ approximately 50,000 people in 29 countries. Based on his belief that business can be a force for good, in 2004 Richard launched Virgin Unite, the not-for-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, to help tackle social and environmental issues in an entrepreneurial way. Branson's efforts and focus on combating climate change were sparked by a meeting with Vice-President Al Gore in 2006, in which the Vice-President outlined the impact that rising carbon emissions were having on the world's temperature and the threat to the planet's future. Soon after that meeting, Branson made his pledge at the Clinton Global Initiative to invest the future profits and dividends of Virgin Group's transportation companies into renewable energy ventures and initiatives. In February 2007, Branson announced a $25 million prize to encourage the development of a viable technology to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. So far the prize has generated more than 1,000 entries from aspiring inventors but the search for the winner continues. Virgin's group businesses have also been driving change. Their airlines have been working on developing a more sustainable future for aviation, collaborating with the plane and engine makers to test an aviation biofuel. Their health clubs have been trialing state of the art heating and cooling systems to reduce their energy and water usage and the Rail group has also trialed bio-diesel for its trains. In June 2009, Branson was supported by Virgin Unite to bring together a group of the world's top entrepreneurs to found The Carbon War Room. This global initiative will attempt to mobilize the capital, energy and drive of these entrepreneurs with the learning and expertise of world experts to deliver sustainable new market models to drive a low carbon economy. Most recently Branson has been appointed as a member of the Earth Day 40 Global Advisory Committee. Branson is married with two children.   Founded in 1985 by Roland and Ute Emmerich, Centropolis Entertainment has produced some of Hollywood's most successful films including STARGATE, INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, 10,000 B.C. and the upcoming Sony release 2012. Inspired by the realization that man's industrial activities were having an impact on the earth's climate, Roland first approached an environmental concern by focusing on climate change in THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. In line with that, Emmerich had that film be the first carbon neutral motion picture in Hollywood history. The filmmakers pushed, what at that time was an unusual marketing agenda, to include information on carbon neutrality on the film's website. Although the studio was resistant on the domestic side, the foreign campaign embraced this element of the film campaign. The huge foreign success of the film may have, in some part, helped ease Hollywood's fears about engaging the public with this important issue in commercial entertainment. Indeed, Al Gore has said that the impact of THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW on raising international awareness of global climate change was a big factor in getting him to do AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. On 10,000 B.C., that environmental concern continued from a production standpoint. As producers, Emmerich and Michael Wimer, made sure every department had organized their process with environmentally-sound guidelines. In shooting in the desert, for example, a previous production had used over 400,000 disposable water bottles, whereas 10,000 B.C. arranged that reusable canteens be issued to every crewmember. Based on guidance from EMA, the production design team and construction team used only renewable materials in the substantial steps in the construction of the film. Indeed, no lauan has been used on any Centropolis film in the last ten years. On 2012, the filmmakers continued this tradition, and along with the Sony physical production department, had regular meetings to discuss how to expand upon their environmental production practices. As was the custom during previous films, renewable materials were used. during construction and if other materials were needed they were repurposed from old productions or built from FSC wood. The sets were designed for disassembly and if they couldn't be repurposed elsewhere they were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Power drops were utilized in lieu of generators and when necessary on location, generators were run on a blend of biodiesel. Composting and comprehensive recycling was the standard on the production and even the craft services department was fully biodegradable. On a personal side, Roland Emmerich's home in Los Angeles is equipped with a state-of-the-art solar array on the hill behind his home, with a Prius in the garage. For many years, he has been an outspoken supporter of the environmental cause, citing it as the inspiration for many of the themes and storylines in his films. Emmerich has used his position as one of the world's most commercial filmmakers to spread the word – "we only have one Earth – let's take care of it". Michael Wimer has been an EMA Board Member for several years, joining us when he was looking for an instrument to further his personal philosophy on environmental issues in the media. Recently at the Obama Inauguration, Wimer was one of the main forces behind the first Green Inaugural Ball, celebrating what we all hope is a watershed moment in the environmental movement. He organized a coming together of EMA and 60 other of the most prominent environmental organizations in the world, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, The Nature Conservancy, the Alliance for Climate Protection and the World Wildlife Fund to celebrate our new President's commitment to carbon neutrality. The new administration sanctioned and endorsed the event as an official Inauguration event and the Smithsonian was the host to Al Gore, the official guest of honor. Guests included luminaries across all arenas including Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google, our own John Cusack and Nancy Pelosi, as well as performances by will.i.am and Maroon 5. On a personal side, Wimer has one of the few all-electric Toyota RAV 4's sold in California, using it as his main car for the last 4 years. Founded more than 120 years ago to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the National Geographic Society today defines its mission as "inspiring people to care about the planet." Exploring, studying and reporting on the environment in all of its many facets has been at the core of the organization's work for more than a century. Some of the Society's work has led to especially meaningful change. National Geographic representatives helped draft legislation in 1916 that established the National Park Service. That same year, the Society purchased tracts of giant sequoia trees in California and then deeded them over for incorporation into Sequoia National Park. An additional five national parks were either established or sustained as a partial result of National Geographic expeditions and grants. Many of the more than 9,000 research grants the Society has made in the past century have been concerned with the environment. Over the years National Geographic grants helped biologist George Schaller pioneer studies of animals in the wild, including the rare snow leopard, and funded Eugenie Clark's landmark field research on sharks. More recently, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Michael Fay's 15-month transect of central African rain forests resulted in over 10 percent of Gabon being set aside as protected parkland. Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle's work exploring the deepest corners of the ocean has been instrumental in the creation of new National Marine Sanctuaries. Explorers-in-Residence Beverly and Dereck Joubert are leading an effort to address the serious challenges facing the world's rapidly declining population of lions and other large felines. The Society, through its Mission Programs group, works with the world's leading scientists, researchers and innovators to identify meaningful ways to advance knowledge and illuminate issues. Over a century ago National Geographic magazine was publishing articles on subjects such as pollution, deforestation and conservation of natural resources. Today, audiences around the globe can learn more about endangered species, alternative energy sources, wildlife poaching and global water resources through a myriad of National Geographic media outlets and activities. They include five magazines, domestic and international cable television channels, an array of Web offerings, such as The Green Guide — which offers comprehensive information and tips to consumers on leading more environmentally responsible lives — as well as books, maps, DVD's and games, reaching a total of some 350 million people each month. National Geographic exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs and educational outreach initiatives reach millions more annually. National Geographic is committed to minimizing its own impact on the environment. The Society's Washington, D.C, headquarters was the first office building complex in the country to be certified Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council. In September 2009, National Geographic pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the end of 2010. Atlantic Records artist Jason Mraz's third studio album, the platinum-certified We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., received three Grammy nominations this year, including "Song of the Year" for "I'm Yours." "I'm Yours," recently set the record as the longest-running song on Billboard's "Hot 100" in the 51-year history of the chart. In addition, the song is the first song ever to top the charts at four different radio formats. Earlier this year, the San Diego-based troubador was honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame's esteemed "Hal David Starlight Award." The award--given to gifted songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs--has previously gone to such artists as Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, and John Legend. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. has proven to be a worldwide sensation: in addition to the album's platinum certification in the U.S., the album has received multiple platinum certifications in Korea (5x) and Indonesia (3x); double platinum certifications in Australia, Canada, and France; and platinum certification in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, and Thailand. On November 10, Mraz will release an all new live CD/DVD titled "Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess—Live On Earth" recorded at the Chicago stop on his Gratitude Café Tour. "For me, music is the closest I may ever get to realizing what God is. (Music) is an awesome invisible force that gets under your skin, makes you dance and has the power to transform you. I'm the most at ease when I'm wrapped up in a song or deep inside the mania of the creative process. Success to me is the exploration of sound and vibrations and the freedom that exists when you dwell in those spaces," Mraz says. Jason Mraz has committed himself to improving the environment both as a touring musician and as a citizen of Earth. While on tour, Mraz minimizes his carbon footprint through green touring, organic merchandise, and he spotlights environmental charities in every venue, introducing his fans to ways that they too can make a difference. At home, Mraz has installed solar panels to power his house and studio and drives a hybrid vehicle. Mraz launched a line of bamboo t-shirts, made with eco-friendly dyes and printing methods through Blend Apparel, a company he co-founded. In the last year, Mraz published his first photography book, a thousand things, on wood-free paper with friendly chemicals. As an organic avocado farmer, raw food fanatic, and ardent surfer, Mraz's passion to make the world a better and cleaner place extends to every aspect of his multi-faceted life. EMA Green Holiday Tips According to the EPA, Americans increase their garbage by 25% from Thanksgiving to New Years. That is more than 25 million tons of extra waste. Below are some steps to limit your impact, but nothing is better than reducing overall consumption. Here are some tips and facts for the holidays: Wrapping Paper – Wrapping paper and shopping bags account for 4 million tons of trash annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, most wrapping papers aren't recyclable because of the materials it is made of (it is often dyed and laminated, contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloring, and usually has tape on it). Use recycled wrapping paper – companies such as Fish Lips, Earth Love'n Paper. Or get creative, make fabric gift bags, or for other alternatives see here. Tree Recycling – Over 33 million Christmas trees are purchased in North America every year. Most of those end up in a landfill or rotting somewhere. When you're through with your tree, recycle it. If you are in Los Angeles and a DWP customer, the tree can be recycled at the curb. Cut it to fit into your green bin and it will be picked up. If it is flocked, cut it to fit into the black bin and it will be picked up. (For more information, call 1-800-5-TREE-56. If you are in Los Angeles but not a DWP customer, the tree can be dropped off at multiple locations.) Christmas Cards – There are 2.65 billion holiday cards sold each year in the U.S. If they are shiny, or have glitter or other materials on them, they aren't recyclable. Look for cards that are made from recycled materials and are recyclable. Recycle the non-shiny cards you receive after the holidays. Send out e-cards rather than real ones. Shopping – There is no definitive answer to whether shopping online or in person is better. Whenever shopping, either online or in person, consolidate your purchases so as to use less packaging and fuel. If you can, shop locally so as to benefit the local economy. Bring reusable bags when shopping; they aren't just for the grocery store. Gifts – Consider gifts that don't require lots of packaging or wrap. Concert tickets, tickets to the theater or movies, art classes, and gift certificates are all low impact gifts. Or you can also give gifts with an environmental theme or benefit; for stocking stuffers, give reusable coffee mugs, gift cards, etc. Other gifts include nature books, membership in environmental organizations, bikes, trips to eco-resorts, antiques (they're reused), items made of organic/reused materials. Electronic Waste – Many gifts during the holidays are tech gadgets that replace older, outdated, or unwanted electronics. Make sure that they are properly disposed of through e-waste recycling. There are a number of e-waste collection events in Los Angeles, view the schedule here. Los Angeles also has S.A.F.E. (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) Centers throughout the city. Centers and hours can be found here. Rechargeable Batteries – For tech gift purchases that require batteries, purchase rechargeable batteries rather than disposable. In the long run it will save money. It also keeps hazardous materials out of the landfills and water supplies. Toys for Children – If you're concerned about toxic chemicals in children's toys, check out "The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys." Thousands of toys are tested and the results are listed with toys and toy makers ranked based on toxicity. They also provide mobile widgets and SMS texting options if you are in a store and want to check the toxicity of a toy. Holiday/Christmas Lights – It may be time to look into LED Christmas lights. LED light strands consume 80-90 percent less energy than standard light strands, and unlike normal bulbs they don't generate heat. You can find large or small lights, they are starting to be sold at local retailers such as Target, or they can be found online at sites like: Forever Lights and Mini LED Christmas lights Holiday Meals – It's time to break out the family recipes! Let's give thanks to nature's abundance with a conscience. Cooking local and organic meals will not only go perfectly with that eco flatware, but will also benefit in your health and the environment. Visit your local farmer's market for your holiday shopping. It's A Wonderful Life – for Compost and Mulch and Kellogg By Kathy Kellogg Johnson Chief Sustainability Officer Kellogg Garden Products (EMA Corporate Board) I inherited many things from my father, and as the holidays are nearing, one of the very most endearing is our family's tradition of watching Frank Capra's 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life" What does that have to do with composting and sustainability?  And how does it introduce Kellogg Garden Products to EMA?  It occurred to me that in the 85 years that Kellogg has been rescuing organic materials from being burned or dumped.  Our composting them, and transforming them for fertilizing farms and gardens, it has created a pretty Wonderful Life for the planet!  What would the planet be like if no one had thought to recover and compost leaves and twigs and manures?  Well there would have been a significantly larger Carbon Footprint, for one. Soils are the single largest "sink" for CO2, sequestering more than twice the amount of Carbon  that terrestrial plant life can absorb, and causing substantial reduction of Green House Gases (GHG).  The compost holds onto nutrients in the soil so that it provides the nutrients that the plants need, when they need them.  The run-off from the garden is cleaner and less likely to contain Nitrogen and other chemicals.  Compost holds onto the bits of nitrogen in the soils and prohibits their release as Nitrous Oxide (NOX) the very worst contributor of all of the GHG... Compost acts as a sponge and a filter for water to cling to and release to recharge the ground water.  By recycling precious resources that provide nutrients to starved soils, the mere act of utilizing compost in each of our gardens saves water (quantity and quality) and saves great amounts of energy spent in the delivery of water.  Current peer reviewed literature show compost has the capacity to remediate long chain organic molecules (like diesel) breaking them down into inert ingredients. Mulching our gardens with copious amounts of compost reduces the need for chemical Nitrogen fertilizer, and this very activity substantially reduces the amount of coal fired energy that is used to manufacture Nitrogen from the air.  Digging compost into the soil helps to eliminate the use of many other harmful chemicals, including pesticides, as the plants are stronger, and no longer attract those pesky insects. When a garden soil is deeply amended, and covered in a natural mulch, the beauty of the garden is increased because of plant health and abundant fruits and vegetables.  Plus, the plants are creating oxygen and absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The KICKER?  This is just Mother Nature! We are just following her lead!  No enormous over-engineered solutions to Global Climate Change!  Just get back to what the forests do naturally!  Thick layers of forest litter decomposing under the branches of the trees.  Kellogg Garden Products has been helping people make beautiful landscapes and gardens since 1925.  Our 3rd generation family business focused on natural sustainable and organic products for gardens has a rich history.  It has truly been a Wonderful Life! I wonder if somewhere in heaven the line REALLY reads, "Every time a tree is composted an Angel gets his wings!"  Indeed Kellogg would be responsible for millions of wings! We are proud to link arms with EMA and their young Hollywood Board to sponsor school gardens in LAUSD.  Watch for our information on the web as we launch a new website to coincide with our 85th anniversary year in 2010. www.KelloggGarden.com. Hogs, Lies and Red Tape Waterkeeper Alliance's Pure Farms, Pure Waters Campaign Is Battling All of the Above It was ugly on North Carolina's Neuse River this past summer and fall. From late August to the end of October more than 100 million fish died over a 40-square-mile area—the third largest fish kill in the river's history. In 1991, over a billion fish of multiple species perished; in 1995, an estimated 200 million died. In this recent kill, most of the fish were menhaden, a relatively small filter-feeding fish of immense importance to the river's health because they consume large amounts of algae and export nutrients as they migrate to the ocean each fall. This year, there was no migration of menhaden and the nutrients in the fishes' bodies will remain in the Neuse River, which is already listed as impaired due to nutrient pollution. The cause of this enormous fish kill is clear: lack of oxygen in the river water. But what's still at issue among state officials and environmental groups is the reason for the low oxygen levels. Larry Baldwin, Lower Neuse Riverkeeper, sent a request to numerous state agencies to get monitoring and sampling data, but weeks later he was still waiting for a response. Still, he says, the reason for the fish kill is no mystery to him. "The Neuse receives hog waste equal to the amount of waste produced by a city the size of Philadelphia," he says. "Is it any wonder that the river is a mess?" North Carolina is the second largest hog-producing state in the country, producing close to 10 million hogs a year. Massive factory-style farms are now the norm in North Carolina, where operations with more than 1,000 animals control about 99 percent of the state's hog population—compared to the 1980s, when more than 85 percent of all North Carolina pig farms had fewer than 100 animals. By cramming thousands of animals into warehouse-style buildings, industrial livestock operations produce mountains of waste. And while human waste is treated and cleansed before being released into the environment, manure is often sprayed raw onto fields—allowing it to wash into local creeks, streams and rivers, and causing algae blooms, fish kills, and polluting drinking water. The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production found that these confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) pose "unacceptable" public health risks. Waterkeeper Alliance, a coalition of 192 water-advocacy groups on six continents, is working with farmers, environmentalists and political leaders to support real alternatives to factory-raised food. In 1999, the Alliance created its Pure Farms, Pure Waters Campaign to combat the threats posed by factory farms in North Carolina. Working with a group of North Carolina Waterkeepers, including the Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper, the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper, the White Oak-New Riverkeeper and the Cape Fear Riverkeeper, the Alliance has been challenging industrial farming in North Carolina by advocating for the control of animal waste pollution, the reduction of pollution runoff, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. More recently, the Alliance has expanded its campaign to cover industrial poultry operations in Chesapeake Bay and dairy farm pollution in California. Today, the campaign's outreach is global in scope. Not only has it reached out to help Waterkeepers and environmental partners throughout the United States, it is also active in other countries, including Poland, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, South Korea and England. In North Carolina, the Pure Farms, Pure Waters Campaign has succeeded in obtaining important legislative and permitting changes as well as fighting off damaging state bills and amendments introduced by powerful hog industry lobbyists. In 2007, North Carolina became the first state in the nation to permanently ban the construction or expansion of uncovered hog waste lagoons. In 2008, Riverkeepers and allies fought back the industry's attempt to weaken a 1995 setback law that provides some protection to the public from the damaging impacts of CAFOs. In February of 2009, another first was achieved when N.C. regulators made it a requirement in the state's permit that all waste application cease in the days preceding a tropical storm. How can you help? Refuse to buy meat or dairy products from CAFOs or the corporations that market their products. Support local farmers and their sustainable practices. Visit www.sustainabletable.org to learn more and to find responsible vendors near you. Take action by visiting the Pure Farms, Pure Water's Campaign page on Waterkeeper Alliance's website (www.waterkeeper.org) and sending an email or letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson demanding that the EPA withdraw a Bush administration rule allowing factory farms to hide information about toxic pollutants. Mexican Chocolate Cream Pie Perfect for the holidays, this Border Grill classic dessert combines rich chocolate mousse with traditional flavorings for Mexican chocolate--a touch of cinnamon and some roasted almonds. It's all nested in a crispy meringue crust and topped with even more chocolate. And the result . . . simply divine! Serves 8 - 10 1/2 cup slivered almonds 3 large egg whites 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped 2 1/4 cups heavy cream, cold 1/3 cup powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, to taste 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 to 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, grated or shaved into curls, for garnish Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the almonds on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven until golden, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Turn the oven down to 275 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides (not the lip) of a 9-inch glass pie plate. Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and set over a pan of hot tap water until slightly warmed. Then whisk the warm egg whites until soft peaks form. Whisk in the cream of tartar and then add the sugar in a slow, steady stream, whisking continuously. Continue whisking until stiff and glossy, about 15 to 20 minutes longer. Make a pie shell with the meringue by smoothing it over the bottom and sides of the buttered pie plate. Bake until slightly crisp and dry, about 15 minutes. Cool on a rack. Combine the two chocolates in a bowl over simmering water, and stir occasionally until melted. Let cool to room temperature. Combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed until very soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir one-third of the whipped cream mixture into the melted chocolates to lighten. Then add that mixture to the remaining whipped cream and gently fold in until completely incorporated. Scatter the toasted almonds over the cooked meringue shell. Top with the chocolate cream filling, smoothing the top. Decorate the top with the grated chocolate or chocolate curls. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Copyright © 2009, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, www.marysueandsusan.com "Too Hot Tamales" Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are Chef/Owners of Border Grill Santa Monica, Border Grill Las Vegas, and Ciudad restaurants, as well as the Border Grill Truck. For more information, go to www.bordergrill.com. Spicy Tuna and Green Papaya Tacos A delicious fusion of Asian and Latin flavors! One of the most popular dishes served by An Catering, of the famous Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills, the Spicy Tuna and Green Papaya Tacos are sure to please any palate. A dish that is incredibly simple to prepare yet bursting with complex flavors, the key to these tantalizing tacos is using the following fresh, healthy and sustainable ingredients. Featuring a mix of Albacore tuna loin, daikon, lime juice, cilantro and sweet Thai chili sauce, the dish packs a fiery sweetness from the green papaya and red jalapeno. Serve as an enticing appetizer for your next Taco Tuesday celebration! Serves 8 1 lb Albacore Tuna Loin (Honolulu fish wild line caught and sustainable) 1 pack wonton skins (cut into 2" diameter rounds) 1 cup Daikon Shredded 1 cup Green Papaya shredded 1 Red Jalapeno sliced thinly into rounds ½ bunch of cilantro 1 bottle sweet Thai chili sauce ¼ cup rice vinegar ¾ cup olive oil Juice of one lime Salt and Pepper Fry wonton skins in a light oil (vegetable, canola or peanut)and set aside. Season tuna loin with salt & pepper. Sear on all sides in very hot pan with a tablespoon of oil. Keep tuna rare inside. Slice into ½ inch thick sections. Reserve. Combine all shredded vegetables and half of cilantro, chopped in a bowl and mix with ¾ 's of the vinaigrette (sweet chili sauce, lime juice, vinegar and oil) Place jalapeno on wonton chip followed by papaya mixture and tuna. Dress lightly with the remaining vinaigrette and finish with a cilantro leaf. *According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, when it comes to sustainability, pole-and-line caught, canned U.S. Pacific albacore tuna is a "Best Choice". For more info on sustainable seafood, go to www.seafoodwatch.org Copyright © 2009, An Catering by Crustacean www.ancatering.com 5979 W. 3rd Street Suite 204 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: (323) 556-2790 Fax: (323) 556-2791 © The Environmental Media Association (EMA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.