The entertainment world is not only known for being entertaining, but also for its work in improving the environment. Actors, actresses and other celebrities are huge contributors in protecting the planet, but what about when they’re filming a television show? Well, to answer that question here are four TV shows that work towards a better environment.

“24”

“24” might not be on the air anymore, but it will always be a memorable show on the FOX network. Did you know it’s not just known for Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, and his, for lack of a better word, badassness? It’s also recognized for its environmental goodness. In 2009, the New York Times reported that “24” was going green and becoming the first carbon neutral series, which was probably necessary with Kiefer doing those car chase scenes. Consultants were even hired to measure carbon-dioxide output, because car crashes and the explosions were emitting carbon dioxide. To achieve true carbon neutrality they started staging such scenes and no longer shot on location. They managed to buy carbon offsets resulting in offsetting 1,291 tons of carbon dioxide. In addition, 20 percent biodiesel fuel was used for fueling, bathrooms and kitchens had motion monitors and even paid higher fees to help California buy wind and solar power. I guess what they say is true, Jack Bauer does kick ass.

“The Killing”

AMC’s hit show “The Killing” is a great murder, mystery TV series and is another show that has gone green. According to Mother Nature Network, the series shoots in Vancouver, making it a lot easier to remain eco-friendly. “The studio is very committed and very eco-friendly so there’s no use of plastic bottles. We have coolers that get schlepped all over the place,” Veena Sud, producer and writer of the show, said. Star of the show, Mireille Enos also incorporates green elements when she isn’t filming. When it comes to her 18-month-old daughter Enos says, “My baby sleeps on an organic mattress, wears organic cotton, we feed her organic food.” Jamie Anne Allman, another star of the show, recycles, uses natural skin care products and is even a vegetarian. Many of the other actors and actresses of the show also give back to the planet, so be sure to read MNN’s full article.

“Survivor”

It might be hard to believe, but CBS’ popular reality show “Survivor” is very eco-friendly, but it’s true. Producer Mark Burnett revealed to Mother Nature Network, “What we’ve done in every location is cleared as much as 70 or 80 metric tons of trash from every beach. Our policy is very pro-environmental. We photograph when we begin and photograph when we finish and we leave every place better than when we arrived. Tourism is a sustainable and renewable industry, and we’ve had a huge impact on these places.” It’s great to see a show that does a lot of traveling keep it environmentally friendly. Maybe, one day, Burnett will produce a season with an entire cast of vegetarians or vegans or a season where contestants have to complete challenges that give back to the planet.

“The Finder”

FOX’s spinoff of its hit series “Bones, “The Finder,” may have gotten canceled, but that doesn’t matter. While filming, the show truly held its own by incorporating green elements into its set. Even some of the actors were and still are living an eco-friendly lifestyle. To begin, no plastic water bottles were allowed on set, Mother Nature Network reports. One of the stars, Michael Clarke Duncan, is an avid vegetarian and animal lover. Yes, that muscular man eats veggies and loves it. He recently shot a new ad for PETA in support of vegetarianism. “The best thing about being a vegetarian for me, number one is I know I’m not harming any animals,” he says in the video campaign. “The number two thing is increased strength. I’m a lot stronger than I was when I was eating meat.” It sounds like “The Finder” had a good, green thing going on, but too bad it got axed.

It’s always great to see celebrities encouraging others to protect the planet, and it’s also nice to see television, which is such a big part of our everyday lives, influence others in eco-friendly ways.

-Allyson Koerner

Photo Credit: Flickr/Kristin Dos Santos, AMC, Jeff Probst Twitter, Wikimedia Commons/blackurbanite

Last week, it was announced that Hawaii was officially saying no to plastic bags and many rejoiced in the eco-friendly law. The ban was signed into law last Thursday by Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle making it the first state in the nation to outlaw the use of plastic bags across the entire state, Treehugger reports.

The ban, which begins on July 1, 2015, includes all non-recyclable paper bags and all non-biodegradable plastic bags when checking out at stores. With that said, KHON2 posted what type of bags will still be allowed, after the law goes into effect.

• Bags used by customers inside a business to package loose items, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, ground coffee, grains, candies or small hardware items.
• Bags used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, flowers or potted plants, or other items to contain dampness.
• Bags used to protect or transport prepared foods, beverages, or bakery goods.
• Bags provided by pharmacists to contain prescription medications.
• Newspaper bags for home newspaper delivery.
• Door-hanger bags.
• Laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bags, including bags provided by hotels to guests to contain wet or dirty clothing.
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags.
• Bags used to contain live animals such as fish or insects sold in pet stores.
• Bags used to transport chemical pesticides, drain-cleaning chemicals, or other caustic chemicals sold at retail level, provided that this exemption shall be limited to one bag per customer.

“This is really getting people to change their behaviors and that’s one of the most difficult things to do frequently and we hope people are going to understand that,” Carlisle said.

Congrats to Hawaii for taking a step in a greener direction. What do you think of the new law?

Photo Credit: Flickr/Newtown Grafitti

Recently, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The COTE Top Ten Green Projects program, now in its 16th year, is the profession’s best known recognition program for sustainable design excellence. The program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.

Over the next few weeks, Eco News Network will highlight all ten of these top green projects. Today, we focus on the University of California.

Merced 2009 Long Range Development Plan
The University of California presents the Merced 2009 Long Range Development Plan that creates a 21st century feel for the first new campus in 40 years. Located on 815 acres, the campus incorporates economic, social and environmental elements.

Here are just a few of the eco-friendly features one can look forward to observing, whether you’re visiting or attending the school.

-LEED Gold minimum for all structures
-50 percent less energy is used throughout all buildings
-40 percent less water is used on campus
-Zero-net-energy plan helps to generate as much electricity as it uses through solar, wind, waste-to-energy and energy efficiencies
-70 percent of waste was recycled and/or diverted

The campus not only updated its look and design, but also improved its environmental impact. Be sure to browse through other images and learn more about the school by clicking here.

Photo Credit: AIA, UC Merced

Keeping our waterways clean is extremely important, so when a list like America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2012, presented by American Rivers, comes out it truly puts into perspective how much work is still needed to clean up our rivers, oceans, lakes and every other body of water.

The Potomac River, which runs through Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington D.C., has been named this year’s most endangered river. The Potomac flows for 380 miles and provides 5 million people with drinking water. That’s kind of scary, especially since it’s considered endangered and contains urban pollution.

Ironically, even President Lyndon B. Johnson found the river dirty as he is known for calling the river “a national disgrace,” Treehugger reports. His remarks were even cause for the Clean Water Act of 1972 that works to improve, protect and preserve rivers.

Well, thanks to American Rivers, a conservation organization that fights for the beautification and health of our rivers, this list can hopefully open others eyes to the importance of protecting waterways. The organization has been creating this particular list since 1986.

Here are the other rivers that also made the list.
1. Potomac River
2. The Green River
3. The Chattahoochee River
4. The Missouri River
5. The Hoback River
6. The Grand River
7. The South Fork Skykomish River
8. The Crystal River
9. The Coal River
10. The Kansas River

To learn about these endangered rivers, click here.

Photo Credit: Flickr/NCinDC, American Rivers

Recently, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The COTE Top Ten Green Projects program, now in its 16th year, is the profession’s best known recognition program for sustainable design excellence. The program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.

Over the next few weeks, Eco News Network will highlight all ten of these top green projects. Today, we focus on the University of Minnesota.

University Classroom Building
This magnificent, sustainable LEED Platinum-certified building is located at the University of Minnesota on a 55-acre nature reserve that includes hiking trails.

The facility is a learning habitat that serves eight different areas of nature education. The University made sure that the building impacts the environmental very minimally and be energy efficient.

The classroom brings students to nature with eco-friendly architecture, a glorious location and having an outdoor study location with a fireplace and recycled cedar wood benches.

The building was made from certified wood, 17 percent recycled materials and 88 percent of the construction waste was sorted on site and recycled. The ceramic tile, window glass, concrete and roof pavers were all designed from recycled materials.

The classroom facility also uses zero water for irrigation with 87 percent reduction in potable water usage. It also incorporates a 78 percent reduction in energy.

To learn more about the University Classroom Building, click here for more information and to see additional images.

Photo Credit: AIA, Paul Crosbby

Happy Meatless Monday! Here is a delicious vegan recipe from PETA. Not only will the sandwich satisfy your taste buds, but you’ll feel better because you’re protecting animals while you eat. Who says you can’t have a sandwich without meat? This avocado and tomato sandwich is yummy, easy to make and great for lunch. Enjoy!

Avocado and Tomato Sandwich

INGREDIENTS:
Hummus
2 slices thick-crusted sourdough bread
4-6 avocado slices
1-2 leaves lettuce
2 thick tomato slices

METHOD:
• Spread desired amount of hummus on both slices of bread.
• Place avocado slices, lettuce and tomato in between.

Makes 1 sandwich

Photo Credit: Flickr/Will Merydith

Traveling can cause major harm to the environment; whether you’re driving across the country, taking a cruise or flying from here to there, the planet can take quite the hit. However, some transportation services work hard to improve their sustainability.

Air Transport World recently delved into the airline industry naming the top eco-pioneers as part of its first Eco-Aviation Awards, and Southwest Airlines took home the big award, Mother Nature Network reports.

Southwest Airlines was named Eco-Pioneer of the Year for its sustainable initiatives. Here are just a few of its eco-achievements.

• Since August 2008, it has diverted more than 7,300 tons of waste from landfills.
• It implemented new eco and cost-friendly cabin interior Evolve, which includes seats crafted from leather alternative material and InterfaceFLOR carpet.

In addition to Southwest, Lufthansa Group received the Eco-Airline of the Year Gold Award. This particular airline works to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while in the air and on the ground.

Be sure to visit Mother Nature Network for a list of other winners. In June, the winners will be officially honored at the ATW’s 5th Annual Eco-Aviation Conference.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek

Sometimes celebrities get a bad rap for speaking their minds, and even for just being who they are, instead of what everyone else wants them to be. However, more often than not, celebrities are committed to helping the environment and the people around them. With that in mind we are taking a look at what they are tweeting in relation to their fellow man and the planet. Below, are some select tweets by celebrities who are reaching out to their fans, followers and Mother Earth!

1. Daniela Ruah

Daniela Ruah aka Kensi Blye from “NCIS: Los Angeles” tweeted this amazing picture of Table Mountain in Cape Town, where she’s currently exploring in South Africa. Lucky girl!

“Going up Table Mountain in Cape Town. One of the new 7 wonders of Nature http://instagr.am/p/KXTnDrR39a/”

2. Leona Lewis

The very talented singer Leona Lewis tweeted her anger over the Kanye West song “Way Too Cold.” She does not support the fur trade and doesn’t think Kanye should either. To show her support of animals, she posted this adorable picture of a mink.

“Lil minx <3 http://instagr.am/p/KU-524u27N/”

3. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is known for his quarterback skills when playing for the Green Bay Packers, but did you know he supports the environment? Just check out how passionate he is about trees in this tweet.

“I think people tend 2 forget trees are living creatures. They’re sort of like dogs. Huge, quiet, motionless dogs, with bark instead of fur.”

4. Pauley Perrette

Pauley Perrette can be seen every week portraying forensic scientist Abby on “NCIS,” but if you follow her on Twitter you know there’s more to her than acting. She loves animals and the planet, which can be seen here as she donated a well for those in need of clean water.

“I bought a well in Swaziland through @ThirstProject for clean water for them LOOK at this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xQPiHsin1Y&feature=player_embedded WOW!”

Be sure to check back weekly for these feel good celebrity tweets and what they have to offer in only 140 characters!

-Allyson Koerner

Photo Credit: Twitter, Daniela Ruah Twitter, Leona Lewis Twitter, Aaron Rodgers Twitter, Pauley Perrette Twitter

Recently, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The COTE Top Ten Green Projects program, now in its 16th year, is the profession’s best known recognition program for sustainable design excellence. The program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.

Over the next few weeks, Eco News Network will highlight all ten of these top green projects. Today, we focus on the Newberg Center in Oregon.

Portland Community College Newberg Center
Portland Community College is Oregon’s largest institution of higher learning, as it serves and educates five counties.

In order to expand its classroom space, a new facility called the Newberg Center was built on 15-acres in Newberg, Ore. It is the very first building on the site and includes a variety of eco-friendly features and here are just a few.

-It was designed to be the first net-zero-energy high education building in the state and the second in the nation.
-It supports the PCC’s sustainable mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
-The building team reused all the native topsoil on site and minimized importing soil amendments.
-The need for electric lights during the day was eliminated with skylights and acoustical ceiling tiles that open the building up to daylight.
-Water use was reduced by 49.2 percent through the use of low-flow faucets and toilets.

The center incorporates many other green features, so be sure to visit this site to learn more and to explore images.

Photo Credit: AIA, Stephen Miller

Boston is adding to its list of making the city greener. Last month, Mass High Tech reported that electric vehicle owners will have a new place to plug and charge their cars and now Boston is encouraging residents to go greener by planting urban gardens.

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Mahoney’s Garden Centers of Brighton has partnered with Mayor Thomas M. Menino in a new garden initiative, Treehugger.com has reported.

The new partnership and initiative not only promotes the importance of urban gardening, but also offers 2,012 free tomato plants, which have humorously been named “TOM-ato” plants in honor of Mayor Menino, to Bostonians.

The tomatoes were grown by Mahoney’s Garden Center as part of the Boston Blooms program, which promotes the beautification of the city.

If you want to get in on the tomato fun, be sure to visit Fenway Victory Gardens in the Back Bay Fens this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Other activities like touring the gardens, a presentation about bees and beekeepers and a chance to create flower pots and botanical sculptures, will be available for people to enjoy as part of Boston Blooms, according to Boston.com.

Last year, Boston Blooms first launched where residents and organizations joined forces and planted 5,000 flowers.

Photo Credit: Flickr/Ajith Kumar