Are They Hypocrites or Are You A Cynic?

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Let’s take a look at how “the media” treats famous faces on their quest to be eco.

Celebrity does something environmentally friendly. Media outlets ’round the world try to find something said celebrity does that is not eco-friendly. Celebrity called a hypocrite. World becomes cynical towards any celebrity (or anyone) trying to do the right thing.

Is this model working for us? As John Mayer said at the Live Earth press conference, “Can somebody explain to me when cynicism wins in this case?”

Jeff Bercovici over at Radar is looking at this issue in his latest piece, Green Fakers – Why Eco-Hypocrisy Matters. Not sure I agree with him on all counts.

Now, I believe research is important in any field. But why are we always looking for bad news? Ecorazzi slams bad-for-the-planet actions, too…but I hope that we are also helping spread a good message – a message that some celebs are trying to use to get some extra attention through their spot in the public eye.

And here is the age old question: Is flying in a private jet ever really “necessary”? I believe there are occasions in which the answer is yes. One instance is when you are someone like Prince Charles. I think it’s ridiculous to think that someone with such security concerns would even consider flying commercial. Of course, there are not many people that fall into this class.

Then, we have to consider how there are certain people in this world that have a crazy schedule, and a private plane will help keep them on track. For instance, if you are Bobby Kennedy, Al Gore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, or yes, even Leonardo DiCaprio, you have so many speaking arrangements and meetings, that you are constantly on the go. Let’s say that any one of these people has a speech in California one night and a speech in Texas the next day. Both are to sold out audiences. The speech will be used to inspire and motivate thousands of people towards making their local environment a better one. But, oops, your American Airlines flight is delayed a few hours. All other flights are booked. Sorry, you won’t be able to make it to your speaking engagement. Those thousands of people are now NOT motivated, and in fact, extremely disappointed.

Does this mean that a private jet would be acceptable for times when many others are depending on your arrival, and you absolutely can not plan to arrive with hours or a day early? Or does it mean that you should take more care in planning your schedule so that you will have plenty of time to travel from one location to another? Or should you simply stay home, like our friend Ed Begley, Jr.?

And does the fact that none of us are perfect or can live completely emissions free mean that we are not doing something good in this world, and something worth talking about? Does it change your opinion of me to know that I can not recycle from my home, and therefore often do not have a way to recycle much of my household waste? Does that make me a hypocrite? Even though I spend most of my waking hours compiling and writing “green stories” to educate, entertain, and hopefully inspire others to take a step in the green direction?

Would love your thoughts on the opinions stated above, as well as those stated in Radar’s Green Fakers article.