As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, two friends of mine have asked me to consult with them to produce a conference on green events–running events in particular. As I think about the myriad topics this conference could and should cover–from compostable cups for water to organic cotton t-shirts–I find myself paying more and more attention to what other big events are doing to become green.

Last Sunday's Emmy Awards are a good case in point. Co-produced by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Fox network, and billed as the Eco-Opportunity Emmys, the event had one clearly stated goal:

to reduce the carbon footprint the Primetime Emmys have on the world’s climate.

So, how did they do that?

Here are just a few of the green initiatives behind the scenes:

•The Shrine Auditorium used clean “Green Power” generated from 100% renewable resources provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. This zero-emission electricity is part of the City of L.A.’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by obtaining 20% of its energy from renewable resources by 2010.

•The stage sets were reusable rentals; the carpeting on stage and backstage were made from recycled plastic bottles.

•Biofuel generators, which use organic oils such as soybean or canola, were used as backup during the production of the show.

•Empire Limo provided Hybrid and Flexfuel vehicles to transport talent to the Awards.

•Lighting on and off stage was reduced by 15 percent.

Of course, this being Hollywood, there were a few other green initiatives that were a little more creative:

•Backstage, and in the press tent, products by makeup artist Napoleon Perdis were available for touch-ups. PETA approved Napoleon Perdis uses such all-natural products as organic beeswax in his Long Black Mascara, to chamomile and yarrow extract in his Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer.

•Meal and tuxedo tickets were all printed on tree-free paper, made of banana leaves and waste product.

•Dove® Chocolate’s exclusive parting gift is packaged in a reusable “picture frame” box.

You may be wondering: what's my point?

It's simple really. Whether it's the Emmys or a "road race" involving self-propelled runners or high-powered vehicles, there's always something event organizers can do to green-up their presentation. Moreover, this isn't the time for one special interest group to throw stones at another. Just because they perceive their environmental impact to be something less than a NASCAR race, runners and cyclists should still do everything they can to reduce the environmental impact of their recreational activities (see my LOTOJA post for a look at how quickly an event's impact can add up).

Carbon Neutral Journal's thoughts are brought to you by Hawtin Jorgensen.

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