Americas

Live Earth puts celebrity lifestyles in eco-spotlight

(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-07-06 15:36

"Where we can't use biodegradable materials, there'll be comprehensive recycling programmes," said Robb, who added the Live Earth gigs will set new standards that will be followed by the events industry.

After the shows, the organisers will calculate the volume of carbon emissions created and will then "offset" the difference by investing in carbon-reducing initiatives such as planting trees or making donations to renewable energy projects.

Robb also highlights the good work being done by some artists.

British ska-rock group The Police and US funk-punk band Red Hot Chili Peppers are examples of "people who practice what they preach."

Meanwhile, nu-metal headliners Linkin Park have their own climate change charity and Hawaiian artist Jack Johnson tours in a biodiesel-fuelled bus.

For Buckley of Carbonfootprint.com, the key issue is whether the stars taking part in Live Earth take steps to change their lifestyles after the event.

"The onus is on them to make some changes to their own lifestyles and then get it publicised," he says.

And cutting back on private jets would be a good first step.

"They do tours and that is part of what their industry is all about, but a lot of pop stars are using private jets all the time.

"If they flew business class then that would make a reduction in their carbon emissions.

"I realise they won't go at the back of plane with people like me, but they could fly on commercial planes."