Why the Filthy Rich Aren't Green: 7 Habits of Highly Inefficient People
4. Tom Cruise and His Private Planes
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Words like recession or conserve don’t fly with Hollywood’s Top Gun. The mega-celeb, who’s worth a reported 250 million, can’t stop jetting around in one of his reported three private planes. Eco-watchers dubbed him “emissions impossible†and claim he spends $1 million a year on fuel. That’s the life of a super-rich romantic. Tom loves to impress his wife Katie Holmes with high-flying indulgences. On the couple’s first date, Tom served a romantic sushi dinner aboard his private plane. Then, there’s the story that Mr. Cruise sent a private plane to pick up organic groceries for Katie. And it seems the Cruise clan (let’s not forget baby Suri) pop up in a different city daily. They’re regularly snapped spending their cash on designer clothes (go green/shop vintage) and pricey kid’s toys. Not to spread the hate. But, The New York Post estimates Mrs. Cruise spent $14 million in just six months to support her lavish NYC lifestyle.
5. John McCain and all his Homes
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Chiu/AP
The Republican nominee promised to take action on global warming on the campaign trail. However, the senator should first measure his own carbon footprint--starting with his countless homes. John McCain owns between seven and 10, (numbers unclear due to McCain's definition of a single home). Environmentalists estimate his homes put out about 150 tons of carbon dioxide--that's about 10 times that of the average American (jump here to reduce your home's energy output). And we haven't added in the energy used to commute between his homes in his wife's private jet.
6. Elizabeth Hurley and Her Super Excessive Wedding
Photo Courtesy of Actress Wallpaper
The actress makes her love of all things organic well known and even plans to launch her own line of organic food: But the health-conscious Hurley’s 2007 wedding (jump to green wedding tips) was a huge eco-disaster. She and hubby, Arun Nayar’s marathon nuptials covered two continents, four cities, and the Maldives Islands. According to The Independent, the couple jetted 24 of their closest friends from England to Mumbai, India, and then continued to flew 250 guests in seven chartered jets to Jodhpur, northern India. The environmental company Best Foot Forward estimated their wedding released over 228 tons of carbons. In addition to guests, flowers and three chefs were flown in. Add in Hurley’s flight to Milan for a dress fitting, and this wedding sure had environmentalists tearing up.
7. Tiger Woods and His Water Hazard
Photo Courtesy of NEO Productions Europe
A water hazard is always a challenge on the golf course--even for Tiger. But, water on the fairways isn't the golf legend's only water woe. The Orlando Sentinel singled out Tiger as a major water hog on Florida's elite Jupiter Island. He uses 129 thousand gallons of water a month on his $39 million estate (the average water usage is 10 thousand). The excess water is supposedly to maintain his elaborate landscaping. Good news: Tiger and his wealthy neighbors are searching for alternatives to the public water supply. One option is a personal desalination plant; which is considered eco-friendly.
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