This week’s theme is “Go Green.” Environmental law and related practice areas are extremely important to Osgoode, to Canada, and to the world. Just ask Al Gore. Unfortunately, at least one editor-in-chief of our esteemed editorial board knows nothing about environmental law, other than its incredible magnitude on our future. However, this editor does know something about going green. I’ll leave the legal opinions about oil sands, polar bears, food waste, rainforests, the commercialization of water, anything that happens in Alberta, and general matters of eco-justice to the experts. For us environmental law lay-persons, here is a summary of what is going on with “green.”
Green Bay Packers
For those of you who are football fans, you already know that the free agent frenzy begins March 11th. While the Green Bay Packers are moderate movers, this year, they are rumoured to be spirited shakers. There has been an 8.13% increase in the 2014 NFL salary cap, bringing the grand total to $133 million. Teams must use a minimum of 89% of the total cap. Many speculate that the Packers have just under $35 million cap space to play with as free agency is fast approaching, placing this team in the top ten of the NFL of money to spend. General Manager, Ted Thompson, is known for his fiscal responsibility, but experts predict a change in his financial blueprint. The green team may spend some serious green to pick up quality players and fill in the gaps in their current roster.
Green Party Leader: Elizabeth May
Does anyone else think it’s unfair that Parliament gets a TWO-week march break, I mean “constituency” break? As the House of Commons colleagues come together for their final week before the Break, it is said that Green Party Leader and MP for Saanich – Gulf Islands, Elizabeth May will present her bid to establish a National Lyme Disease Strategy on the morning of March 3rd. The private members’ bill, entitled, C-442, An Act respecting a National Lyme Disease Strategy calls for:
… the Health minister to convene a conference with provincial and territorial health ministers and other medical stakeholders in order to develop a strategy to review Lyme disease and associated issues relating to diagnosis and treatment. The bill would also allow the Finance minister to set funding guidelines for provincial and territorial governments that enact legislation to implement the Lyme disease strategy.
Lyme disease is a serious condition that effects many Canadians. If going green means taking health care more seriously, then we should consider jumping on the Green Party’s band wagon.
*Disclaimer: The Obiter Dicta does not profess or adhere to any specific political agenda.
Green leads Phoenix Suns in an impressive victory over the Atlanta Hawks
If you weren’t watching the Oscars last Sunday, then you may have been watching the Phoenix Suns set season record highs in the categories of total points, points in a half, and 3-pointers in their 129-120 win over the Atlanta Hawks. In the first half alone, the Suns scored 79 points – which is an NBA record for points scored before halftime this season.
This fast paced game was an example of excellent and aggressive offensive playing, and why cardio is so important. (On the other hand, it was an example of an absent defence, as the Hawks put down over 100 points, but the grass is always greener on the other side of the bench.)
The star of the game was all Green. Gerald Green sunk five of his six 3-pointers in the first half alone. He closed out the night with a very respectable 33 points. This is Green’s third 30+ point game this season, and the sixth in his impressive career. Moreover, Green will be remembered for his dunk right over Shelvin Mack of the Hawks in the third quarter. He also made all 10 of 10 free throws. Going green in Phoenix never looked so good.
Oscars: Green is the new gold
Turns out, Mr. Oscar, the gold statute with the impeccable chest definition, is environmentally friendly. Who knew? Is this just another iteration of the “going green” trend, or is Hollywood using its star-studded power to bring attention to a very important issue? We would like to think the latter, but either way, we commend any efforts to go green, even in light of the conspicuous consumption that is the commercial and material world of the rich and famous.
In 2007, Laura Zislin, the respected and late producer of the arguably biggest award show in the world, partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to make green the new gold. Leonardo DiCaprio, an NRDC trustee, nominee for Best Actor, and well-known environmentally friendly celebrity, famously endorsed the move when he stated that “For the first time in the history of the Oscars, environmentally intelligent practices have been thoughtfully integrated into the planning of tonight’s event to make our world healthier and help combat the threat of global warming.”
Seven years later, Leonardo DiCaprio is again a Best Actor nominee (much to chagrin of his fans) and the Oscars are completely eco-friendly. Every detail has been accounted for (within Hollywood reason): Wolfgang Puck prepares vegan friendly meals at the Governor’s Ball; water is served from glasses, not plastic bottles; lights with timer switches have been installed, and recyclable materials are used wherever possible. For example, the red carpet used to be petroleum based but is now, made from 100 percent recyclable plastic bottles. It is rumoured that this change to the iconic carpet has nothing to do with the fact that Jennifer Lawrence is incapable of walking it without “adorably” falling on her face.
The Oscars are the Mecca of Hollywood royalty. They are revered across the world as the most prestigious award show, and delivering the highest honour in the entertainment industry. As a platform, there is not a proverbially bigger stage than the Oscars to espouse an eco-friendly message. NRDC president, Frances Beinecke, aptly expressed that:
By announcing this initiative from such a legendary and respected stage, the Academy is reaching tens-of-millions of people across the world with a message that cleaner, more sensible energy choices and a simple commitment to environmental stewardship are Oscar-worthy endeavors for everyone.
As law students, we have our own platform, admittedly smaller in scope to take environmental stewardship and awareness seriously, and to support eco-friendly efforts in our homes, schools, and offices. Whether or not you feel a personal connection with the environment, nature, or animals, we at the Obiter Dicta endeavour you to support the cause, if for nothing or no one else, do it for Leo.