World’s largest carbon footprint

Oh how we love to hate the filthy rich–even more so in these tough economic times. While the rest of us mere mortals are struggling to make ends meet, the hyper-rich live by the motto “if you’ve got it, flaunt.” And they DO! Jet-setting with their globe-trotting lifestyles, multiple homes, fleets of gas-guzzling cars, private planes, and excessive toys designed only for the elite. As for climate control and environmental concerns–ignorance is bliss! Some super-rich are too busy indulging to stop and measure (or even worry) about their carbon footprint. Here are seven eco-sinners we’d like to see green up their act ASAP.

1. David Beckham and his Carbon Footprint

Soccer’s mega-star gets a red card on the green front. Becks’ over-the-top fabulous-ness earned him yet another honor: the world’s largest carbon footprint, according to Carbon Trust, a green group based in the UK. Just Becks’ lifestyle alone puts out a staggering 163 tons of carbon dioxide. In 2007 Becks flew 250,000 miles–jetting off to play soccer games worldwide and fulfill his advertising contracts. Add to that his wife’s seemingly daily travels to different shopping locales worldwide and you get one hefty carbon footprint. Besides their penchant for private planes and endless globe-trotting escapades, Becks and Posh also fuel multiple estates as well as 15 vehicles, including a Hummer, an Aston-Martin, 2 Ferraris, and a Lamborghini. Plus, let’s not forget Posh’s artificial enhancements…destined to end up and slowly decompose in some lucky landfill.

2. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and the World’s Largest Private Jet

The Saudi Prince is worth an estimated $17 billion. Besides being the 20th richest person on the planet, he now owns the world’s largest private jet. Nicknamed “the Palace in the Sky,” the A380 jumbo-jet has over 6,400 square feet of floor space. Although the Prince won’t get his winged mansion until 2010, it’s sure to be tricked out with all the latest gadgets. For now, the Prince has to be satisfied to play aboard his 282-foot yacht, or cruise around in one of his 300 cars, or simply roam the halls of his 317-room palace. But let’s not totally trash his rep–the Prince is a charitable guy. A favorite cause is funding centers of American studies. Now, if he’d only be inspired to fund a little green 101.

3. Madonna and Her High-Maintenance Tours

Green means money for Madame M. She tries hard to convince us she’s part of the über-trendy green club by spewing environmental speak and headlining Live Earth–but don’t be fooled by Mother Madonna. Take her recent Sticky & Sweet tour which earned $280 million. The 45-date tour–which included flights to 37 venues in just under four months–reportedly racked up more than 1, 635 tons of carbon pollution in travel alone–Madonna’s toll was 95 tons of carbon in just private jets, according to the Telegraph UK. The singer employed an on-the-road team of 250, including 12 seamstresses, 16 caterers, nine wardrobe assistants, a personal trainer, and masseuse. Not to mention the four freezers, solely used for ice packs to soothe the singer and her dancers’ aches. Plus, her annual $100,000 buying sprees on bottled water has most Greenies already seeing red.

4. Tom Cruise and His Private Planes

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

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

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

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 neighbours are searching for alternatives to the public water supply. One option is a personal desalination plant; which is considered eco-friendly.

– from treehugger

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