The Democrats Promise "The Greenest Convention Ever"
This is a guest post by freelance environmental writer Tom Schueneman, publisher of GlobalWarmingisReal.com
Monday marks the beginning of the Democratic National Convention in Denver and what House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promises will be
“…the greenest, most sustainable, most successful political convention in history.”
Plans began a year ago for a green convention and will address all aspects of the event, from construction, travel, energy, waste recycling, sustainable materials, carbon footprint, and “decommissioning”; right down to the biodegradable balloons and a fleet of experimental cars powered with clean fuel made from Coors beer – and it’s all I can do to resist the obvious joke on that one – the DNCC is pulling out all the stops.
The Democratic Green Team
Andrea Robinson is the first-ever “Director of Greening” for the DNC. Ms. Robinson created the sustainability plan for the event is charged with overseeing what is hoped will be a “long-term legacy” of sustainability in Denver.
Jaime Nack, an environmental consultant and marketing strategist, joined the team last March and is charged with managing the day-to-day greening plan for the convention.
The Democratic Convention “Greening” Plan
How does one go about making an event that, by its very nature, is full of hot air, extravagance, and excess? Following are highlights of the DNCC’s efforts to create a sustainable convention:
- Energy - The Pepsi Center, site of the convention, has been working independently to institute on-site sustainability measures, including a permanent solar array that is already operational. The convention will use high-efficiency lighting “whenever possible”. Power coming off the grid will be offset by renewable energy certificates from Sterling Planet, supplying alternative energy from a combination of wind, water and bio energy projects based in the Denver metropolitan area and throughout the United States. Energy offsets will include not only the Pepsi center, but the Hyatt Regency Headquarters Hotel and Convention Center.
- Carbon Footprint – The DNCC is working with Camco as their official “Carbon Advisor”. The stated goal of the convention is to reduce then offset. First reduce carbon emissions and then offset what is unavoidable through verifiable carbon offset programs designed to benefit American renewable energy, agriculture, and landfill methane projects. Additionally, the DNCC has in place a “Green Delegate Challenge” urging state delegations and individual delegates to use carbon offsets supplied by Native Energy to offset their travel and activities at the convention.
- Sustainable Materials and Production – Sustainable sourcing, reuse, and reducing materials used lies “at the heart” of the DNC greening plan. Contractors and subcontractors have been chosen based on their commitment to sustainable planning principals. As much as possible all staging, rigging, and production materials will either be rented, come from reused materials, or from sustainably harvested wood products.
- Recycling and Waste – The goal is to limit waste sent to landfills to 15%, the DNCC is implementing an aggressive “waste diversion” program. An army of 900 “Green Team” volunteers will man “waste centers” to insure that waste materials are properly disposed of for recycling or composting.
- Food – No fried twinkies here! In fact, according to Greening Director Robinson, no fried food will be served at all. At least 70% of the ingredients for the meals served will be organic or locally grown.
- Local transportation - All event venues and DNCC headquarters are within walking distance of light rail or the 16th St. Mall shuttle. Buses to transport delegates and media will be either hybrid, alternative fuel (Coors beer?), or biodiesel. Exercise is encouraged through a bike-sharing program.
- Community Action and Education – The DNCC will sponsor workshops throughout the week to help local area businesses green their operations. There will also be the “DNCC Service Days” focusing community efforts on youth, environmental projects, homelessness, and hunger.
- Leaving a Legacy – The DNCC expresses hope that their efforts will leave a legacy of sustainability both in Denver and around the world. These are laudable goals, and setting a good example for others to follow is a good start.
Perhaps the best way to leave a legacy is to nominate the next president of the United States. One who sincerely believes in the goals and ideals set forth by Greening Director Robinson’s vision of the “greenest political convention in the history of the world”.
Until…
The Republicans aren’t about to get left in the green dust. They’ve got their own plans as outlined in The GOP Convention Green Fact Sheet (pdf).
One thing we can all be thankful for; Once the conventions are over, this long-running presidential campaign is in its final stretch.
Related Posts:
- Dems Red-Faced over Green Menu Minutiae
- “Dems Aim to Leave Green Legacy in Denver”
- “My Party’s Convention is Greeer than Yours”
- “The John McCain 100% Organic Cotton ‘Onesie?’”
Photo Credit: Democratic National Convention Committee
