General

Global warming is on the lips of every liberal-leaning activist and major news outlet.  They tell us that we need to conserve and reduce our carbon footprint or else.  Unsurprisingly, this Al Gore led movement has spilled over into the upcoming Democratic and Republican National Conventions. 

Whether the result of Al Gore's movement or simply out of a fundamental respect for our environment, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions have adopted their own versions of "green policies."  While the Democrats have thrown caution to the wind in order to hold the most "sustainable" political convention in history, the Republican's measured approach emphasizes "conscientious and realistic environmentally friendly initiatives."  Yes, even though the Democrats' extensive plans are greener, America's working families have more critical concerns and expectations this election season than who is greener. 

After a quick review of each National Convention Host Committees' website, the obvious is readily apparent:  the Democrats have developed more detailed and extensive greening plans than the Republicans.  The Republicans have kept with their long-standing tradition of "responsible stewardship of our environment."   Specifically, the Republicans have implemented a number of green initiatives including recycling carpeting on the convention floor, utilizing an energy efficient office building and reducing paper and power use.  Their green strategy looks to achieve results through choosing recyclable and biodegradable materials, leveraging energy and transportation efficiencies and emphasizing local suppliers. 

In comparison, the Democrats have created "Ten Green Teams" to focus on various areas of sustainability, including business outreach, carbon, city facilities, communications, greening events, "lean & green," new energy, resource recovery and transportation.  They have plans for nearly every part of the convention (e.g., low-flow toilets, hybrid/alternative fuel automobiles and florescent lights).  For example, in case you are looking for a nice handbag this fall season, the Democrats will be recycling their banners into handbags and likely will be available afterwards in Boulder, New York City and San Francisco.  In addition, like the Democrats' messages and policies this election cycle, the staging area is also made "entirely of recycled" materials. 

Under the "Green Delegate Challenge," Democratic delegates have been encouraged to support renewable-energy projects (e.g., the new wind turbine project in Wray, Colorado that does not produce energy) in order to offset the carbon footprint of their travel (i.e., $12.00 donation per delegate).  An eco-friendly prize is available to the delegation with the highest percentage of delegates who contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction. 

The Democratic National Convention attendees shouldn't worry as convention officials promise that you will not be inconvenienced by the greening plans.  (Phew)  Hasn't the green-wing of the Democratic Party been inconveniencing the rest of America for decades (e.g., halting nuclear power plant development, and access to coastal oil reserves, natural gas and oil shale)?  While many Americans are dealing with $4.00 per gallon fuel costs and the related trickle down effect on our economy, the Democrats will have over 900 volunteers available to assist with recycling (i.e., the DNCC Green Team).  As Americans struggle with paying their mortgages, managing escalating college tuition costs, covering their child's back-to-school costs, rising food prices and retaining their jobs, the Democrats will be getting assistance on which recycling bin to put their liquid, paper, and compostable items.  That must be reassuring for American farmers as they figure out how to cover their fuel costs for this fall's harvest. 

And those working families who are struggling to put food on the table must be relieved to hear about the Democrats' "Lean 'N Green" catering guidelines that call for primarily organic food, certain color schemes on plates and restrictions on fried foods.  Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown griped, "This is the food police."  As Joanna Burgos, press secretary for the Republican National Convention, aptly noted, these efforts are "elitist and out of touch."  Meanwhile, the Republican National Convention will not have such food restrictions, but will instead focus on addressing concerns that really matter to working families (e.g., national security, the economy, and energy policy). 

Working families across America are currently struggling to make ends meet, but the good news is that disposable water bottles will be allowed at the Democratic National Convention.  Like the Democrats' message and policies this election season, let's hope those bottles end up in the right recycling bin. 

In the end, the green policies adopted by at the National Conventions really don't matter to working families.  While we all can support adopting thoughtful, economically-wise green policies, a little less time should be spent planning green menus and handbags and a little more time should be spent getting America pointed in the right direction. 

Please consider the environment before printing this article.