Convention Wisdom

Republican convention to go green

Republicans at the party's national convention in Minneapolis in early September may disagree over how to approach environmental issues, but they'll be disagreeing at a green event, organizers say. The plan is to make the convention carbon neutral, and to green up other aspects of the gathering with recycled-fiber carpet, booths and stages constructed of local, sustainably harvested wood, water in petroleum-free bottles, biodegradable plates, composted food waste, non-plastic banners printed with soy-based inks, energy-efficient lighting, and reduced paper use. Bicycles will be made available for delegates to pedal to and from hotels -- though how many will actually take advantage of the eco-perk remains to be seen. The communications director of the GOP Convention Committee on Arrangements said, "Republicans, like all Americans, support responsible stewardship of the land."

  Search Library Topics      Search Newspaper Columns