Democrats and Republicans are both planning to hold “green” national political conventions next year, partly to win over environmentally minded voters who could be influential in determining control of the White House and Congress.
The interest in greening political conventions, from buying confetti made from recycled paper to purchasing carbon offsets to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, shows the increasing relevance to both parties of appealing to voters mindful of global warming.
“Environmentalism is once again being recognized as a mainstream issue by both parties,” said Jeremy Symons of the National Wildlife Federation.
Although plans are still in the initialstages, Democrats are already requiring that firms competing to provide transportation for the convention offer flex-fuel hybrid vehicles to carry delegates and media from hotel to convention center. And for the first time ever, Democrats are handling housing reservations for the convention entirely online, which Daughtry said could save 50,000 sheets of paper.
The DNC is also talking to official airline partners about incorporating into a contract an agreement that would allow the airlines or passengers to purchase carbon offsets to reduce the carbon footprint of the convention. About 35,000 people are expected to attend the convention, producing an enormous amount of carbon emissions on flights to Denver.
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