It's not easy being green...when you're the DNC

June 29, 3:48 PMDenver Green Living ExaminerLinnae Selinga-Puyear

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Regardless of political affiliation, greenies must agree that the eco-friendly efforts of the Democratic National Convention are applause-worthy: Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper appointed environmental activist Andrea Robinson as the Director of Greening to make the DNC "the most sustainable political convention in modern American history."

However, Ms. Robinson and her staff are running into small snags here and there: apparently U.S.-union-made organic-cotton fanny packs don't exist (wha...? not a lot of options for fanny packs in 2008?), and she was unsuccessful in banning bottled water. And perhaps her biggest coup will be getting all the delegates on-board with carbon neutralizing their stays during the convention by purchasing carbon offsets. To date, only California, Vermont and Nevada are at 100% participation with some others committing to partial participation. Colorado's delegates have agreed to no participation. Really.

Personally, I love that there's tremendous importance being placed on sustainability at the convention, especially since it is one of the differentiating characteristics of the Democratic party. On the other hand, I could see the point that funds spent seeking out the U.S.-union-made organic-cotton fanny packs could be put to better use. Like maybe paying for some of those carbon offsets for our delegates. What do you think?