From the DNC to Boulder: A Greener Way of Life

July 30, 10:12 AMDowntown Boulder ExaminerTerri Takata-Smith

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Photo courtsey of the Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau

The 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC) hopes to be the most environmentally-sustainable Democratic Convention in history. If the DNC needs some Green inspiration, they don’t have too far to look. Boulder has been at the forefront of Green thinking and practices for decades. Over the years, the city has instituted sustainable systems ensuring the preservation of its land and lifestyle. Some highlights of Boulder’s groundbreaking practices include:

In 1967, Boulder voters made history by approving a sales tax specifically to buy, manage and maintain open space; the first time residents in any U.S. city had voted to tax themselves specifically for open space.

Boulder residents (and out-of-town guests) enjoy over 43,000 acres of open space land in and around Boulder – including more than 90 miles of trails in Boulder County alone. Currently, over 65% of the land in BoulderCounty is protected from development through conservation easements or land ownership managed by county, federal, state, and local agencies.  

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks has 130 miles of trails used by walkers, hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, dog walkers and other passive recreational uses, such as nature study and photography. 

In 1976, Boulder was one of the first communities in the country to start a curbside recycling program when a group of Eco-Cycle volunteers began collecting recyclable materials. In 1989, the City instituted the Trash Tax and took over the program – expanding the services city-wide. Eco-Cycle’s “Zero Waste” programs have expanded internationally, using Boulder as a model for other communities to follow.

In 1996, the city of Boulder was the first municipality in the country to mandate a residential green code. The ‘Green Points Building program’ helps homeowners find products and designs for building with “Green” in mind. The Program encourages homeowners to incorporate cost-effective and sustainable remodeling and building methods that conserve fossil fuels, water and other natural resources. The Program also promotes better indoor air quality; recycling of construction materials; and reduction of solid waste.

Downtown Boulder was the first in the nation to use solar energy to power its Wi-Fi.   For three years, Boulder’s sunny blue skies have powered the Wi-Fi along the Pearl Street Mall by utilizing renewable solar energy through a product called Lightwave, by Lumin Innovative Products. Using solar power for the wireless technology was not only the quickest to install, but the least expensive and by far the most sustainable choice.

This week, blue recycling lids will replace approximately one-third of trashcans along Pearl Street Mall. These recycling containers will allow for “mixed recycling” of glass, cans, plastic and paper.

In Downtown Boulder, Belvedere Belgian Chocolate Shop has been recognized by the Democratic National Convention Committee as being a "Green Vendor." The store (located at 1468 Pearl St.) is 100% wind powered and certified by PACE (Partners for A Clean Environment). In March of 2008, Sunset magazine named The Kitchen (1039 Pearl St.), who is also PACE certified, The West’s Greenest Restaurant and Bon Appetit magazine ranked them #6 in “Top 10 Best Eco-Friendly Restaurants” category.  

Visit the PACE website for a complete list of Downtown Boulder (as well as other Boulder) businesses who are PACE certified.

Delegates, distinguished guests, visitors, locals and news media, when you need a few minutes away from the DNC, head up the road to Boulder for a dose of clean air, beautiful scenery, amazing shopping & dining, great people watching and experience a greener way of life!