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Climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Key speakers include Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
With attendees traveling from across the country, mostly by plane, there is a focus on making the event environmentally friendly. The convention organizers are determined to lead by example in their sustainability efforts.
To address the carbon footprint of the event, there are plans in place for carbon offset programs that prioritize local donations. Waste diversion and recycling efforts at the United Center, the convention’s main venue, are expected to triple the impact of sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, the convention will be implementing compost collection for the first time, aiming to further reduce its environmental impact.
The Travel Carbon Inset Initiative will prompt attendees to share their travel details, allowing for the estimation of overall travel emissions. This program invites donations to support local sustainability projects to offset unavoidable emissions associated with the event.
Critics often refer to carbon offsetting as “greenwashing,” but the DNC’s approach is distinct. By directing investments towards local organizations like Growing Home, a high-production urban farm in Chicago, the convention aims to promote sustainable development.
The event has also partnered with ComEd to power the convention with electricity from the grid, eliminating the need for diesel generators. Organizers are enhancing recycling efforts and implementing compost collection to reduce waste sent to landfills.
The DNC’s sustainability advisors, Stephanie Katsaros and Marley Finnegan, are working closely with various stakeholders to ensure a green and responsible convention. They are committed to collecting data on emissions, energy use, and other metrics to evaluate the event’s sustainability.
Katsaros believes that the DNC has the potential to set a new standard for sustainable conventions and leave a positive legacy. The goal is clear: to host the most sustainable convention in history.
This story has been updated.
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