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Organisers plan an eco-friendly inauguration
For the inauguration of a president who promised to be a friend of the environment, what would you expect but carbon-neutral inaugural balls, hybrid Lexuses, organic menus and valet bicycle parking?
- By Richard Simon and Jill Zuckman, Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service
- Published: 23:41 January 11, 2009
Washington: For the inauguration of a president who promised to be a friend of the environment, what would you expect but carbon-neutral inaugural balls, hybrid Lexuses, organic menus and valet bicycle parking?
Political correctness will rule the day.
Two Green Inaugural Balls are planned, including one featuring a green carpet made from recycled rug. Official invitations to the January 20 inauguration are being printed on recycled paper.
With millions of visitors headed to Washington, D.C., for President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in, "Our goal is to create an unforgettable evening while treading lightly on the Earth," said Jenna Mack, an organiser of one Green Inaugural Ball - not to be confused with another Green Inaugural Ball featuring Al Gore.
Promotions
Nearly every imaginable group is planning an event to promote a cause.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals plans to give away fur coats to the homeless while offering hot soy-milk cocoa in cups that read: "Thank You for Not Wearing Fur!"
Among other celebrations with cause: The peace ball, billed as "the largest gathering of peace activists without a protest."
The greening of the inauguration is drawing a special effort, because Obama has made green projects a centrepiece of his economic stimulus plan and is expected to highlight the environment in his inaugural address.
"Not only are we committed to holding an inauguration that is the most open and accessible in history," said Linda Douglass, chief spokeswoman for Obama's inaugural committee, "but we are also committed to making sure that it is as environmentally friendly ... as possible."
The Environmental Protection Agency has provided a liaison to the Presidential Inaugural Committee to advise on "best practices", Douglass said.
Efforts: Minimising footprint
To reduce the inauguration's carbon footprint, attendees are being encouraged to carpool or ride public transit, even in evening gowns and tuxedos.
If they must drive, they are being encouraged to use a hybrid vehicle or purchase carbon offsets.
Organisers of a number of balls plan to use energy-efficient lighting. But no one yet has figured out a way to hook up to a wind turbine exhibit on display near the US Capitol.
"Downtown D.C. is hardly an optimal place for a wind turbine," said Ron Stimmel of the American Wind Energy Association.
Some of the floats in the inaugural parade are being recycled from past parades, including a US flag float built for Ronald Reagan's 1985 inauguration.
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