Beer-based biofuel, trash brigade help turn convention green

AFP, August, 2008

DENVER, Colorado (AFP) — The Democratic Party is using beer-based biofuel and a recycling brigade guarding trash cans to help ease the environmental impact of its convention in Denver this week.

The aim is to have the most environmentally-sustainable convention in modern US history. And the goals are ambitious.

"We've been committed to taking the practical steps to sustainability," said Damon Jones, a spokesman for the Democratic National Convention Committee.

"There are a number of things you can do that are not outrageous but are responsible and use good common sense."

The plan is to divert 85 percent of the waste produced by the 50,000 people coming to the convention into recycling or composting facilities.

Some 900 volunteers were enlisted to help delegates sort their garbage so it ends up at a recycling plant or composting facility.

Caterers and other vendors are also being instructed in ...