Back to bins. Compost, Waste, and Recycle. Learn these three words if you ever attend a "greening" event such as the 2008 DNC or RNC, but I'm told, the DNC first thought of the idea. Napkins are compost, paper plates are waste, aluminum party picks, such as those catered to attending media at Elitch Gardens party, and beer cans, or pop if you prefer, those are the recycled products. Now, some of the volunteers were a little confused as to what goes where, but we were wise enough to determine that plastic cup are recycle, not compost as one volunteer stated.

Not to worry, if you get confused, either ask or guess. Because at the end of the day, there are more volunteers that get to sort through all of the waste, compost, or recycle and they will no doubt get it right! They are so lucky to be chosen as volunteers, they get to attend this magnificent event. Please, I implore you, take the time to talk to a few of these volunteers, their stories, degree's and activism in the party might just surprise you.

The greening of both conventions was a brilliant move, and I hope what turns out to be a virus that spreads throughout the world. The efforts go far beyond merely recycling. There is the Freewheelin, which are literally free bike rentals for those not wanting to foot it, or ride or drive. Humana, one of the nation's largest health benefit companies, and not-for-profit bike rentals is providing about a 1,000 of these bikes throughout convention week from 7 am to 7 pm, and there are many locations set up around Denver, so look for the big green "f".

The Democratic National Convention Committee challenged people attending the convention to purchase their "energy bonds" to offset their "carbon footprints." Well, trying to do my part, I purchased an offset through Native Energy and it felt great, as a special bonus I even received a certificate and a cool bumper sticker. Still, no name has been revealed to me, someone pretty awesome purchased enough "carbon offsets" to cancel out all of the Kansas delegations footprints. The airfare and car travel tend to send loads of CO2 into our atmosphere. In return for this person's generosity and caring, giving nature, Kansan delegates will be awarded a "green gift." Thank you, whoever you are!