Originally published on the CGS blog on July 11, 2008.
Correct me, please, if I’m wrong, but given the state of global disruption, shouldn’t the American people, especially the presidential candidates, do everything they can to promote a sustainable environment? The Democratic National Convention Host Committee has done just that – they have proposed guidelines to encourage organic food and products to be distributed at the Convention in August 2008. Apparently, these conditions do not appeal to Washington Post contributor, David Montgomery.
Montgomery’s “The Red, White and Eat Your Greens Party,” published July 11, completely bashes the efforts put forth by the democrats. He mocks (although he claims, sarcastically, not to) the “Lean ‘N Green” guidelines, which include:
Lean
- Half of the meal (or 50%) of the plate is made up of fruits and/or vegetables
- A colorful meal – include at least three of the following five colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple, and white (Garnishes not included)
- No items are to be fried
Green
- 70% or more of ingredients by pre-cooked weight are certified organic and/or grown or raised in Colorado
- 70% or more of ingredients by pre-cooked weight are fresh and (not pre-processed)
Furthermore, he goes on to make fun of the Host Committee’s acceptance of conventional produce, along with the (preferred) organic produce: “Note the repetition of the word ‘voluntary.'” Instead of exploiting the use of the word “voluntary,” Montgomery should embrace that the Committee is aware that change will not happen over night, and taking smaller steps to a larger goal is the smartest way to achieve that end. Would he rather the Committee make it “mandatory” and possibly cause immense difficulty planning the event if the resources just aren’t available?
The main goal of promoting organic foods is to educate and encourage a more environmentally sustainable community. It is hard to understand where Montgomery, and those who support his rejection of the efforts made by the Host Committee, is coming from. Just because instilling “radical” guidelines are not what we’re used to, and are possibly a bit uncomfortable, does not mean that they aren’t valid. Out-of-the ordinary propositions may seem “weird” or “odd” at first, but upon closer examination, may turn out to be significant and appropriate. Attempting to make a healthier, more lasting environment really isn’t so “odd,” but apparently to some, it is.
