There are plenty of anti-environmentalists in the U.S. House of Representatives, from Rep. Don Young, who the League of Conservation Voters calls an “oil tycoon,” to Rep. Michelle Bachman, who has talks about a “revolution” to combat cap-and-trade proposals. The building they work in, however, is going green.
The U.S. House claims to reduced its environmental footprint by some 91,000 metric tons of emissions, according to Audubon magazine, by purchasing wind power, natural gas instead of coal for heating, and carbon offset credits. The cafeterias now serve all shade-grown, organic, and fair trade-certified coffee, and Audubon reports that “almost all of the food is cooked with fresh ingredients; about 80 percent is locally sourced when produce is in season.” Styrofoam and plastic have been greatly reduced and recycling bins have been installed in congressional offices. There’s even an effort to use energy-efficient lights to illuminate the capital dome.
Sources: League of Conservation Voters, Audubon
