Vote Blue, Go Green?

British politician and Conservative Party leader, David Cameron launched today the Conservative's 'Vote Blue, Go Green" local election campaign in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.  Dave the Chameleon ring a bell? 

Mr Cameron claimed that the environmental campaign's message is simple and represents the true essence of the Conservative's councils because being green "goes to the heart of what the conservatives believe". 

On 1 May  2008, voters in many parts of the country will be going to the polls to  decide who will run their council. According to the Party Leader: "This election is a chance to vote for change and to send a message to this failing labour Government."

The Tories Representative  stressed that the Conservative councils are greener as they are leading the way in the fight against climate change, giving examples of innovative projects such as installing high-efficiency fluorescent lighting in Bournemouth (a town in South West England) and making school building more  eco-friendly. 

Yes, all said very well, however, is it going-green  that really "lies in the heart" of Mr Cameron? Let's reflect a little:

Wind turbines, a proposed solution for renewable energy and hence an inseparable component of sustainable development. First, in 2005  Mr Cameron infamously refers to them as: "giant bird blenders". Then in 2007 to demonstrate his "true" environmental concerns  he puts one on the roof of his house but then a week later and it is vanished, such consistency... And of course, not to forget the Daily Mirror's exclusive back in 2006 on  Mr Cameron's touching habit of cycling to work. Only problem there was that his chauffeur-driven gas guzzler followed behind carrying his shoes and briefcase. Then moving on to February 2008 when the Tory Leader ditched plans for 'green taxes' due to fears of a backlash from voters unwilling to pay for climate change.  Actions do speak louder than charismatic speeches...

Bottom line is that you do not have to vote blue to be green. Reducing, reusing and recycling will do just fine.