Greenwashing, G8-Style

Next month, the U.S. will host the thirtieth G8 Summit, a meeting of the "leaders of the world's major industrial democracies," in Sea Island, Georgia. The setting is "in keeping with President Bush's emphasis on environmental quality" and "will showcase the complementary benefits of environmental stewardship and a strong economy," according to the Summit website. The Independent reports: "But the island - the most beautiful of the sub-tropical Golden Isles off the Georgia coast - is in one of the most polluted areas of the American South. Glynn County, which contains Sea Island... is home to 16 hazardous waste plants." The Summit website claims attempts are underway to "enhance the environmental assets." The Glynn County commissioner says there's been no environmental support: "Most of our stuff was for the police department."