Although the headlines are reading: U2 gets green to offset huge carbon footprint of its 360 tour‎, I am not quite certain if I can tell just how.  From what I could determine, the only green is the color of the claw.   And this is the video that is the “behind the scenes look” reported in the Chicago Tribune.  See any signs of green that I may have missed?

Simple Green tells us that “lugging all of this equipment around the world comes at an environmental cost.

“The good news? U2 isn’t just any rock band - they do have a conscience, and see the value in making a difference in every way.

“According to the New York Times, U2 has approached the giant carbon costs of transporting their cutting-edge stage design around the world on their current 18-month tour.” U2 360 Tour and Carbon Offsets

Now here is my problem. When I checked that New York Times article, it was a review instead of a discussion as to how U2 is approaching the carbon cost offset.  Design - What Has 4 Legs, in the Round? - NYTimes.com

In this article from The Rock Radio.com, the same statement about carbon offsets is repeated at the end:  “Environmental activist Helen Roberts claimed last month that to offset the trek’s carbon footprint, U2  ‘would need to plant 20,118 trees.’

“Talking to BBC 6 Music, The Edge responded, ‘I think anybody that’s touring is going to have a carbon footprint. I think it’s probably unfair to single out rock ‘n’ roll. There’s many other things that are in the same category but as it happens we have a program to offset whatever carbon footprint we have. ‘” The Rock Radio: U2 guitarist defends charges against environmental …

Since there are multiple dates for the U2 concerts, I am sure we will be able to find something about “carbon offsets.” U2 360 Tour Dates, Reviews & Photos at U2tours.com

Since Bono is now writing an Op-Ed column for The Times, perhaps he will talk about the controversy — however, he was his first column: Bono Talks Frank Sinatra in First “New York Times” Op-Ed : Rolling …

– Copyright 2009 Rita Watson