May 10, 2007: Issue 188
The word green, like the word democratic, can take a broad philosophical definition or a very specific political one. Capitalization makes the difference clear.
Lowercase green when you describe environmentally friendly products, people, or practices:
Go green at the door with a welcome mat made from recycled tires.
Reflecting their green sensibilities, the homeowners chose passive solar heat.
The community is full of green families, so solar panels are a common sight.
Capitalize green when it refers to a specific political party:
The community is full of Green families, so the party has several seats on the city council.
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