Tag: California
California legislature passes plastic bag ban
After months—make that years—of rumblings, it’s official: California’s legislature has passed a bill that bans single-use plastic bags throughout the entire state. Individual municipalities throughout the state (and around the country) have already implemented bag bans on single-use plastic bags, but if California governor Jerry Brown signs the bill, it will be the first time […]
Wealthy Californians find ways to skirt drought regulations
In a lot of ways, forces of nature are great socioeconomic equalizers. A tornado doesn’t care what you do for a living, and a hurricane doesn’t care what kind of car you drive. And yet, as some California residents have found, money actually can trump nature—or at least buy a modicum of comfort and/or fund […]
Californians turn to lawn painting in the midst of drought
Would you paint your lawn? A whole lot of people are saying: “Yes, please.” California is enduring the worst drought on record. With water scarcer than ever, residents have been forced to significantly cut back on watering their lawns—if they’re allowed to water them at all. The result? A lot of dead grass. You might […]
California’s drought is only getting worse
Since January, California had faced severe drought conditions throughout the state. And despite statewide efforts to conserve water, the situation is only getting worse, as a third of the state now deals with “exceptional” drought conditions. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in January, setting a goal for communities to cut water usage […]
California gets creative in sourcing drinking water
How could a state with 840 miles of coastline not have enough water? The answer is simple: saltwater is not particularly useful for most practical applications. Cities in central and southern California suffer from a literal version of the old cliché: water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Santa Barbara, California last suffered […]
California passes mattress recycling bill
California’s wide-ranging list of recyclables is getting more comprehensive with the introduction of mattresses. In May, the California State Senate passed a bill that will contribute to the Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act. Since then, it has undergone amendments on its way to making a big difference in mattress recycling. The bill authorizes a […]
California plastic bag ban floated, then sinks
California loves its plastic! From credit cards to Playboy Bunnies, California can’t get enough of the stuff, as the recent battle in the Senate shows. Don’t worry, plastic-lovers, the Senate won’t stand between you and an ever-increasing mountain of plastic grocery bags festering in your cupboard and breeding like Tribbles. The latest attempt at a plastic […]
