California is serious when it comes to doing its part for the environment. This is no surprise, as California pioneered the transition to clean energy and has been aggressive about meeting emissions reduction goals.
To this end, the state has enacted new laws to help businesses become more environmentally friendly.
More ways to care for the environment while doing business
The new laws aim to limit organic waste, plastic pollution and air pollution from businesses. Among the new green laws are the following:
- SB 1383: Hotels, school districts and hospitals must reduce their organic waste by conducting food recovery and donation. Restaurants must do the same if they have a seating capacity of at least 250. The state wants to retrieve 20% of food items for donation and decrease organic waste by 75% in landfills.
- SB 343: Manufacturers of plastic products can only use the recycling logo with three arrows if their product is truly recyclable. This guarantees transparency from plastic manufacturers. It also ensures that businesses using items with the recyclable logo are really part of the sustainable circle.
- AB 1346: The state no longer allows the sale of new gas-powered lawn equipment to drastically lower fossil-fuel emissions. The banned items include leaf blowers and lawn mowers. According to the California Air Resources Board, such tools with small off-road engines release much higher emissions than passenger cars.
Those in the landscaping business may ask for assistance after California allocated $30 million to help them replace their tools. They may get rebates and grants to buy new equipment with zero emissions. This is in line with the state’s target to eliminate emissions by 2035.
Compliance is key, so is compassion for the Earth
Businesses might see the new green laws as additional burdens after securing the necessary permits to operate. Despite the additional restrictions, it’s important to remember that we all have a responsibility to steward the Earth. For businesses, it’s a win-win situation when you comply with environmental laws while still making a profit.