California, despite being the most densely populated states in the US (and therefore one of the country’s largest consumers of energy), has one of the smallest per capita uses of energy. This is mainly a result of it’s strong environmental movement.
Since the establishment of the California Environmental Protection Agency, many of the set out targets for the regulation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, waste reduction, sustainable power and fuel sources have been met. Some of these are: regulations for reduction of air pollution with lowered carbon content of state transportation fuels, high energy efficient investments, efficiency of water use and conservation, and increased focus on forest protection. One of the most outstanding achievements has been in waste management, as the state’s waste has been reduced by 50% in recent years, as a result of recycling and reuse.
Apart from concentrating on the reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emission, California has also come up with various incentives to promote increased use of green technologies with the introduction of Green Tax Incentives (energy and pollution control tax incentives) and credits to business that use eco friendly products. These solutions can be the development of own power sources, purchasing of more efficient office equipment and alternatively powered vehicles, recycling programs, and the use of renewable raw materials and supplies.
California seems to have taken a very smart and successful approach to promoting eco-friendliness, by showing that people can benefit from these solutions not only by protecting their environment, but in the long-run, financially too. It may be a cliche, but it’s also realistic to say: money matters.
