Zooming out from the town that I live in, I’d like to talk about the unique state that I live in, the state of California. California is a major force in the United States economy, and also in the world, being the fifth largest economy in the world. Behind this economy is 3.9 million businesses, 3.5 million of them being small businesses.

However, having this huge number of businesses requires California to implement regulations. All businesses must do (and are doing) their part in order to control greenhouse gas emissions and power. The California Environmental Permitting Guide provides requirements that consider air quality, the handling/storing/disposal of hazardous materials, water quality, plant/fish/wildlife impacts, coastal development. As California is a huge agricultural producer, and home to many species of plants and animals, this is especially important: to prevent pesticides from entering rivers and streams, and make sure water is safe to drink for everyone, for example.

Businesses have been making efforts to reduce their environmental impact by changing light and water appliances to be more efficient, driving cars with alternative fuels, and eliminating unnecessary package purchasing. Doing this, 4,000 businesses have been able to reduce more than 800,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions - which is equal to planting 40,000 urban acres of trees a year for 10 years! (according to the CA Green Business Network) Also, 25,000 houses worth of energy kilowatt hours have been saved.

We, as individuals, also can work similar to businesses to control our greenhouse gas emissions and effect on the environment: using smart thermostats, low-flow toilets, more energy efficient light bulbs. In return, we become more sustainable and even can receive lower bills for water and energy. Although it will take a bit of an investment of time, work, and money, the benefits of protecting our environment are huge. Let’s look into our daily lives, and see how we can do our part!