Clean Ocean List | Cardboard Comeback: Golden State Going Green

CALIFORNIA — California is one of the most environmentally-friendly states in the U.S. Here are some stories about how the Golden State is going green:

302 Local Businesses Make Santa Cruz's 'Clean Ocean' List
The businesses adopt practices that keep pollutants away from both storm drains and the sewer system, according to the city.

Impossible Foods Makes Beef-Like Veggie Burgers Possible
Impossible Foods staged an open house Thursday that welcomed U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Cardboard Makes A Comeback In Watsonville Strawberry Industry

The packaging decision will ultimately lie with consumers and whether they are willing to pay higher prices for berries sold in cardboard.

New Study Says Many Californians Don’t Have Clean Drinking Water

A California Healthline analysis of data revealed that in 12 California counties more than 10% of residents have unsafe tap water.

Cigarette Butts Are The Worst Ocean Contaminant: Report
Cigarette butts have long been the single most collected item on beaches, according to a report.

Ex-Con, Livermore's Vericool Founder, Gets 'Business Of Year' Nod
While Vericool is a very interesting company, founder Darrell Jobe is equally intriguing.

Construction On AVHS's Eco-Friendly Solar Parking Lot To Begin
Work is expected to be completed in October, but PUSD officials said they are looking for ways to expedite construction.

COAST Open Streets Event Returns To Santa Monica
Enjoy two miles of car-free streets, with roaming musicians, activities, classes and a pageant to show off unique transportation creations.

New Roads Middle School Team Wins 'Streets To Seas' Competition
The team came up with an innovative way to study water usage on campus and created an incentive program to help reduce water waste.

Watsonville's Ban On Plastics, Foam Ware Sets New High Standard
"Biodegradable and compostable food service ware is the most responsible and sustainable choice for the community and environment."

Natural Bridges State Beach In Santa Cruz: One Of CA's Cleanest
Heal the Bay put Natural Bridges on its "honor roll," but Santa Cruz's Cowell Beach was cited as one of the state's most polluted.

New Environmental Review Underway For Tri-Valley Mining Operation
The proposed changes at Eliot Quarry could potentially impact water quality, or have other significant environmental repercussions.

Summer Soap Making Classes In The Historic Alba Schoolhouse
Check out the latest community post from one of your neighbors. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

If you're looking to reduce your waste and lead a more sustainable life, here are five tips from Dan Jacobson from the environmental advocacy organization Environment California:

1. Bring your reusable bag and mug while out and about (yes, even for boba tea!);
2. Plant bee- and butterfly-friendly flowers in your garden;
3. Drive less — walk, bike and take public transportation when possible;
4. Conserve water — rethink your lawn, and plant drought-resistant plants; and
5. Organize a river, creek or beach clean-up near you.