Climate Change & Fires | Discreet Solar: Golden State Goes Green

CALIFORNIA — California is one of the most environmentally-friendly states in the U.S. This month, Impossible Burger received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use a color additive that gives the burger a "beef-like" look, a California company got the rights to install a new type of custom solar panel that blends into the roof, and Santa Cruz County banned single-use water bottles.

California makes strides to become more environmentally-friendly on a daily basis. Here are some stories about how the Golden State is going green:

Most Californians Worry About Wildfires Due To Climate Change
The figures were published in a new report released by the Public Policy Institute of California.

We’re Choking On Plastic: CA Must Lead On Reducing Use (Opinion)

GUEST COMMENTARY: Bills by Sen. Ben Allen of Santa Monica and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego offer a comprehensive approach.

New Technology Makes Solar Panels Blend Into Roof
SolarSkin can be matched to any roof design, logo or print, while making the solar panels underneath more durable to extreme conditions.

Impossible Burger May Come To Local Markets
With FDA approval on the coloring, the veggie burger taking the alternative foods market by storm may mean an easy trip to the store.

Santa Cruz Co. Bans Single-use Plastic Water Bottles
The ban was on the heels of an announcement this week from RePlanet Buyback Center that it is shuttering all its locations

Livermore Couple's $2.055B Award Against Monsanto Reduced To $87M
Alva and Alberta Pilliod of Livermore won their case against Monsanto in May, but now their jury award has been significantly reduced.

Malibu To Host Surf Gear Swap To Reduce Waste, Plastic Pollution
Come buy, sell, trade or donate surfboards, boogie boards & other beach-related items. Proceeds will go toward the Malibu Sharks Surf Team.

Watch Weed-Munching Goats Get To Work In Palos Verdes
About 400 goats are working to clear mustard, acacia and other hazardous brush from 20 acres of Palos Verdes Estates parkland.

Wildlife Protection Grants Awarded To Watsonville, Santa Cruz
The grants were awarded for three local projects and are to be used for the protection, restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat.

Santa Cruz Water Woes Highlighted In New Sustainability Plan
Overpumping of the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin has resulted in a water deficit and seawater intrusion.

Here's A Tip To Go Green: If you're looking to reduce your waste and lead a more sustainable life, consider swapping out some of your chemical cleaning products for more natural alternatives.

According to the nonprofit organization Green America, swapping your cleaning products with these 10 natural products will allow you to clean "just about anything." Here are 10 greener alternatives and what they:

1. White vinegar: An antifungal that also kills germs and bacteria.
2. Baking soda: Eliminates odors and works as a gentle scouring powder.
3. Borax: Eliminates odors, removes dirt, and acts as an antifungal and possible disinfectant.
4. Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration): A great nontoxic bleach and stain remover, as well as a proven disinfectant.
5. Club soda (fresh): A stain remover and polisher.
6. Lemon juice: A pleasant-smelling nontoxic bleach, grease-cutter, and stain remover.
7. Liquid castile soap: An all-purpose cleaner, grease-cutter, and disinfectant.
8. Corn meal: Great at absorbing carpet spills.
9. Olive oil: Makes a wonderful furniture polish.
10. Pure essential oils: Adding all-natural, organic essential oils to your cleaning concoctions can add wonderful scents to your housekeeping endeavors.

To learn how to incorporate these ingredients into your cleaning routine, visit Green America.