Two Environmental Success Stories

From the L.A. Times:

1. Californians Now Recycle Half of Their Trash. The state passed a law in 1989 mandating that 50% of our trash be recycled by 2000. It took us until last year to do it, but I think it's pretty remarkable that we got it done at all. This is the sort of thing that takes a concerted effort by all segments of society: households, businesses, construction, etc., but it wouldn't have come through without the law mandating it. Efforts like this need the framework and critical mass provided by the law; only a few people are going to recycle if it means having to haul empty bottles and newspapers to a recycling plant, but if the city provides a recycling bin and pickup service, then just about everybody will do it. As a result of these efforts, no new landfills have opened in California in a decade.

2. Bolsa Chica Wetlands and the Pacific Meet Again. The many years of hard work by community environmental groups has paid off as they've restored the tidal action to the Bolsa Chica wetlands. With so much development around, it's heartening to see some critical land not just being preserved but even being restored to its natural state.