More changes coming

As if we didn't have enough to worry about with the budget and healthcare, a report on what climate change will mean to California warns that we mustn't forget climate change. Even if all the measures to control greenhouse gas emissions are taken, the gases already circulating in our atmosphere will remain for 100 years of more. California must prepare for higher temperatures, eroding coastlines, and water shortages. The California Natural Resources Agency has released the draft report. A final report is expected in the fall. Now is the time to think about lifestyle changes Californians will need to take to conserve water supplies and to reduce the amount of money spent on rescuing homeowners who insist on building in areas threatened by floods and coastal erosion. Being a good citizen means more than just voting in elections, it means being willing to give up some of our habits to ensure that our neighbors and our children will be able to enjoy California as much as we do.

Taking out the garbage

San Francisco has its challenges, and now it seems that garbage is one of them. Many of us in the city have been separating garbage into blue, black or green bins for years now, but this has not been done all over the city. Now a strict new law will make it mandatory for everyone to participate in this recycling effort. If this system is successful it will cut down on San Francisco's production of greenhouses gases and make the environment better for all of us. Speaking as one who has sorted garbage for several years now, I must admit there are still questions that come up--where do milk cartons go? what about light bulbs? which kind of bulb? Citizens will get new lists of types of materials suitable for each bin, but be prepared for a few kitchen table arguments, especially with children, about exactly where each item belongs. Don't worry! San Franciscans can cope with earthquakes and mudslides, so we can surely overcome the garbage problem. And it feels so good to get it right!