SUSTAINABILITY
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Law protects our future Matt Salwasser Staff Writer The Global Warming Solutions Act, also known as Assembly Bill 32, became the state’s first effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when it was signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. According to a press release from the Office of the Governor on http://gov.ca.gov, the act aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in 2020, which is the equivalent to emission levels of 1990. Using a systematic introduction of regulations, the law will be go effect throughout the next several years to ensure its effectiveness by 2020. “It directed the California Air Resources Board to begin developing discrete early actions to reduce greenhouse gases while also preparing a scoping plan to identify how best to reach the 2020 limit,” the ARB Web site states. “The reduction measures to meet the 2020 target are to be adopted by the start of 2011.” Such reduction measures include the regulation of landfills, automotive fuels, refrigerants in cars, tire pressures, reduction of certain gases in consumer products and port operations. Additionally, by Jan. 1 next year, controls must be adopted in order to “achieve the
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Sustainability never tasted so good
maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective greenhouse gas emission reductions,” according to the press release.
The act aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in 2020, which is the equivalent to emission levels of 1990. While an industry-led effort to delay the regulations emerged, as well as one group’s claim that the law could cost California 485,000 jobs by 2020, the ARB claims that the law will instead create 10,000 jobs by 2020, according to The Los Angeles Times. The press release states that because of the economy, it is the world’s 12th largest emitter of carbon emissions in 2006, despite leading the U.S. in energy efficiency standard.
Reneé Villaseñor / Assistant Opinion Editor
Sarah Grieco Managing Editor Burgers and sustainability do not often go together. Many vegetarians would scoff at the mere thought of meat being an eco-friendly option. But at Burger Lounge, it attains sustainability status with its menu and atmosphere. With four locations in San Diego, Burger Lounge is the ideal place to go for those who are environmentally conscious. This casual dining joint is green certified, which means it uses energy efficient technologies. It also uses water resourcefully and utilizes both recycling and pollution prevention. The staff is mindful when using electricity and is trained to use conservation methods at the workplace. As far as the food goes, the restaurant will only use grass-fed animals for its burgers. According to the Burger Lounge Web site, using grass-fed beef not only has benefits for people, but for
the environment. It also yields a better taste and has an increased level of natural antioxidants. Now let’s get to the meat of the issue: the burgers. Burger Lounge has three different types of patties, including beef, turkey and veggie. The grassfed beef tastes much juicer than a typical burger and the turkey burger is a good lean option. But the vegetarian burger is the champion of these choices. Made with quinoa, Monterey Jack cheese and brown rice, this burger is hands down one of the tastiest veggie patties in San Diego. These burgers are huge, so it’s easy to share. For those craving something else, there are salads, chicken tenders and a variety of desserts to choose from. The menu is a bit pricier than that of a typical fast food eatery, but it’s worth the cost knowing the food comes from a sustainable place.
Invest in the future with green cars annual fuel cost. Lexus HS 250h
Fuel Economy: 35 (city) / 34 (highway) mpg Base MSRP: $34,200 Body Type: Sedan
Glen Connelly / Photo Editor
As a nonrenewable resource, fossil fuel
Amy Ebersole Assistant Features Editor
scarcity is a problem that plagues the modern world. As less becomes available, prices increase, illuminating the inevitable: The world needs to find a more resourceful way to run a car. Luckily, the car industry has been adapting to a changing world where sustainable and renewable options are becoming a priority. With the invention of hybrid electric cars, fuel efficiency has increased and amount of gas used has decreased. Here is a list of some of the leading hybrid cars in the industry. 2010 Toyota Prius Fuel Economy: 51 (city) / 48 (highway) mpg Base MSRP: $22,800
Body Type: Sedan With satisfaction ratings at 98 percent, no wonder the Toyota Prius has such as mass following. It is the only car today that gets 50 miles per gallon, making it the most fuel efficient economy car in the U.S. Honda Civic Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 40 (city) / 45 (highway) mpg Base MSRP: $22,600 Body Type: Sedan For those who want a more compact car, the Honda Civic Hybrid provides a perfect compliment of practicality and according to USA Today it is “somewhere between engaging and gorgeous.” With an estimated annual fuel cost of $714, it is only slightly more expensive than the Toyota Prius’ $600
For those looking for a luxury sedan, the Lexus HS 250h is a good alternative in keeping comfort and fuel efficiency at a maximum. The trade-off for the advanced electronic gadgetry and classy interior is that this car’s fuel efficiency isn’t as great as the Prius’. But as the first high-mileage dedicated luxury hybrid, this car keeps customers satisfied and feeling classy mile after mile. Ford Escape Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 34 (city) / 31 (highway) mpg Base MSRP: $29,300 Body Type: SUV There is still a demand for larger vehicles in suburban communities and larger families. But with the concept of the hybrid venturing into the world of SUVs, drivers can feel a little more at ease about the amount of greenhouse gasses their car is
releasing. As the most fuel-efficient SUV today, the Ford Escape Hybrid helps save money while keeping room and versatility a priority. If looking at how far the global movement toward building sustainable cars has come in the last century, one can only imagine the technological advancements and sustainability-based improvements that will be created for the cars to come. In time, it is likely that people will laugh at the obtuse idea of a car being solely reliant on something that causes so much pollution and damage to the environment. As for now, drivers can take small steps that make a huge difference by fiscally and socially supporting the movement toward a greener future of transportation. To find more information or to compare the fuel economy between cars, visit www.hybridcars.com or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site, www.epa.gov.