We want to thank all of our friends and stakeholders for your continued support for California's environment and for Californians Against Waste.

Among our priorities in 2008:

• Reduce the proliferation of plastic litter and waste in the environment through new state and local policies on takeout food packaging, including restrictions on PVC and Polystyrene.
• Expanding California's e-waste policy to reduce toxics and increase opportunities and incentives for recycling.
• California's ambitious effort to combat climate change and reduce GHG emissions will require that we substantially reduce waste beyond our existing goals. But if we are to be successful, we need to shift from the 'back end' focus and burden on local governments, to proven 'front end' producer responsibility strategies aimed at source reduction and market development, as well as recycling.

And as always, we welcome your advice and assistance in identifying problems that need our attention and solutions that need to be brought to the attention of policy makers. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me any time.

It's an ambitious agenda, but with your help I'm confident we can be successful. Please help us fulfill this agenda by going here now!

With your help in 2007, we've accomplished a great deal, including:

• Implementation (finally) of a Nickel and Dime Refund Value on Beverage Containers. Already in the first half of 2007, recycling rates have jumped more than 6%.
• Implementation of E-waste Take-back and Recycling Efforts. California continues to lead the nation in addressing this emerging issue.
• Implementation of Statewide Grocery Bag Reuse and Recycling program. Retailers report that they are using tens of thousands of fewer plastic bags thanks to this effort.
• Passage of groundbreaking legislation to increase energy efficiency and reduce hazardous materials in today's lighting.
• Success in having recycling and composting recognized as priority greenhouse gas reduction measures in the State’s climate change efforts.

But there is still much more that needs to be done and CAW is already committed to an ambitious agenda for 2008. As you contemplate your giving plans in the new year, I do hope that you will consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support our work. We've tried to make it as easy as possible to make your contribution online by clicking here.

Keep up to date on our agenda and accomplishments by looking through and coming back to our website.

Thank you,

Mark Murray
Executive Director

P.S. Remember, your gift to Californians Against Waste Foundation will not only be put to good use to keep our state green, but it's tax deductible as well!