The Murphy oil site in West Adams, LA, sits as close as 200 feet from homes and playgrounds. Sarah Craig / Faces of Fracking / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
By Kelly Trout
California Gov. Jerry Brown is gearing up to host leaders from state, tribal, and local governments, business and citizens from around the world at a Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco this September. His goal is to "inspire deeper commitments" in support of the Paris agreement goals. He has emphasized that, on climate, "so far the response is not adequate to the challenge" and "no nation or state is doing what they should be doing."
<p>A <a href="http://priceofoil.org/2018/05/22/skys-limit-california-oil-production-paris-climate-goals" target="_blank">new report</a> released by Oil Change International in partnership with 14 other environmental justice and climate groups shows that California will fall short of its own commitment to climate leadership unless it embarks on a managed phase-out of its oil and gas production. If Gove. Brown is serious about marshaling a response that is adequate to the challenge, he must take steps to limit fossil fuel production as part of California's suite of climate policies.</p><p>Here's what we lay out:</p><h3>Climate Leadership is Being Redefined</h3><p>The science tells us that climate safety requires rapid decarbonization within a few decades. Our previous <a href="http://priceofoil.org/2016/09/22/the-skys-limit-report/" target="_blank">analysis</a> has shown that fossil fuel projects already operating or under construction across the world contain more oil, gas and coal than the world can afford to burn under the Paris goals. It follows that any action that enables new fossil fuel production and infrastructure is incompatible with the Paris goals. Climate leadership requires <a href="http://priceofoil.org/2017/11/01/whats-the-plan/" target="_blank">managing</a> a just and equitable transition off fossil fuel production. As the global <a href="http://www.lofotendeclaration.org/" target="_blank">Lofoten Declaration</a> underscores, wealthy fossil fuel producers like California have a responsibility to <a href="http://priceofoil.org/2018/04/12/ready-set-go/" target="_blank">move first</a>.</p>
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNzcyMzE0Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTcwNzgzN30.ERByFV8rXAxU-i4C41-_EWGOxTwMO1jkzaSk_We7V60/img.png?width=980" id="16ad4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="38c93e9471ac991014b699d59d32b11b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Developed Fossil Fuel Reserves, Compared to Carbon Budgets for Likely Chance of 2°C and Medium Chance of 1.5°C.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Rystad Energy, International Energy Agency, World Energy Council, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Oil Change International analysis.</small></p>
<h3>California Has No Plan for a Just Transition Off Oil Extraction</h3><p>If you don't live in the heavy extraction zones of California—centered in Kern and LA Counties—you may not know that California is a top oil producer in the U.S., and has been for over a century. Under the Brown administration, the state has issued more than 20,000 new permits for drilling to oil companies, enabling the industry to keep tapping more fossil fuels.</p>
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNzcyMzAwNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzM4Nzk3Mn0.RHpA0qUt0pAA7yx8SrTRorzDx_mUQwV1p3AuJSOMM1w/img.jpg?width=980" id="7dbe7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6691c8377c4e0f6c3f3f1752435cbfaa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">The Kern River oil field in Kern County is one of California's largest. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Antandrus / Wikipedia / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></small></p>
<p>California currently has no policy in place to manage its own transition off oil extraction. This is not only inconsistent with the Paris goals, but exacerbates environmental injustice. A significant portion of extraction is occurring directly in and around neighborhoods—and disproportionately in communities of color.<br></p><h3>California Can Ramp Down its Oil Extraction in a Climate-Safe and Equitable Way</h3><p>Our <a href="http://priceofoil.org/2018/05/22/skys-limit-california-oil-production-paris-climate-goals" target="_blank">new report</a> examines straightforward policy steps California can take to limit new production and begin a managed ramp-down of existing oil and gas wells. If California takes these steps, it would become the first major oil and gas producing jurisdiction to do so, setting a global precedent for climate leadership for others around the world to emulate.</p><p><strong>1. Cease issuing permits for new oil and gas extraction wells.</strong></p><p>We show that the permitting of new oil and gas extraction wells in California could enable 560 million barrels of new oil production from 2019 through 2030, which would dig the world into a deeper carbon hole at a time when we need to be winding down the fossil fuel industry instead. This new production could lead to more than 360 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, increasing emissions associated with California oil production by 55 percent over the next 12 years. By ceasing such permits, California would limit new fossil fuel production, as required by the Paris goals.</p><p><strong>2. Implement a statewide health and safety buffer zone in which existing wells are phased out as quickly as possible.</strong></p><p>In partnership with the <a href="https://www.fractracker.org/2018/04/ca-escape-oil-and-gas-pollution/" target="_blank">FracTracker Alliance</a>, we found that nearly 8,500 active oil and gas wells across California operate within 2,500 feet of homes, schools and hospitals—a proximity linked to the greatest exposure to toxic air pollution. These wells, which are disproportionately located in some of the state's most polluted communities, were responsible for 12 percent of statewide oil production in 2016. STAND-L.A., an <a href="http://www.stand.la/" target="_blank">alliance of environmental justice groups</a>, is calling for a setback law in the city of LA that would phase out operation of wells within 2,500 feet of sensitive areas. Enacting a similar policy statewide would begin a proactive managed decline of existing extraction in a way that prioritizes the health of historically overburdened communities.</p>
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNzcyMjk1My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzcyMTczN30.eNHjFqi2Oa8RuUt7V3niWy1Sgktak7JdEVxOhf0COgg/img.png?width=980" id="8edc0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bcb321303b0c18a52c2107383c91e5fd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Projected California Oil Production with and without New Wells and a 2,500' Health Buffer Zone, 2019-2030.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Oil Change International and FracTracker Alliance analysis, using historical data from the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources and DrillingInfo</small></p>
<p><strong>3. Develop a plan for the managed decline of California's entire fossil fuel sector as part of the state's climate initiatives.</strong><br></p><p>All in all, the oil production avoided by halting new well permits combined with phasing out wells within 2,500 feet of sensitive areas could total 660 million barrels from 2019 through 2030. To put this amount in context, meeting Gov. Brown's goal to reduce oil use in cars and trucks by 50 percent by 2030 would save about 430 million barrels of oil over the next 12 years, compared to reference-case projections. If California does not limit production, it could add a greater amount of new oil supply to the market, undermining the effectiveness of demand-side measures. Ultimately, California should "<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-018-2162-x" target="_blank">cut with both arms of the scissors</a>"—acting aggressively to reduce oil supply, consumption and related infrastructure like refineries and export terminals together—to maximize the effectiveness of its climate policies.</p><p><strong>4. Develop a just transition plan that protects people whose livelihoods are affected by the economic shift.</strong></p><p>Leadership in managing the decline of fossil fuel production must include a commitment to a just transition. This means providing decent work and social protection to workers and communities affected by the shift to a climate-safe economy, and investing in their vision of a brighter future.</p><p>The groundwork for a just transition must be laid through a process of democratic social dialogue and planning between employers, workers, unions, frontline communities and organizations, and local and state agencies. To facilitate this planning process, we recommend that California establish a Just Transition Task Force.</p><p>Implementing a just transition plan will also require significant dedicated resources. We propose one solution for raising funds from the oil industry itself: A 5 to 10 percent Just Transition Fee on the value of oil production could generate $3.5 to $6.9 billion in revenue from 2019 through 2030. These funds, to be dedicated exclusively to just transition needs, could cover basic social protection costs for workers like wage replacement and college tuition before phasing out with the decline of extraction.</p><h3>Californian Leadership is Needed Now</h3><p>As Gov. Brown has acknowledged, the world currently faces a dangerous gap between the ambition of current pledges and action, and what's required to meet the Paris goals. California would set an urgently needed example of global leadership by becoming the first major oil and gas producer to establish policies to phase out its oil production in line with climate limits. Such policies would also help protect the health of local communities in California being unfairly harmed by extraction now.</p><p>Gov. Brown can act: The state has clear regulatory authority both to stop issuing permits for new wells and to institute a health and safety buffer zone. California has the resources and moral responsibility to act. Now, will Gov. Brown and other state leaders show the political resolve to act—to say "no" to oil and gas company plans and show the world how to manage a fair and equitable transition away from oil extraction?</p><p> <em>Reposted with permission from our media associate </em><em><a href="http://priceofoil.org/2018/05/22/will-governor-brown-plug-dangerous-hole-california-climate-action/" target="_blank">Oil Change International</a>.</em></p>
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Avocado
Increased consumer interest in sustainability has largely driven the expansion of new organic product lines. It's this combination of consumer consciousness and evolved eco-friendly products that has people searching for the best organic mattress.
But there are many brands in this space. We wanted to take a closer look at the Avocado mattress and explore what makes it such a popular pick in the eco-market.
<h2>What should I look for when buying an organic mattress?<br/></h2><p>Whether it's an <a href="http://avocadomattress.n5ka.net/nrJ1V" target="_blank">Avocado mattress</a> or another product from a reputable manufacturer, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase.</p><p>The first thing to know is that accreditation gets a little fuzzy. </p><p>The reality is that not all mattresses claiming to be "natural" or even "organic" will qualify for an official organic label from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). </p><p>In order to do so, mattresses must be made up of 95% certified organic materials. </p><p>In addition, no harmful chemicals can be used in the processing or production of the mattress, which is considered a complex finished textile product. </p><p>As you research, you may find that some mattress manufacturers will call their products "organic" because they use a smattering of organic products—but not enough to carry the USDA seal, a practice that's known as "greenwashing."</p><p>To find a mattress that has been certified organic, you'll want to look for accreditations like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzAwNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzOTcwOTM1MH0.LFqDzobbjsMxHhtZv3MQ9iOvBSxDwEQF840cDR8Ze9Y/img.png?width=980" id="5dcba" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="47f0b3694c23691bb74eb2e4329e6271" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><p><br/></p><p>You can also look for the GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) logo.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzAxMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzIxMzkwOX0.TQWz8NDTzRpr4Q0sDssTj9r1BwV4cRNbgiGtn9wjWrA/img.jpg?width=980" id="73347" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1952e84d562c83064655dd296fdd14aa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><p>These two standards help to uphold the 95% organic rule.<br/></p><p><span></span>Once you're squared away with certifications, the rest of the buying process is similar to purchasing a traditional mattress. </p><p>First, you'll want to find one that satisfies your desired level of comfort.<br/></p><p>As a rule, many organic mattresses tend to be a bit stiffer, so testing its firmness—either before purchase or during a trial period after you get it home—is in your best interest. </p><p>Lastly, as with most purchases—especially in the organic space—cost is a factor. A goal of bringing home the best eco-friendly mattress money can buy can price some consumers out of the organic market entirely.</p><h2>What makes Avocado the most popular organic mattress?</h2><p>There are two groups that most people will turn to while researching a product: Expert reviewers and fellow consumers. When it comes to picking the best organic mattress, both the pundits and verified customers agree that an Avocado mattress is at or near the top of the list.</p><p><a href="https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/mattress/avocado" target="_blank">U.S. News & World Report recently gave Avocado the nod</a> in the categories of best mattress, best for back pain, best for stomach sleepers, best firm mattress and best hybrid mattress, citing its ability to provide a more restful night's sleep.</p><p>Avocado mattresses were also named best healthy mattress and <a href="https://www.health.com/home/healthy-home-awards" target="_blank">best organic mattress in Health.com's Healthy Home Awards</a>, <a href="https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/best-mattress-in-a-box" target="_blank">best mattress in a box for the environmentally conscious by <em>Shape </em>magazine</a> and <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g29892090/best-mattresses/" target="_blank">best organic mattress by <em>Good Housekeeping</em></a>.</p><p><span></span>The brand has also received a <a href="https://help.avocadogreenmattress.com/en_us/can-you-show-me-your-aca-certification-SJOs16UED" target="_blank">certificate of endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association</a>, been <a href="https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/consumer-reports/" target="_blank">consistently lauded by <em>Consumer Reports</em></a> and touts <a href="https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/natural-mattress-reviews/" target="_blank">more than 18,000 5-star reviews</a> from real Avocado mattress customers.</p><h3>Corporate Stewardship</h3><p>Peeling the curtain back on the company's operations and mission, it's easy to see why so many people consider Avocado to be the best organic mattress.</p><p>The brand's products are American-made, designed in Hoboken, New Jersey, and manufactured by hand in Los Angeles. </p><p>Its factories are powered by renewable energy, and Avocado ethically harvests wool for products from sheep that it raises while also producing its own natural latex.</p><p>It's because of that commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices that the Avocado mattress became the first in the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. And earlier this year, the company announced that it now offsets more carbon than it generates. </p><p>It's also important to mention that <a href="http://avocadomattress.n5ka.net/MG32K" target="_blank">Avocado is certified organic by the USDA</a>.</p><p>With a goal of not only providing superior products that promote healthy sleep, Avocado also believes in the power of sustainability and social responsibility—a belief it backs up by donating 1% of all revenues to environmental nonprofits</p><h3><span></span>Quality Products</h3>
<p>Beyond just its top-selling mattress, Avocado manufacturers ancillary bedroom products like bed frames, dressers and end tables.</p><h2>Do I pay more for an organic mattress?</h2><p>Like any consumer good, organic mattresses come in a variety of price points based on size, comfort level, materials used and amenities. However, generally speaking, you will pay more for an eco-friendly mattress than you might for a traditional mattress. </p><h2>What am I paying for with an organic mattress?<br/></h2><p>Perhaps the biggest reason why someone would purchase an organic mattress is because of its sustainability. </p><p>According to a survey covered in <em>Forbes</em>, more than three-quarters of all participants said they <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2019/07/23/77-of-people-want-to-learn-how-to-live-more-sustainably/" target="_blank">wanted to learn more about sustainable lifestyles</a>. And for at least some of those people, supporting the environment meant altering their habits of consumption. </p><p>Further, statistics show a substantial cross-section of consumers across various age ranges who are even <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/228380/people-who-pay-more-for-eco-friendly-products-and-services/" target="_blank">willing to pay more for eco-friendly products and services</a>.</p><p>One of the reasons why someone might be willing to pay more to purchase the best organic mattress is for their own safety. </p><p>Products treated with harsh or toxic chemicals can contaminate the air we breathe, a particularly troubling hazard considering <a href="https://www.reference.com/world-view/percentage-average-human-s-life-spent-sleeping-3b3e05c6a8925081" target="_blank">we spend about one-third of our lives in bed</a>. To make matters worse, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air can be as much as <a href="https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality" target="_blank">five times more polluted than outdoor air</a>.</p><p>There's also the <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/best-organic-mattresses" target="_blank">durability factor of a certified organic mattress</a>, writes SleepFoundation.org. Compared to an organic mattress, there could be several years difference in how long a traditional mattress lasts before wear and tear or loss of support forces a replacement purchase. And because an organic mattress has high-quality materials that maintain its support and shape, you're likely to report better sleep patterns for longer.</p><h2>Final Thoughts on Avocado</h2><p>If your quest to find the best organic mattress has led you to Avocado, it's a good place to start. The brand has a verifiable commitment to sustainability, uses natural and non-toxic materials, and even donates a share of its revenues to nonprofits with a similar mission and vision. </p><p>Whatever direction you go in for your next purchase, we encourage you to think about how your purchases impact the world. Small choices over time add up, and we can all shop a little smarter.</p>
Avocado Vegan Mattress
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzAzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNDkwMDMyMX0.zu1arLxCzFa1-qq7Lg_nJMSuyqvxC6DIx715xpqmQqs/img.jpg?width=980" id="54fb0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0720ceac909ef550c9bb977027ae721b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>GOLS organic certified latex</li><li>GOTS organic certified cotton</li><li>1,000+ pocketed support coils </li><li>No polyurethane foams, polyester, or toxic fire retardants</li><li>Replaces all cotton with wool</li><li>Vegan certified</li><li>PETA-approved</li></ul>
$899
Alpaca Wool Plush Mattress Topper
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzA4MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NzMwNTI5OH0.LEx4dUTi1np_XCFc1taoy9y3Wgu43HoWF3p0Q1PITPY/img.jpg?width=980" id="bff7b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="165eaa5fed1d9c5f64cc03b51c9e147d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>Certified organic and natural materials</li><li>Natural alpaca and GOTS organic certified wool and cotton</li><li>Soft, plush feel that's more "luxurious" than most common products</li><li>Elastic straps to hold it in place</li></ul>
$449
Avocado Green Pill
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzMwMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjY3NTczMn0.GynsxBf0E3Nvl0192XtWsB9-JrKywFLT7UhSwkX_VXw/img.jpg?width=980" id="a9604" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="29f27629674202517662576d32a7d547" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>GOLS organic certified latex and GOTS organic certified kapok</li><li>Organic jersey cotton liner that's machine washable </li><li>GOTS organic certified quilted cotton cover</li><li>GREENGUARD Gold certified, vegan, and handmade in Los Angeles</li></ul>
$89
Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzExOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODE2Njc0OX0.6e0zVUOdjW0FuEC3tPvpBOvil1gN8CE3teZ8VVnwTDE/img.jpg?width=980" id="11382" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="091acb792fe57f4663a76438044b9e74" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>GOTS organic certified Indian Suvin Cotton</li><li>1,000 thread count per inch weave </li><li>Sateen finish</li></ul>
$349
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