Members of CALPIRG’s Global Warming Solutions campaign are hitting the streets of downtown Berkeley this semester, asking business owners to pump-up their sustainability practices.  These businesses are also encouraged to sign a letter to Diane Feinstein asking her to support the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (CEJAPA).

Allie Cohen, head of the Business Letter Project, stressed the important role small businesses play in this issue. Their attitude helps determine whether the public thinks investing in green energy is practical in this volatile economy. “Some of [these businesses] are definitely going to need to makes some changes" she says, and could be wary of the costs of going green.  But Cohen and the other campaigners are showing these businesses that going green is the smart thing to do. Many businesses, both Certified Green and otherwise, are signing on to support CEJAPA and be more eco-friendly. 

Shane Mason, another contributor to the project stressed that addressing global warming is clearly beneficial to these businesses.  “There's actually a direct benefit.  If you look at the bill it says that it has an economic incentive for businesses that are green.”

In the coming weeks, the team will be presenting all the signatures they gathered from local businesses to Feinstein, so keep and eye out for that!