So much—good and not-so-good—happened last year on a local, regional, national and international level when it comes to sustainability issues. An attempt to be comprehensive would be impossible in such a small space, but suffice it to say that the topics of environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social equity—the three pillars of sustainability, as outlined at the United Nations’ 2005 World Summit—got plenty of media time.

Economic sustainability got a much-needed shot in the arm early in 2013 here in California when Assembly Bill 1616—the California Homemade Food Act—took effect on Jan. 1. AB 1616 allows a cottage-food operation—a food-preparation enterprise in a private home—to prepare certain “low-risk” packaged foods requiring no refrigeration for sale to consumers. Baked goods that do not contain cream, custard or meat fillings, and granola, trail mix and popcorn are a few of the foods that qualify under the new law.

Click Here To Read More