Californians Against Waste

California has banned 'sell by' labels on food packaging to reduce food waste and emissions, replacing them with standardized 'Best if Used By' and 'Use By' labels. The law, effective since 2024, aims to address consumer confusion caused by inconsistent date labels, which often lead to premature disposal of safe food. Similar legislation is being considered in states like New York, Illinois, and Maryland.

California has banned 'sell by' food labels to reduce confusion and food waste, replacing them with standardized 'Best if Used By' and 'Use By' labels. The law aims to clarify product quality and safety dates, with similar legislation proposed in other states like New York.

California proposes banning single-use vapes by 2028 to prevent fires from lithium batteries, with garbage companies and environmental groups supporting the measure. Opponents, including convenience store industry groups and law enforcement, argue it would drive consumers to illegal products. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, aims to promote reusable vape cartridges and has advanced to the appropriations committee.