Did you know that AB32 and recycling are the two most important ingredients in California’s recipe for a green economic recovery? According to Californians Against Waste,  AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act fuels green growth. Currently, there are 500,000 jobs in the green jobs sector, which 3.8% of California's total employment and quarter of these green jobs (approximately 125,000) can be attributed to recycling.

For low-income communities of color, one key piece of this study is the role of the California Conservation Corps (CCC).  These programs focus on recycling as a main component of their training. CCC's support members who are former foster youth, formerly incarcerated, currently and formerly homeless folks, high school drop outs and recovering addicts. These programs give trainees opportunities to obtain a career that provides for themselves, their families and clean our environment at the same time.

I hope that this new information, demonstrating the importance of AB 32 and green economic growth will lead to even more programs such as CCC which build green pathways from poverty for Californians who need them most.

Read the Report Showing that Recycling, AB 32 Are Driving Green Jobs In CA

Chris Reyes is the Statewide Organizer of the Green Collar Jobs Campaign at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and a middle school basketball coach.