Is Morro Bay listening to Al Gore? 

On Feb. 25, just two weeks after the Morro Bay City Council voted to outlaw the spending of city funds to buy plastic water bottles or foam cups, the council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with San Luis Obispo Green Build and will now construct city buildings more consciously.

"We felt it was an easy way to show we are environmentally aware," said Morro Bay Mayor Janice Peters.

Now, city-funded buildings, such as the new fire station, will use sustainable building techniques that reduce construction waste, create healthier indoor environments, and minimize energy use while conserving natural resources.

The new construction practices will create more durable buildings, reduce operating costs, and support local manufacturers and suppliers of resource-efficient materials, backers say.