SIMPLE CHOICES THAT ADD UP FOR TAHOE |
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Plastic litter remains one of the most common problems our volunteers encounter around Lake Tahoe. Since 2023, Keep Tahoe Blue cleanups in Placer County have recorded 2,999 plastic bottles across 218 cleanups. That is why we backed Placer County's proposed ordinance to reduce single-use plastic water bottles, expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), and disposable plastic foodware in the eastern (Lake Tahoe) area of the County.
Eastern Placer businesses played an important role in the effort. We spoke to 100 businesses, and 46 signed a letter supporting the ordinance. Many others submitted comments, attended meetings, and shared positive feedback throughout the process. The North Tahoe Community Alliance Board, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Tahoe Water Suppliers Association, North Tahoe Public Utility District, Tahoe City Public Utility District, Sugar Bowl, Palisades Tahoe, high school students, and other residents voiced their support for the ordinance as well.
The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 against the ordinance. While this wasn't the outcome we hoped for, we are grateful to everyone who voiced their support and to the businesses already reducing unnecessary plastic waste in their daily operations. Thank you to Supervisors Cindy Gustafson, who championed this effort from the start, and Suzanne Jones, who also voted yes. Keep Tahoe Blue will continue working on practical ways to prevent litter before it reaches the Lake. |
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THREE PINES COFFEE COMPANY |
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Three Pines Coffee Co. grew from Dimas and Dina Pino's shared passion for coffee, hospitality, and community. The name is personal, too. Pino means "pine" in Spanish, and their family name inspired Three Pines, a fitting name for the shop in their South Lake Tahoe home. |
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Their business approach expresses that same connection to the Lake. Three Pines sources organic, single-origin coffee from Latin America and works with farmers who use ethical, sustainable growing practices. Inside the shop, Three Pines: -
Uses reusable serviceware for dine-in customers and staff
- Offers compostable, disposable foodware and provides to-go containers on request
- Charges for disposable cups while customers who bring their own cup avoid the fee
- Does not sell plastic water bottles
- Collects hard-to-recycle items through Ridwell
As a Tahoe Blue Business, Three Pines also donates 10% of profits from its Keep Tahoe Blue Matcha to support our Lake-saving work. The team is taking steps to form its own Tahoe Blue Crew. Together, these choices help reduce waste and make it easier for customers to shrink their own impact. |
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Local jewelry designer Debbie Lopker created Lopker Love around pieces that reflect the places and landscapes that inspire her. For her Lake Tahoe collection, that inspiration comes directly from the Lake. The collection includes three handcrafted earring styles reflective of Tahoe's distinctive outline, blue water, and surrounding landscape. Each design gives customers a wearable connection to the place behind the jewelry.
As a Tahoe Blue Business, Lopker Love also gives back through every sale. Debbie donates $3 from each pair of Lake Tahoe earrings sold to support Keep Tahoe Blue's work protecting the Lake.
That connection between design, place, and giving back makes the Tahoe Blue Business partnership a natural fit. Customers can choose something inspired by Tahoe while also helping protect the Lake that inspired it. |
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OUR TAHOE BLUE BUSINESS PROGRAM |
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Protecting Lake Tahoe takes all of us, and businesses play a powerful role in that effort. Our Tahoe Blue Business program brings together local leaders who are committed to doing business in a way that supports the Lake, the community, and the visitor experience. From small operational changes to larger community initiatives, every action adds up.
No matter the size or industry, there are many ways to get involved. And when businesses step up, the impact reaches far beyond their doors.
Join a growing network of partners working together to protect Lake Tahoe for future generations. |
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