The crunchy California is trying to keep off soda, but with nothing so harsh as a ban. Instead, they’re going for a more gentle approach. New York City has made headlines recently for its planned ban on big sodas, but Mayor Bloomberg is not alone in his crusade against fizzy drinks. Marin County, California--home of wealthy, outdoorsy hippies--announced this month the return of its annual Soda-Free Summer campaign, which implores the locals to replace sugary beverages with less exciting alternatives like water and milk. Marin isn’t seeking a legal ban on soda, but it has put up a cheerful website with tip sheets, activity packets for (including the Sugar Savvy Maze, where sugary drinks are dead ends), and materials featuring Potter the Otter, a cartoon otter that teaches the benefits of drinking water.Read Full Story