Thanks for Joining Us for Plastic Free July 2023!

Thanks for Joining Us for Plastic Free July 2023!
This summer, the Ecology Center celebrated Plastic Free July with a month filled with dynamic events and engaging educational content. Over the course of five remarkable events we connected with more than 300 community members, volunteers, and supporters as we explored the many opportunities to address the problems with plastics. We are grateful to have… Read more »

Help Desk’s Top 5 Most Interesting Questions of 2022

Two Ecology Center Staff at a farmers market tabling event.
Climate change is here, its effects are overwhelming and at times can leave one feeling hopeless. Through these difficult times, the Help Desk team finds solace in your passion for doing right by your community. From greywater installation to information on recycling systems, our Help Desk team is thrilled to have answered questions covering a… Read more »

SB 1383 Implementation is Here, What Does that Mean for You?

Compost on the Facility Dirt Floor: Image is of food scrapes, wet paper and plastic film bags that contaminate the compost.
A Look at Curbside Compost Having answered over 350 questions in 2022 so far through our Help Desk, we are well aware of our Berkeley community’s dedication to proper waste sorting. With inquiries ranging from where to drop off an old microwave to how to sort soiled cardboard, your thoughtful questions do make a difference.… Read more »

It’s Official! CA SB 54—California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act—is California Law

It's Official! CA SB 54—California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act—is California Law
Yesterday SB 54 was signed into law establishing one of the world’s largest Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. The law has a special focus on reducing plastic waste and its harm to communities and the environment. This bill is also among the most far-reaching in its control over the plastic packaging industry. “As the nation’s… Read more »

To Shop with the Planet In Mind, You Need to Buy From a Store that Sources that Way Too

To Shop with the Planet In Mind, You Need to Buy From a Store that Sources that Way Too
We are becoming increasingly aware that plastic never goes away. In fact, the U.S. is ranked #1 in plastic waste generation globally.¹ Did you know that plastics poison our food chain, threaten wildlife, and affect human health? As the facts pile up, we all need to be avoiding non-recyclable materials such as items wrapped in… Read more »