Author Event: A Different Kind of Luxury with Andy Couturier

On Thursday, March 18, at the Ecology Center, author and photographer Andy Couturier will discuss his new book of profiles of people living simple, sustainable, extraordinary lives in rural Japan. The newly published A Different Kind of Luxury: Japanese Lessons in Simple Living and Inner Abundance lets readers feel the flavor and texture of the lives of a number of fascinating farmers, artists, philosophers and craftspeople who've chosen lives of reduced consumption and increased satisfaction. Event will include slide show and Q&A. Click here for more details.

Annie Leonard discusses The Story of Stuff

We have a problem with stuff. With just 5 percent of the world’s population, we’re consuming 30 percent of the world’s resources and creating 30 percent of the world’s waste. This alarming fact drove Annie Leonard to create the Internet film sensation The Story of Stuff, and now she’s written a book of the same name, which digs deeper into the story of the stuff we use every day—where it comes from, how it is produced, distributed, and consumed, and where it goes when we throw it out. Leonard will be discussing her new book at Books Inc. in Berkeley on Wednesday, March 17th. Click here for more details.

Ecology Center’s 40th Anniversary: Earth Day 2010!

On April 22, 1970, both the Ecology Center and the Earth Day movement were born. On April 22, 2010 we will gather with our friends, enjoy delicious food and wine, and celebrate all that we have achieved. More importantly, we will look to the future and hear visions for what the next 40 years may hold. We hope that you will spend Earth Day with us at our Anniversary Benefit Event. Click here to learn more. Tickets go on sale March 15th.

Berkeley’s Green Scorecard Website

The City of Berkeley launched Berkeley See-It — an interactive web-based tool today that presents scorecards on local sustainability trends such as annual energy use, waste disposal, and tree planting in our community. The website gives residents easy access relevant, up-to-date information about Berkeley’s progress toward its climate action goals. And it provides a forum for questions and feedback regarding implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The Ecology Center has contributed statistics to this great new tool. Note: the website loads slowly, but it’s worth the wait!

Sign Up for a Climate Change Action Workshop Series

The Ecology Center’s Climate Change Action Project helps neighbors, families, co-workers, friends, and other groups to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Through a series of free workshops, the center offers tips and ideas for how each of us can significantly downsize our carbon footprints and save money at the same time. Click here to learn more about this fun project.

Climate Action Workshop Series at the Ecology Center:

• Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm: March 23, 30, April 6, 13

Climate Action Workshop Series at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists (1924 Cedar St @ Bonita):

• Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm: March 18, 25, April 1, 8

Join a group hosted by the Ecology Center, invite us to facilitate a group at your workplace or in your community, or get trained to lead your own group. Write to debra@ecologycenter.org or call 510-548-2220 x240 to sign up.

Support Berkeley’s Proposed Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance

On February 23rd, the proposed Berkeley Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance will be introduced at the City Council meeting as an "Action Item." Click here to learn more about the proposed ordinance or to take action to support this important step toward Zero Waste and the protection of our shores, waterways, and wildlife. [Photo: Sascha W.]

Berkeley Farmers' Markets First in the U.S. to Eliminate Plastic Bags and Packaging

Starting on Earth Day, the Ecology Center's Berkeley Farmers' Markets have been eliminating all plastic bags and packaging from their three weekly markets, making them the first in the nation to do so. The goal of our "Zero Waste" campaign is to remove, reduce, and recycle plastic and to recycle and compost all materials generated at the markets. Read more about our campaign and the press it has been receiving.

West Side Organics: Fresh Food Justice in Berkeley

For many in the Bay Area, it can take a whole paycheck to shop at Whole Foods. Reporter Diana Montaño interviews Farm Fresh Choice staffers in West Berkeley, where the Ecology Center food justice program is making sure residents have access to fresh and organic fruit and veggies at an affordable price. Listen to Montaño’s radio report, which aired on 510report.org and KALX.