Winter 2006 Newsletter

Dear Ecology Center members and friends,

We're happy to bring you another Ecology Center newsletter, providing you with ideas for sustainable living and an update on our work. The Ecology Center has provided free, non-commercial information to the public since 1969. We help people make informed choices about issues that affect them, others, and the planet. To this end, we make the Eco-Calendar, the Eco-Directory, and this Newsletter accessible and free to all. Please support us and the services we provide by becoming a member. Visit our website at http://ecologycenter.org/donate/

In this issue:

1. EcoHouse's Wetlands/Greywater System Passes Code and Breaks Ground
2. Ecology Center calls for Moratorium on Bio-Plastic Bottles
3. West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs Challenges Pacific Steel
4. Guide for an Eco-Friendlier Holiday Season
5. Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters Benefit Gala & Auction
6. Holiday Craft Fairs to Support Ecology Center Programs
7. Ecology Center Wish List for Equipment and Service Donations

1. EcoHouse's Constructed Wetlands/Greywater System Passes Code and Breaks Ground

On October 24th, the Berkeley EcoHouse’s constructed wetland and greywater hybrid design became the first to pass code in the state of California, and became the first permitted, residential greywater system approved by the City of Berkeley.

Babak Jacinto Tondre, the Ecology Center’s EcoHouse, and DIG Cooperative (the design/build contractor responsible for the design) began the work of creating an approvable, constructed wetland/greywater system in February of 2005. It wasn’t easy! Constructed wetlands have been approved and built for municipal and commercial applications in California, and greywater systems have been approved in several cities and counties, but never both in a residential setting. The City of Berkeley has had applications for greywater systems before but none have passed code or been approved. Two prior designs were not approved before the last one passed. The final constructed wetland is designed to EPA standards and the greywater system is designed to Appendix G of the California Plumbing Code. To view the approved design plans, visit the EcoHouse’s web pages at ecologycenter.org/ecohouse

Construction began on Sunday, October 29th, with over 50 volunteers attending a workshop at the EcoHouse. There’s another workshop this Sunday, November 19th and everyone is welcome! The EcoHouse, located near Hopkins and Peralta in Northwest Berkeley, was founded in April 1999 by a group of inspired individuals with a common passion for restoring our ecological systems and building healthy, socially just, and stable communities. The mission of Berkeley EcoHouse, as a small-scale resource center located amidst a diverse residential area, is to heighten ecological and social awareness and improve the quality of life in its neighborhood. Berkeley EcoHouse aspires to overcome the barriers to healthy environmental choices, making ecological ways of living accessible and affordable to people of all ages, ethnic/racial backgrounds, and income levels. Find out more about the Eco-House in the Terrain article Steps to a Rich Future: Eco-House Joins the Ecology Center Family.

The EcoHouse’s goal with this project, as an ecological demonstration site, is to enable residences to install legal, permitted, greywater/wetlands systems as an alternative means of handling waste water. Redirecting household water towards yard use conserves water, and can create backyard habitat as well as beautify a landscape. We hope this demonstration system will pave the way for many future permits!

2. Ecology Center calls for Moratorium on Bio-Plastic Bottles

The development and use of biodegradable, plant-based plastics in recent years has been a mixed blessing. They can help get food scraps and disposable foodware - items such as disposable forks, spoons, bags, and cups - out of the landfill and into municipal composting programs. They are manufactured using renewable resources, and by replacing petroleum-derived plastics, they can help work us toward fossil fuel independence. Unlike previous generation of bio-plastics, most on the market today really do biodegrade. Most biodegradable plastics are made from polylactic acid, or PLA, manufactured from genetically engineered corn by NatureWorks, a subsidiary of Cargill. PLA plastics are compostable, but maybe not in your backyard compost pile. The high heat of an industrial pile is usually required. Their environmental benefit is limited if they head to the landfill where they, like everything else, are wasted, compacted, and don't break down. These disposables are best used if reusables are not an option and if you are able to get them into a city compost collection program.

Following on the success of their foodware product line, NatureWorks began developing PLA-based bottles for use as beverage containers. In spite of a year-long stakeholder process, NatureWorks has not developed any end of life plan for recycling these new bottles. Because new bio-based bottles are indistinguishable from existing petroleum based bottles, they disrupt the existing recycling systems by commingling with petroleum plastic batches, potentially rendering everything unrecyclable. The long term impacts of adding PLA-based bottles to recycling programs is unknown and unstudied. As a result, the Ecology Center joined with other recyclers in calling for a moratorium on PLA bio-plastic bottles and has joined with other progressive recycling organizations to stop the emergence of bio-based plastic bottles until key concerns are adequately addressed.

More on the topic:

• See the press release and letter to NatureWorks and NatureWorks’ response
• Read the Fortune article on the moratorium
• Read the Smithsonian article wherein the Ecology Center raises concerns about biodegradable plastics
• A profile of Cargill, from Co-op America

3. West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs Challenges Pacific Steel

The West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs, a sponsored project of the Ecology Center, has been focused for almost two years on identifying and eliminating the hazardous and nuisance emissions from Pacific Steel Casting Company. The Alliance recently conducted particulate dust fallout wipe samples in the neighborhood around the plant. The results showed high levels of lead and other heavy metals. Read the full press release and test result fact sheet.

This last Saturday, November 11, over 250 people marched to the Pacific Steel plant at 2nd and Gilman streets in Berkeley demanding that Pacific Steel stop polluting. The protest was organized by Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs, Ecology Center, the PSC Protest Committee and Global Community Monitor. Read the article in the Berkeley Daily Planet.

You can also read the Alliance’s position on the issues and find fact sheets, and how to call in complaints, write letters, and get involved on the site.

4. Guide for an Eco-Friendlier Holiday Season

Americans throw away an additional 5 million tons of trash - 25% more than usual - between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. We don’t want to be a downer but that extra helping of consumer goods, packaging, food waste, and Christmas trees takes a real toll on the environment. More paper and plastic packaging means more trees are cut down and more petrochemicals are produced; more consumer goods means more fossil fuel energy is used for manufacture and for transport. But the holidays don't have to be a time of waste! We can celebrate thoughtfulness and care, in addition to celebrating the Winter season. The Ecology Center offers the following practical tips to help lighten your impact.

Gift Giving

Many unwanted gifts end up in storage or even in the garbage, and excess packaging of consumer goods also adds to the waste stream. Make your gift count by making it thoughtful and of benefit to the environment.

Follow these tips:

• Keep it simple. One thoughtful gift is better than many wrapped packages of unwanted gifts. Draw names or share the cost of a gift with a relative or friend.
• Make your own gifts; knit, sew, make preserves, or make art from reused items.
• Look for gifts that are: durable; not over-packaged; energy efficient; wind-up, or use rechargeable batteries; reused (for example, antiques or used bikes); recyclable; and not made of tropical woods like teak, rosewood, or mahogany. Look for gifts that are unpackaged or minimally packaged, without unnecessary plastic wrap or cardboard backing. Buy durable gifts with long-term warranties that are repairable.
• Look for gifts that are made of natural components, like sustainably harvested wood, natural fibers, or glass. When purchasing toys for young children, choose items that won’t impact their health. Choose dolls and stuffed animals made of organic cotton, or handcrafted toys made from wood with nontoxic paint.
• Purchase gifts from local vendors, or that were made locally. Look for gifts using fair trade labor practices. Solicit stores like the Ecology Center store and support the work of our nonprofit. Another good choice is a Global Exchange fair trade store. Also check out local, environmentally-oriented crafts fairs, such as those at the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets and at our GAIA craft fair, or at the KPFA craft fair.

Consider these ideas:

• Give a membership or donate in the name of a friend to an organization working in a subject area of interest to them.
• Give a garden! Seeds, gloves, tools, etc. Weed, water, or help establish a friend's garden.
• Give a gift certificate for your time - child sit, or pet sit. Offer your talents, such as photography, financial planning, or hairstyling. Make dinner for someone or cook and deliver it to them.
• Give an experience such as tuition for an unusual class. For kids, consider giving an environmental excursion, like a whale-watching or camping trip.
• Plant a tree in someone's name.
• Create a recipe book from the favorites you’ve collected.
• Collect photos and put together a photo album. Make a calendar for the coming year using your own photographs.

Gift Wrap

Much of the additional waste headed to the landfill during the holiday season comes in the form of gift wrap and packaging. Good reused or reusable alternatives include:

• Old maps, sheet music or colorful ads from old magazines
• Baskets
• Reusable tins
• Scarves and handkerchiefs
• Leftover fabric or fabric gift bags
• Lightweight wallpaper
• Pages from a child's coloring book taped together
• Newspapers (foreign newspapers are great) and Sunday comic pages
• Last year's holiday paper (warm iron if wrinkled)
• Pictures or advertisements from magazines and catalogs
• A plain box decorated with leftover glitter, paint, markers, etc.
• A useable cake pan or a wooden box.

When opening presents, save the wrapping paper, boxes, tins, ribbons and bows for next year. If you purchase gift wrap, look for wrapping paper and holiday cards with post-consumer recycled content, which avoids cutting down any new trees, and "closes the recycling loop."

Christmas Trees

It takes 7 to 10 years to grow a Christmas tree, whose useful product life is about one month. Christmas trees are usually grown on tree farms that use large amounts of pesticides and petrochemical fertilizers. These toxic chemicals pollute the land and waterways and can poison wildlife. At the end of the Christmas season, the cut tree is disposed of either in the landfill or through a yard waste program.

A better choice is to use a live potted tree that can be used over the years or can be replanted. If you do pick a cut tree, be sure to set it out on the curb for your city plant debris collection day. (If you need more information on this, call our Info Desk service.) Lots of people also get creative by making wreaths or dressing up rosemary and other plants in place of a tree.

Meals and Food Service

The ingredients for the average U.S. meal have traveled 1,200 miles by the time they reach the plate. All of this travel requires petroleum for transport and for refrigeration. Buying locally grown food is better for the environment, and it usually tastes much better, too. Choosing food that is in season and that isn't flown in from a tropical climate also saves energy. When you shop at farmers' markets, you directly support small family farmers, and choosing organic food reduces the use of toxic pesticides.

Another factor to consider when serving food and entertaining during the holidays is how to avoid producing excess garbage. Some waste-saving tips include:

• Buy snacks and beverages in bulk, to reduce packaging
• Try to avoid disposables when entertaining, and instead set your table with reusable plates, bowls, glasses and cloth napkins
• Recycling cans, glass, cardboard, paper and plastic is especially important during this time since large amounts of recyclable material is generated.

In general, choosing quality over quantity and thoughtfulness over expense can be a good way to ensure that human relationships rather than consumer purchases dominate your holiday experience.

5. Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters Benefit Gala & Auction

It's time for the Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters (BACH) big annual gala, with a silent and live auction, at La Pena Cultural Center on Sunday, December 3. BACH, a sponsored project of the Ecology Center, educates and builds support in the Bay Area and other urban areas for the preservation of a biologically viable redwood forest. BACH connects local environmentalists with forest activists to preserve the old growth redwood ecosystem, with real solutions for forest workers and communities.

The event features:

• Silent Auction. The wonderful auction items on display include sleeping bags, Patagonia gear, hot springs retreats, hemp clothing, a Mendocino B&B retreat with kayaking & bicycling, music tickets, feng shui consultation, classes, chiropractic treatment, dinners, books, original art, movies & pizza, massage, organic wine, lots more!
• Live music by the Mercury Dimes, Pat of Grapefruit Ed & Friends
• Truth Out editor Kelpie Wilson speaking about bonobos & signing her novel Primal Tears
• Delectable appetizer buffet!

This is a benefit for the Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters. $8 entry. Info: 510-548-3113. http://www.HeadwatersPreserve.org

BACH is asking those of you that have items for the auction or who can volunteer either before or at the event to please get in touch with their office. Donations to the auction can include services, jewelry, handmade crafts, rugs, artwork, or outdoor or camping gear. Be creative! It will be holiday time! Before the event, help is needed to pick up donations from businesses, distribute flyers and do outreach, and to plan the appetizer buffet. On December 3, a crew of activists is needed to help set up, prepare food, make last minute pick-ups (especially food), help musicians load in, sell auction items and set up displays. There's something for everyone!

6. Holiday Craft Fairs to Support Ecology Center Programs

The 15th annual Berkeley Farmers' Market Holiday Crafts Fair is happening on the first three Saturdays in December (December 2, 9, & 16). Local craftspeople will sell a variety of handcrafted gifts (jewelry, fabric arts, leather, ceramics, hats, dolls, fine art, photos, soaps and herbal potions, and other surprises). There will be live music, hot apple cider, and of course, the farmers' market will have lots of organic vegetables & fruit. The event benefits the Ecology Center. Visit the Eco-Calendar for times and locations.

Also, on Sunday, December 3rd, come to the GAIA Holiday Recycled Craft Sale, which benefits GAIA, a project of the Ecology Center. The sale will feature handicrafts from around the world, made from reused and recycled materials. On hand will be bags, peace banners, jewelry, blank books, bowls, and more at affordable prices, along with eco-friendly products from the Ecology Center Store. The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) works to stop waste, stop waste incineration, and to create a toxic-free future. Sunday, 12/3, 1pm - 4pm, Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Info: 510-548-3402.

7. Ecology Center Wish List for Equipment and Service Donations

As ever, we’ll be striving in 2007 to provide excellent services while making the most of our resources and hewing close to our budget. If you can support our work by donating, there are a few items that would make a big, positive impact on our day-to-day operations. You’ll get lots of gratitude from us, and you’ll get a tax deduction too. To find out how to donate, contact Amy Kiser at 548-2220 x222 or amy@ecologycenter.org.

• Mac equipment: We’d like any Mac computer in good working order with a G4 processor or better. We’d especially like a Mac laptop with DVD drive (G3 processor or better). We could use any LCD monitor in good working order. We also need USB mice, keyboards, and flash drives. (If you have non-working equipment, we can’t accept it, but we can direct you to the best disposal options. Contact our Info Desk service.)
• Licensed copies of Adobe Creative Suite 2, (or InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), approximate cost: $700
• LCD projector, approximate cost: $700 - $1,500
• Donated professional graphic design services
• A fully-functioning, light-weight, sun-shade tent for events, approximate cost: $100
• Caravan brand 10’ x 10’ shelter tent with the most durable cover, approximate cost: $500
• Donations of quality DVDs with environmental or social justice topics for our lending library
• Chair massages

And finally, an appeal. Many people see the variety, vibrancy, quality, and reach of the Ecology Center's many programs and assume that we must be doing just great. Every year, we set ambitious goals. We launch great projects and deepen our programs' services. But it is also true that every year, we never know if we can fulfill our goals because funding is unpredictable. Still, we move forward with the hope that our members will renew, our donors will remember us, and new people will recognize the worth of our work and join us.

In short, we depend on you. The Ecology Center's programs serve hundreds of thousands of people every year, helping them to live more sustainably. Yet only a tiny fraction become members. Please consider becoming a member of the Ecology Center this holiday season. Your generosity makes our mission possible.

Did you know that you can call us with your environmental questions? Our Info Desk staff will give you referrals and provide information to help you make sound ecological choices.  Email erc@ecologycenter.org or give us a call at 510-548-2220 x233. To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, send a note to newsletter@ecologycenter.org. This newsletter can also be found online at http://ecologycenter.org/newsletter/20061117.html.

The Ecology Center is a membership organization providing environmental information and direct services to promote sustainable living and a healthy, socially just world. Please support this community resource for the environment by becoming a member or making a donation. Support our work on-line at http://www.ecologycenter.org/donate/