Zero Waste | Ecology Center

Ecology Center’s Guide to Gift Wrap

December 8, 2022 by McNeilly Fieweger

photo of many boxes in shiny blue and white wrapping paper. the bottom of the image says shiny, glittery, metallic wrapping paper is landfill

The winter holidays are a time of gifts! After the festivities and gift exchanges, it can be tricky to properly sort leftover wrapping and accessories. This guide is designed to help you know how to dispose of gift wrap and to help you consider your best wrapping options. Not So Green Wrapping Paper A common… Read more »

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

September 12, 2022 by McNeilly Fieweger

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 »

How to Sort Clover’s Renewable Milk Carton

August 2, 2022 by Ecology Center

Grocery store dairy shelf featuring Clover Sonoma milk cartons

By now, you have probably seen or bought Clover Sonoma’s “Fully Renewable Carton.” Having introduced the carton in 2020, Clover claims to be the first dairy company in the US to switch to a “renewable,” plant-based milk carton. But what does plant-based mean when it comes down to disposing of the empty carton? Is it… Read more »

Valentine’s Day: Your Guide to Gifting Sustainably & Thoughtfully in Berkeley and the East Bay

February 1, 2022 by Jessica Mitchell

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day with loved ones or Galentine’s Day with cherished friends, you may be wondering how to balance your commitment to sustainability while gift-giving. The options for showing your love, appreciation, and admiration don’t have to be limited to material goods. Gifting options definitely should not be limited to plastic, single-use disposable… Read more »

Holiday Tree Disposal in Berkeley

December 30, 2021 by Jessica Mitchell

It’s that time of year! As the holidays pass the question becomes: How do I properly dispose of the fading tree? Luckily, it’s more straightforward than you think. Here, find a helpful how-to for properly disposing of your tree. Tree Disposal No matter if your tree is compostable, flocked (fake snow), or plastic, you have… Read more »