WE’RE GEARING UP FOR PLASTIC FREE JULY 2023, IN THE MEANTIME CHECK OUT OUR RESOURCES AND subscribe to our newsletter TO STAY IN THE LOOP!

Join the Ecology Center for PLASTIC FREE JULY, a series of events for community members to learn, take action, get tips on reducing plastic waste, and connect with others who are concerned about the global problem of plastic pollution. 

In 2017, the City of Berkeley officially declared July Plastic Free Month joining international efforts to reduce plastic. Plastic Free July is an annual event that began in Western Australia in 2011 and has spread across the globe. It aims to raise awareness of the amount of plastic in our lives by encouraging people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastic disposables, reduce plastic pollution, and push for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis- during July and beyond. Having launched one of the nation’s first curbside recycling programs in 1973, the Ecology Center has been a long-time champion of zero waste policies and models. We worked to bring Plastic Free July from Australia to the East Bay in the early 2010s in order to bring you into our fight against plastics!

Plastics have become pervasive in a multitude of aspects of our lives, yet their impact on both human and environment health is concerning at every stage of their existence. Whether it is the emission of greenhouse gases during oil extraction or the demonstrated risks to public health and the environment, as witnessed in the unfortunate events in East Palestine, OH, the urgent need to address the plastics crisis is evident. Although envisioning a world without plastics may seem challenging, each small stride we take brings us closer to achieving that vision.

This Plastic Free July, the Ecology Center invites you to Be Part of the Solution with our annual series of event and activities. Our 2023 series offers interactive opportunities to learn about the plastics crisis and the range of ways you can contribute to the zero waste movement. This year’s programming highlights include a refill walk and talk demonstration & tour, neighborhood clean up and brand audit, and policy discussion with the Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers, fellow nonprofit recycling . Join us to build a plastic free future! View our full calendar list here.

Help us continue the fight against plastics! We’ve set a goal to raise $5,000 during the month of July in order to sustain our work. Your support allows us to host free educational events and advocate to hold plastic producers accountable. Text “PlasticFreeEC” to 44321 to donate and to support in making plastic-free living an everyday reality. 

This year’s Plastic Free July programming was made possible with the generous support from the Altamont Education Advisory Board. Thank you!