The ECOLOGY CENTER provides the public with reliable information, tools, hands-on training, referrals, strategies, infrastructure, and models for sustainable living. Our programs enable people to adopt practices that are environmentally and socially responsible. We run Berkeley's residential curbside recycling program, the Berkeley Farmers' Markets, Farm Fresh Choice food justice program, EcoHouse demonstration home and garden, the Ecology Center Store, and a variety of Information and Climate Change Action programs.
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Draw inspiration to reduce your impact on climate change, and climate change's impact on you. We'll present ideas for do-it-yourself projects with a tour that features our toolshed built with 4 different natural building methods--strawbale, rammed earth, clay, and cob--all topped with a living roof; our ground-breaking constructed wetlands and simple laundry greywater systems; an 1100 gallon rainwater cistern; a native raingarden; 3 kinds of compost; and a lot more. What saves more energy, a flash hot water heater or a solar one? What are the 3 biggest ways that keeping ducks in your backyard will lessen your climate impact? What is a food forest? Features on the tour include a wide range of easy to more difficult energy, water, materials, and landscaping choices. We'll provide useful resources and information about how to take the next steps. For more information about this free tour, or to fulfill the required Preregistration, click here. |
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Kevin Feinstein, coauthor of the new book, The Bay Area Forager, will speak at the Ecology Center about local foraging and share stories of writing the book. The talk will be followed by Q&A and book signing. Kevin Feinstein is a Bay Area writer, teacher, and researcher of plants, food, sustainability, and natural health. There will be roasted bay nut samples! Join us at the Ecology Center, Wednesday, February 22 from 7pm to 9 pm. For more information about this free event, click here.
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In late October, 2011, Earth became home to 7 billion people.
Join experts from the Institute for Population Studies (IPS), Global Footprint Network and Earth Island Institute as we explore the complex and critical, yet often not discussed, intersection of population growth and climate change and the effects both have on human health, women's rights, and the social and economic issues we face globally and locally.
We'll begin with a screening of the internationally acclaimed, award winning film, "Mother: Caring for 7 Billion" (www.motherthefilm.com), and follow with a panel and audience discussion. This event is part of the Regenerating Solutions Salon series. Thursday, February 23, 7pm-9pm at the Ecology Center. Free. For more information, click here.
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The Berkeley Edible Gardens Initiative is a campaign to allow neighbors to sell or trade the surplus edibles they produce in their yards (fruits, vegetables, eggs, and honey). Currently, Berkeley’s Municipal Code prohibits this type of activity unless one applies for costly permits. A coalition of local activists and organizations including the Ecology Center has united to propose minor changes to the City’s zoning code that would facilitate the sale and trade of non-processed edibles produced in Berkeley yards, while still respecting the residential nature of our neighborhoods. Click here to learn more and get involved! |
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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.
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ACT NOW: the Berkeley Edible Gardens Initiative
