EcoStore

The EcoStore offers practical, low-waste essentials and everyday solutions that help you live more sustainably, reduce waste, and support the local economy.

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About the program

Providing access to eco-friendly, non-toxic, and zero-waste alternatives for home and body.

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The EcoStore offers practical, affordable products that help reduce exposure to toxics and support a shift toward zero waste. From reusable household essentials to personal care items, the store makes it easier to replace single-use products with sustainable alternatives.

More than a retail space, the EcoStore advances the Ecology Center’s mission through carefully sourced, low-waste products with integrity. Every purchase supports programs like recycling, food systems, youth leadership, and climate action, extending your impact beyond the store and into the community.

The EcoStore was founded by the Ecology Center in Berkeley, California, as part of our broader mission to support environmental sustainability and community resilience. What started as a grassroots effort to give people access to eco-friendly, non-toxic, and zero-waste alternatives has grown into a trusted community hub for sustainable living solutions. Rooted in the Ecology Center’s long-standing leadership in environmental education, policy advocacy, and resource sharing since our founding in 1969, the EcoStore continues to reflect our commitment to creating a healthier planet for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ecology Center Store carries a unique selection of products that are carefully vetted to fulfill our mission: to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future. Below is a list of considerations that we bear in mind when selecting which products to offer.

We consider whether a particular product is: good for the environment or better than conventional alternatives; made from sustainable, organically grown, or recycled materials; affordable and durable; reusable, repairable, biodegradable, or compostable; compatible with sustainable practices or resource conservation; reflective of multicultural values; produced locally.

We generally avoid products that are: packaged in non-reusable, non-recyclable or excessive packaging; made from substances that are harmful to the environment, the end user, or the workers who produce it; disposable, if there is a good reusable alternative; made from plastic or other products that are derived from petroleum; made from genetically modified crops.

We favor vendors who share our values. We consider the following: Does the vendor make an effort to minimize waste in the production, transportation and marketing of its products? Does the vendor engage in fair labor and fair trade practices? Does the vendor contribute to environmental or socially conscious causes? Is the vendor engaged in any dishonorable behavior?

If you are a vendor of a product that aligns with the Ecology Center Store mission and product policy, contact our Store Program Manager to discuss the potential of the Ecology Center carrying your product.

We’re thrilled to be building a collection of high-quality, local, and sustainable products that align with our values and mission. Our goal is to support makers and businesses who share our commitment to sustainability and community, and we’re always excited to discover new products that will resonate with our customers.

Below, you’ll find our store’s product policy, which outlines the criteria we use when selecting products for our store. We carefully consider each submission to ensure it aligns with our vision and meets our quality standards.

We truly appreciate you reaching out to us and sharing your product. While we may not be able to carry every product we receive, please know that we will reach out if we believe your item is a good fit for our store. Thank you again for your interest, and we look forward to reviewing your Vendor Application.

Yes! The EcoStore is excited to invite you into our Refill Station — a simple, zero-waste way to support your sustainable living journey.

Plastic is everywhere: in landfills, oceans, waterways, and even in our bodies. Every year, over 31 million tons of plastic packaging ends up in the environment. But the real issue isn’t just plastic — it’s our throwaway culture. That’s why we’re committed to being part of the solution and working alongside our community to #BreakFreeFromPlastic.

When you choose to refill instead of buying single-use, you’re joining a movement that reduces waste, conserves resources, and helps build a healthier, more sustainable future.

At the EcoStore, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of refillable products, everything you need to live plastic-free in one place. Just bring in your clean containers, and our staff will help you through the refill process. Pay by weight, refill as often as you like, and enjoy the ease of stocking up without the waste.

Like all of our EcoStore products, our refill offerings are held to the highest standards for environmental impact, safety, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. You can feel confident that every choice you make here supports both your values and the planet.

Together, we can push back against single-use culture and embrace a circular economy — one refill at a time. Come visit us and be part of the refill revolution.

Gas stoves are unhealthy for your family and the planet. Gas stoves emit toxic gases into your house that can cause asthma and other respiratory problems. Gas stoves emit carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere which contribute to global warming. Induction stoves use clean electricity — choose 100% renewable electricity from your local community choice energy provider. Induction is also energy efficient: just the pan is heated, with no energy wasted heating the air around it. Induction stoves are 85% efficient, while gas stoves only deliver 32% of the flame heat to the pan.