Environmental Resource Center

The Ecology Center is an environmental resource center where you will find information, books, and people to help you on a wide range of issues. Our center includes an information help desk and hotline; a library; a seed exchange library; action alerts; and fact sheets on topical issues. We host many classes, workshops, and events, which are listed in the EcoCalendar, and we maintain job, internship, and volunteer listings. Come Visit!

Library

The Ecology Center maintains a public library that focuses on the environmental concerns of Californians, with particular emphasis on the Bay Area. Our collection of books, reports, periodicals, do-it-yourself pamphlets, videos, and DVDs feature subjects including toxics, renewable energy, permaculture, gardening, globalization, recycling, environmental education, sustainable development, climate change, and environmental justice.

Search the Ecology Center library catalog online!

Information Hotline and Help Desk

The Ecology Center provides information on a wide range of environmental issues from toxics to composting to activism. We are available to answer questions over the phone, via e-mail, or on a walk-in basis. Our staff handles questions on a wide range of issues. If we are unable to answer a question ourselves, we can usually make a referral.

Sample questions that we have fielded: How can I get rid of the ants in my kitchen without using dangerous pesticides? How can I get involved in a group working to stop the pollution in our neighborhood? How can I go solar? I’d like to join a community garden, how do I find one? Can you help me figure out how to keep bees? I have some old batteries; how do I dispose of them? Where can I get worms & a worm composting bin? How can I get involved in creek restoration work? Where can I get an alternative to fiberglass?

Classes and Events

The Ecology Center hosts classes and workshops on a variety of subjects. Check the EcoCalendar for the current class schedule. Emphasis is on topics not easily found elsewhere and those that provide hands-on assistance for those wishing to lead a more self-reliant and sustainable lifestyle. We also host lectures and author events. For more information call (510) 548-2220 ext. 233.