Information Services

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!

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.

EcoCalendar

The EcoCalendar is a comprehensive listing of Bay Area environmental and social justice classes, workshops, exhibits, tours, films, and events. The calendar includes all Ecology Center classes, workshops, and events. To receive a bi-weekly email version of the EcoCalendar, send a note to calendar@ecologycenter.org.

EcoDirectory

The EcoDirectory is an online, carefully vetted, searchable directory of businesses and organizations that offer information or services related to environmental topics.

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!

Climate Change Action

The Ecology Center supports citizens with services to both prevent and prepare for rapid climate change. We facilitate Climate Change Action Workshops, offer Low Carbon Home workshops at the EcoHouse, and host the CoolCalifornia Carbon Calculator. With the Carbon Calculator, you can quantify your "carbon footprint," quantify the change in your carbon footprint when you shift your habits, and connect with others in Berkeley who are doing the same.