The Suntrain and Mr. Swan's Big Idea

On Thursday, July 16 from 7-9pm at the Ecology Center, join us for a free multi-media slideshow and book event presenting the solar-powered Suntrain. Mr. Swan's Big Idea describes a proposal for an environmentally benign, solar-powered train system developed by railway system designer Christopher Swan for California and beyond. It covers history and future of railways and portrays future railway development as the key ingredient to solving multiple contemporary dilemmas ranging from climate crisis to oil depletion to traffic congestion. The 45-minute slide presentation and discussion will be hosted by David Vasquez, and copies of the book will be available to purchase.

The Bay Versus the Bag

Save the Bay has made a creative and compelling video on why we should minimize the use of plastic bags in our lives. Watch it now. And visit the Berkeley Farmers' Markets, the first markets in the nation to eliminate plastic bags and packaging!

West Side Organics: Fresh Food Justice in Berkeley

For many in the Bay Area, it can take a whole paycheck to shop at Whole Foods. Reporter Diana Montaño interviews Farm Fresh Choice staffers in West Berkeley, where the Ecology Center food justice program is making sure residents have access to fresh and organic fruit and veggies at an affordable price. Listen to Montaño’s radio report, which aired on 510report.org and KALX.

Join a Climate Change Action Group

The Ecology Center’s new 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.

UPCOMING GROUPS AT THE ECOLOGY CENTER:

• Mondays, 6-8pm: July 6, 13, 20 and 27
• Tuesdays, 6-8pm: July 7, 14, 21 and 28

Join a group hosted by the Ecology Center, or we'll help you start your own group. Write to debra@ecologycenter.org or call 510-548-2220 x240 to sign up.

Berkeley Farmers' Markets First in the U.S. to Eliminate Plastic Bags and Packaging

Starting on Earth Day, the Ecology Center's Berkeley Farmers' Markets have been eliminating all plastic bags and packaging from their three weekly markets, making them the first in the nation to do so. The goal of our "Zero Waste" campaign is to remove, reduce, and recycle plastic and to recycle and compost all materials generated at the markets. Read more about our campaign and the press it has been receiving.

CBS Channel 5 Features "Lean and Green" Tips

With a little help from the Ecology Center's Help Desk, CBS5 anchorperson Wendy Tokuda has begun to feature "lean and green" tips on the 5pm news. Tokuda is sharing ideas that both benefit the environment and save you money. The tips are compiled on the station's website, here. The list is long and growing!