Over the last ten years we have produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century. Half of plastic is used once and then thrown away, and only 5-10% of plastic is recovered through recycling. Plastic is piling up everywhere – in our landfills, in our waterways and oceans, even in our bodies.
There is something we can do. There is a global movement to raise awareness about the problem of plastic, and create momentum for solutions. Join thousands of people from over 70 countries in taking the challenge to reduce your plastic use for Plastic-Free July!
Plastic-Free July is an annual event that began in Western Australia in 2011 and has spread across the globe. It aims to raise awareness of the amount of plastic in our lives by encouraging people to eliminate the use of single-use, disposable plastic during July each year.
The Ecology Center is hosting a series of events for Plastic-Free July to learn, take action, and get tips on reducing plastic, while meeting other community members to connect on this topic. Click on any of the events below to read more details.
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2015 Time: 1 – 3 PM Location: Ecology Center Classroom, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley Cost: Free, bring potluck dish to share More Details: Click here
At this point, we will set out as a group to clear trash from a particular area of the Berkeley marina shoreline. Clean-up ends at 12pm, when we will return all unused materials, data cards, pencils and any borrowed tools or supplies to the Nature Center.
Wear sturdy tie on shoes — no sandals, flip flops or crocks. This is NOT a beach — it is man made landfill and sometimes you will be working around large rocks. Wear pants not shorts – you will be kneeling on rocks/sand/dirt. Dress like an onion so you can peel off the layers as the temperature rises. It can be cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon and windy. People should bring: your own reusable water bottle and a hat, and sunscreen. Your own gloves and a reusable bucket. If you do not have them they will be provided.
Children under the age of 18 need to have their parent sign their waiver. There will also be waivers available for adults to sign themselves.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2015 Time: 9 AM – 12 PM Location: Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Avenue, Berkeley Cost: Free, pre-register by email to naturecenter@cityofberkeley.info More Details: Click here
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2015 Time: 1 – 3 PM Location: Ecology Center Classroom, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley Cost: $15 general, $10 for Ecology Center members Register: Click here
Panelists: Moderator – Martin Bourque, Executive Director of the Ecology Center Steve Lautze, CA Association of Recycling Market Development Zones, BIN Patty Moore, President, Moore Recycling Associates Peter Schultz-Allen, Former Zero Waste Commissioner, City of Berkeley
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2015 Time: 7 – 9 PM Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley Cost: Free More Details: Click here
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2015 Time: 1 – 3 PM Location: Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St between Milvia and Martin Luther King Jr. Way Cost: Free, picnic food available for purchase from Farmers’ Market, or bring food from home More Details: Click here
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Inspiring and building a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond.