On a crisp Wednesday morning, the air at the Ecology Center’s recycling facility in Berkeley buzzed with the energy of young environmentalists in the making. Oxford Elementary’s Teacher Jacqueline Elbing-Omania’s fifth-grade class filed off their bus, brimming with curiosity. For… Read more »| Ecology Center
This year’s Slice of Our Markets was filled with unforgettable moments that will stay with us long after the last slice of pizza was eaten. Each guest enjoyed a tour of our farmers’ market, in which their guide highlighted the… Read more »| Ecology Center
Bianca discovered the Ecology Center during her junior year of high school, while researching internships in the summer. She had always enjoyed spending time outdoors and hiking, so she was interested in environmental organizations. The Ecology Center seemed like a logical fit. Bianca began as a participant in the Youth Environmental Academy (YEA), built her leadership as she transitioned into an internship, and then advanced to a Program Assistant position, where she has supported the farmer...| Ecology Center
As the federal shutdown continues to create chaos and insecurity across the nation, California’s farmers’ markets remain a steady source of healthy food and community connection. Even while many government services grind to a halt, shoppers can still use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh/EBT) benefits at farmers’ markets. Because states receive these benefits in advance, they will continue to be paid out to recipients at least through October.| Ecology Center
This September we bid farewell to our 12 Youth Environmental Academy (YEA) summer scholars as summertime comes to a close. In turn, we welcome YEA interns Mar and Lucia to the roles of program assistants for the next 9 months.| Ecology Center
Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market operated by Ecology Center, view of the market vendor stalls and information booth where customers can use their CalFresh EBT benefits to spend with vendors at the market.| Ecology Center
At a time when Congress is trying to cut food security and healthy entitlements, the Ecology Center’s Market Match program offers thousands of families facing hunger the ability to overcome high food costs, by doubling their purchasing power for California’s fresh, healthy, and local foods. In 2024, the Market Match program matched almost $10M in federal food benefits at nearly 300 California farmers’ markets and farm-direct sites. Families with limited incomes redeemed these benefits f...| Ecology Center
After two successful months of the Youth Environmental Academy under our belt, we are digging deeper into our climate literacy curriculum. Our new scholars have been learning about a wide variety of topics ranging from the different aspects of our local food system, to the benefits of solar power. Each week, we hone in on an environmental literacy topic and discuss real world problems as well as attainable and accessible solutions at a local level.| Ecology Center
Some things work like a dream. Your household blue recycling cart, for example, —you put your recyclables in it, wheel it to the curb, and it gets picked up weekly. That routine translated into 6,365 tons of material recycled in Berkeley last year. Each Berkeley resident did their part to divert 6,365 tons of cardboard/paper, aluminum, glass, and some plastic from going to landfill.| Ecology Center
As the New Year kicks off, we’re ecstatic to welcome 14 new youth environmental scholars to the team. Every January we hire 10 young Berkeley residents to engage in our Youth Environmental Academy (YEA). In addition to on-the-job training, these 14 participants will walk away at the end of their 13 week session with a more robust climate literacy and an understanding of how to take action. | Ecology Center
