This place is usually a bus transfer point for me for various stores in West Berkeley but every chance I find that it is open, I try to browse as they rotate their merchandise time to time. I purchase my first reusable boba straw here some years ago! I belatedly but also recently found out about the "seed library" which is a cool concept of giving & receiving seeds. It's how the collection keeps going with community input. I do not have a green thumb at all, but was motivated to take care of more flora by my workplace that gave out seeds as part of a "garden of growth" theme. I now have a huge thing of potting mix so I thought why not just plant a bunch all at the same time??... was my concurrent thought at the time so I took a few vegetable varieties. (I only grow what I can make use of, except pollinators I give a special exception for.) I believe Rockridge library, where I am closer to, is also adopting one seed library too! Hopefully, I can train to be a better plant mom and will be back with my own stash of seeds! read more

Ecology Center Store - All things (reusable) straw - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I really appreciate having a refill (soap, shampoo, etc) option so close to my home. I just tried the toothpaste tablets and they are great! Taste normal and NO Plastic! which is my goal. However, I didn't find the people working there to be very welcoming. I didn't see a crowd in the store so you would think they would want to welcome people when they come in and answer questions in a friendly manner. I have spent my career in people facing jobs. Really helps to move the needle on the environment, or whatever cause you are working on, by being friendly and open. read more

I have been REALLY wanting to support a refillery and was so happy to find Ecology. It seems "pricey" in some ways but when you really break down the math it's not bad at all! I got some aloe for my husband to use after shaving. I got vinegar and bc it's so potent I only needed to fill my container halfway and then the rest with water. I also got some liquid laundry detergent that I have to try. Overall, love the space and employees who are kind and informative. Will def come again read more

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This is a fine place. It's got a strong Berkeley vibe going. I went to get the only-in-stores version of the Bay Trail maps - highly recommended. They're on 24 pocketable cards with lots of details. The Seed Library was a pleasant surprise. The east bay has many microclimates, often on different sides of the same street! The Bay is nice to look at, but if you see it, you feel the winds and chill air. Nearby sheltered areas are warmer and mild. They maintain a free seed collection, organized by microclimate, and it's a bargain at free. They ask that you bring in seeds from plants that do well in your area. We must be in Berkeley, Toto. Hours are unusual for the store and for the seeds, so call first. read more

Now with in-person visits! This is the go-to small shop for zero waste gifts, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and food containers. They've got it all: puzzles, candles, ecology-minded books, kids toys, socks, candles, deodorant, soap and shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, metal water bottles...you can get a huge jug of all-purpose liquid soap for hand washing and dishes that will last you months and months. They also offer cool classes and put in the best farmers markets (not at the store), so it's a great store to support. read more

I finally remembered while writing my review of Byrd's Filling Station that I had never written my review for Ecology! Even though I've been recommending them to my local low-waste interested friends who live and/or are bunking down in the East Bay. I loved so many items in this store, and I think had they been closer to us or had we been bulking up, we likely would have made a few more purchases. Price wise, Byrd's beats out Ecology in most items, however Ecology has quite a bit more to choose from, and a physical store - which might appeal to certain people who prefer to touch an item before buying. Ecology also has a lending library and seed library. It's built to be more of a community corner stone than a shop. Personally I see the positive in both, but Byrd's just happens to be closer to me. Either way, we will definitely come back. If not just to pick up the adorable blocks in different languages! read more

This is a cute gem that's off the San Pablo area. A lot of great books on plans and mushrooms etc.

Bummed that I waited around for them to open at 12 pm. They did not open and I stopped a person that came out from the back for them to tell me they were short staffed. Therefore not opening. How about a sign! Bummer. read more

I've driven by here so many times that I had to stop in to see what's up. One of their employees kindly greeted me. She found out it was my first time and explained a few things to me. What a beautiful organization and concept! They have glass jars, glass straws, books, wooden toys, beauty products, all-natural gardening products and more. I bought cute buttons to put on my backpack. I would have loved to have taken some seeds donated by the community but I have no idea how to garden. Makes me want to learn! It's beautiful that they offer free educational material about recycling, composting and more. read more

OMG! They still have the seed swap! You can bring your harvested seeds and donate them and you can choose free seeds from their selection!!

Conscientious gifts, eco-friendly products for household and garden use, and much more. Despite what I just read, they ARE open for in-store shopping. read more

This is an AMAZING resource that has been around for years. Even though we have been going here for years we always discover new resources and find great gifts here. They have "Green" gift items here including hemp clothing and purses, recycled stationery and office paper, toys and books. There are also many non-toxic items to get rid of pesky insects in your house or garden. There are also household supplies and cleaning agents. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They sponsor the Berkeley Farmers markets of Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Many other resources we haven't taken advantage of yet--classes and workshops, a library, a seed exchange program. read more

Ecology Center Store - shopinberkeley.com - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great place for anyone interested in ecology and environment. A friend was getting her degree in environmental engineering at UC Berkeley and she has shown me this spot. They have a stand with free reference material on subjects ranging from natural pest management such as rats mosquitoes ants, to information on solar and greywater home installations, ways of testing your soil, how to make plant beds, bee-attractive planting, to best ways to store your fruits and vegetables at home. Lots of interesting products too, detergents, soaps, children's toys, plastic free kitchenware, and so on. This is also the home of the BASIL seed exchange stand where you can bring and take seeds for your garden: flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and so on. It's the big red cabinet in pictures, a kind of permanent seed exchange - and yes, it's free if you contribute some seeds. I also recommend checking the Calendar on their website for listings of various Festivals and Fairs, ecology themed Classes and Workshops that are given throughout the Bay Area. read more

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I happened upon the Ecology Center (same strip as Paisan and Sea Salt, and Sierra Club too) the other week, and am duly impressed with what this storespace offers. One ought to come if inspired by the Earth, its stewardship, and gardening in general. A wonderful community resouce, the EC includes a lending library with membership, maps, info. for the interested gardener, seeds, and also sells eco-friendly items (like Kleen Kanteen bottles: mine comes from Powells books). Little gem that influences in a big way!!! PS Large community board for posting events, and perusing some if need to find something to go out and do! read more

Great local green living resource The Ecology Center has great resources -- a seed exchange (BASIL), books for sale and for loan, a magazine, information about recycling, and lots of great information about environmentally and socially responsible practices. In addition to information and classes (see the calendar at http://www.ecologycenter.org/calendar/), other projects include: Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters Bay Area Seed Interchange Library Berkeley Biodiesel Collective Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative California Farmer's Market Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Implementation and Promotion Project City of Berkeley Motor Oil Recycling Program Community Water Rights Project Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives / Global Anti-Incinerator Alliance (GAIA) Indigenous Permaculture Project Plastics Task Force Edit My Review Manage Review read more

Great place for resources. They have a great eco friendly, earth friendly shop. It has a variety of fair trade, eco friendly, organic items. There is a room for yoga in the back of the building, I think it's free. There is also a book of green jobs that is available for everyone, this is key for anyone who is looking for a job in the green and sustainable world. Thankful I discovered this place and was finally able to go, despite the rainy / cold weather. Parking is really easy, there is a huge lot in the back of the store. The volunteers are super nice and helpful. It's cool so many farmers' markets are managed out of the ecology center, I can't wait to return when it re-opens next year and spend more time there. Like I said, it has a lot of resources for the area. read more

I hate this store. Not allowed to go in without slathering your hands in something (I had called and was not warned about this.) This is in August, 2022 where even my pharmacists are not wearing masks. I didn't trust what the crap was since the store stank of something toxic. When I asked what that was, I was told "scented candles." You know these are known to be toxic and badly affect people's health carcinogenic? "Yes." And the Essential Oils they are made with are carcinogenic? "Yes." Great place for health. What is special about this place? My clothes stank from being in there briefly. And then there was the offensive card showing women's legs and high heels, saying something about empowering women. Seriously? I hate this store. read more

This is a super cute place with lots of reusable things that you often have to order online, including menstrual cups, deodorant stones, recycled crayons, and all of the food containers. I've been wanting to try a deodorant stone forever, but it's expensive to buy them online, especially if you don't know that it'll work. The Ecology Center has a small one for $2.59 and a big one for $4.99! It's nice because it's so much more convenient for me to try them out! They also have chapstick in cardboard tubes to reduce waste, so I got one to try it out. There are some awesome books in their children's section, including the classics, like The Giving Tree and The Lorax, but also some cool ones about nature and stuff. Also, they have a bra drop off here, if you have bras that you've grown out of or just changed your mind about. Happy exploring! read more

Excellent sustainable spot!!! My sister gets GREAT gifts here---including my favorite makeup bag made of old ice tea containers. Sounds odd, but it is waterproof and adorable. They also have beautiful home wares, soaps, and accessories. Pretty wide range of prices. This week I picked up a Klean Kanteen and some info on composting on the way to work. VERY easily accessed by AC transits 72. PLUS you can check out Good Vibrations too! read more

Great indispensable resource for surviving the 21st century. The Bay Area's epitome of green living combined with great volunteer efforts, the Ecology Center opens its green library to the public. You can find the latest info packets on local plants, composting, greywater systems, biomediation, etc. Also check their Ecology Center calendar for incoming events. I volunteered remotely at the Ecology Center by creating a Google map showing the locations of Farmer's Markets in the Bay Area. If you want to stay involved in helping our society bloom into a greener and sustainable model for the rest of the nation, the Ecology Center is your spot! read more

So I was looking for a book on French Intensive gardening and Yelp pointed me here. Thanks! what a great resource for books that are environmentally conscious. Quiet, easy parking, helpful friendly people in the store. Unique place, great find! read more

A great resource for the community. They care about the environment and anything green. They have a small stock of retail items for the home and garden but they are well thought out proucts. As a member, you have access to the nunerous books they have in their library. They also hold numerous workshops and meetings/discussions pertaining to community subjects. read more

Awesome resource for everything Urban, ecological, green and planet earth friendly!. This place is amazing. has an amazing staff and a great conscious mission! Help support the nonprofits! read more

bamboo coffee grounds canister (made by TruBamboo) coffee accesories always make me happy/ hemp bags and goodies And they are an official retailer for Klean Kanteen. also large selection of nice gifts for yourself, and everyone. info flyers, books etc. nice place. read more

Giving Thanks to the Ecology Center for creating and managing the beautiful Berkeley Farmers Markets. You guys do an amazing job. I am so grateful for your contribution to the community. Thank you for all that you do! :-) read more

Excellent resource for your environmental questions and lots of stuff for sale in their store. Check'em and get your 'green' on.

Amazing resource for information that is hard to find, and Eco friendly products. My only complaint is that, like anywhere else, you still have to read the labels carefully, as a lot of the stuff is from China. read more

Great gift selection at reasonable prices. Everything in the store is discounted if you're a member, plus they'll email you about awesome upcoming lectures and events. Everyone who works there seems to be knowledgeable, helpful, and fun to talk to. These are the true "environmentalists" - folks who are doing what they can, considering all options, sharing information (and seeds, and books). read more

Great resource center for helping to make your life environmentally sound. I picked up some info from the center for my cuz who lives in Monroe LA. He's trying to start a recycling program there. The folk at the center were very helpful and gave me lots of pamphlets and flyers to share(send) with him. books, kids toys, stationary and more. get fit get green! read more

If you're looking for authentically green goods - and gifts! - this little shop run by the Ecology Center has an outstanding selection. Truly a community resource - and a great shopping experience. read more

I do like their array of charming goods, many handmade, for sale and their organic gardening fertilizers. Large selection of brochures on recycling, composting, farmer markets, etc. Minus a star for the clueless manager at Ecology Center who didn't know how/where to recycle appliances. (Duh). Or, maybe he just didn't care enough to give out accurate info. Either way---fail. read more

amazing resource. i feel so lucky to live in a place with a bookstore, community gathering spot, education center, etc. all in one so near me! i've done some of the eve or day workshops, and gone to some presentations! good stuff, in some cases quite progressive for the u.s. but in pace with what is best about berkeley. love this place! read more

They have a table outside with an abundence of reading materials for inquiring minds, and are always happy to answer any question you may have. read more