Zero-Waste Living
From a plastic-free picnic to a waste-savvy kitchen, here are some events and ideas to help you walk gently on the Earth.
In this newsletter:
● Picnic with the plastic-free crowd – August 1
● Sip and savor at the Urban Wine Xperience – August 1
● Documentary film charts the race toward zero waste – August 6
● Offer up your DIY talents at the Mini Maker Faire – apply through September 1
● Book reviews: Sustainable Picnic
Lose the Plastic
Plastic-Free July wraps up with a picnic at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market. Join Plastic Free author Beth Terry andEcology Center staff to talk about ways to cut down on the use of disposable plastic. Learn about zero-waste efforts at the farmers’ markets, helpful plastic-free products, and new ideas on designing without plastic. Shop at the market for picnic items or bring a lunch. Free. Info here
Plastic-Free July Show & Tell, Solutions Share, and Picnic
Saturday August 1, 1–3pm
Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market
Center St between Milvia and Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Read our story about cutting down on waste at farmers’ markets and retail stores.
Read our story about Beth Terry’s mindful approach to saying no to plastic.
Pour it On
The East Bay Vintners Alliance hosts the 10th annual Urban Wine Xperience, a celebration of local reds, rosés, whites, and dessert wines. Local eateries join in to offer tasty bites paired perfectly with the wines. There’s no need to drive as the site is easy to access on BART, AC Transit bus line, or ferry. Some proceeds from wine sales will be donated to the Alameda County Food Bank. Cost: $70; Designated driver (no wine tasting): $15.
Urban Wine Xperience
Saturday August 1, 1–4pm
Jack London Square
55 Harrison St, Oakland
A Race Worth Running
This compelling documentary follows San Francisco’s collective zero-waste efforts, which include increased recycling, creative repurposing, and composting, as well as changing patterns of production and consumption. After the screening, stay for a conversation with the film’s producer Diana Fuller, director Christopher Beaver, and editor Maureen Gosling, as well as James Kao, executive director of Green Citizen. Cost: $10 advance; $12 door; $5 students and teachers; $25 Earth Island Institute reception and reserved seating.
Racing to Zero Documentary Screening
The Brower Center
2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
Thursday August 6, 7pm
Makers Wanted for Fall Fair
If you’ve got the DIY or DIT (do-it-together) spirit, the East Bay Mini Maker Faire invites you to join its family-friendly showcase of local makers. You can apply as a maker, performer, or presenter. Interactive exhibits or those that demonstrate the process of creating are preferred. Suggested topics include homesteader and domestic arts, textiles, arts and crafts, product design, electronics, and more. Applications accepted until September 1. The fair takes place on Sunday October 18 at Park Day School and Studio One Arts Center in Oakland.
Sustainable Picnic!
Reviews by Kristina Sepetys
Long, warm summer days are a great time to load up your picnic basket and head out to the seashore, mountaintop, or woodland glade to celebrate with friends or enjoy a quiet meal alone in the beautiful outdoors. These three new titles will help you to plan and pack a sumptuous and waste-efficient en plein air feast using the abundance of wholesome, colorful produce on offer at local markets.
At right: The Speedy Sweet Potato Quesadilla from Anna Jones’ book is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Photo reprinted with permission from Ten Speed Press.