If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, now’s your chance to join with other like-minded folks IN PERSON to support one another and learn about local resources to reduce plastic use.  And if you’re not in the SF Bay Area, why not start your own local group (either online or in person) to celebrate Plastic-Free July?

While plastic reduction is important year-round, Plastic-Free July is a powerful time when people around the globe come together (in person or virtually) to make an extra effort to go plastic-free for a whole month and to spread the word that we can live without most disposable plastic.  Last year, I interviewed the founder of Plastic-Free July, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz of Earth Carers in Western Australia and participated in an International Plastic-Free Help Desk to give support and advice to those wanting to take the challenge.

This year, I decided it would be great to do something at home… in person.

So I got together with the Ecology Center in Berkeley to put together a series of Plastic-Free July events and workshops beginning THIS  THURSDAY with a screening of the film “Plastic Paradise.”  And you are invited!

Participants who attend all three workshops will receive a prize at the end of the series!

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 26, 7pm – 9pm: “Plastic Paradise” film screening and panel discussion

We kick off with a screening of the brand new film “Plastic Paradise” followed by a panel discussion about solutions to plastic pollution.  The film trailer may be grim, but I and the Ecology Center staff are committed to ensuring you leave the event inspired to take concrete action.

Sunday, June 29, 1pm – 3pm: Workshop #1: Introduction to Plastic-Free Living

I’ll discuss strategies for reducing our use of disposable plastic consumer goods. Through a slideshow presentation and interactive discussion, discover the whys and hows of reducing your use of plastic, especially single-use products and packaging. Develop your own plan and priorities for reducing — or eliminating! — your plastic consumption during Plastic Free July.  Store Manager Alison Moreno will highlight plastic-free food storage and serving items available in the Ecology Center Store.

Following the workshop, collect any plastic you acquire during the next two weeks and bring to Workshop #2 on July 13, 2014.  Attendance at all three workshops encouraged, but not required.

Sunday, July 13, 1pm – 3pm: Workshop #2: Plastic-Free Show and Tell

Bring any plastic items you’ve accumulated during the previous two weeks. We will share tips and strategies for eliminating or replacing these hard-to-avoid items going forward.  Join us for this interactive workshop and brainstorm plastic-free solutions with me and other workshop participants.  Store Manager Alison Moreno will highlight plastic-free body care products available in the Ecology Center Store.

Saturday, July 19, 9am – 11:30am: Berkeley Marina Shoreline Cleanup

Join the Berkeley Marina Experience Programs and the Ecology Center for a shoreline clean-up, in celebration of Plastic-Free July!  We will meet at the Shorebird Park Nature Center at 9am. Participants will turn in their signed waivers, view a brief indoor presentation on the problems of plastics in the marine environment, and learn how to fill out the data cards. There will be a safety talk, and explanations of what is not recyclable where to put the trash you find.  Then, the group will set out to clear trash from a particular area of the Berkeley marina shoreline. Clean-up ends at 11:30am, when we will return all unused materials, data cards, pencils and any borrowed tools or supplies to the Nature Center.

Sunday, July 27, 1pm – 3pm: Plastic-Free Potluck Celebration

During the third and final workshop in our Plastic-Free July series, we’ll host a plastic-free potluck. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share. Show off your plastic-free lunch strategies and share any special tips you have picked up during Plastic-Free July. We will take pictures of all the potluck items, their containers, dishes, and utensils to share online. Discuss the challenges and successes of your experiences with Plastic-Free July. Store Manager Alison Moreno will highlight plastic-free cleaning products and supplies available in the Ecology Center Store.

 What will you do?

Do you plan to participate in any Plastic-Free July events this year?  Tell us about it in the comments.

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