From Solar Cars to Sunflowers:
A Look Inside UC Berkeley’s Eco Open House

The start of the academic year brought trees, fruit, flowers, and bio-based fuels to Lower Sproul Plaza, which turned into a hub for UC Berkeley's environmental community. Student Environmental Resource Center (SERC), ASUC Senator Chesebro, and the American Cultures Environmental Justice Initiative co-hosted the 11th annual Eco Open House. From 4 to 6pm, students strolled between rows of tables, meeting the clubs and offices working on sustainability, climate, and environmental justice across campus.

Thirty organizations were present. They included undergraduate environmental journal Perennial; Cal Forestry Club, which shared their love of trees; CalSOL, which builds fully solar-powered vehicles; Biofuels Technology Club, which showed off fuel made of cooking oil; ReUSE, UC Berkeley’s on-campus thrift store; and Berkeley Student Farms, which dressed their table with sunflowers, tomatoes, and herbs.

“Our goal has always been to provide a space for students to learn about ways to get involved with sustainability, environment, and climate efforts happening on campus,” said SERC Director Sharon Daraphonhdeth.

SERC's own table anchored the plaza with advocacy for an Environmental Justice minor.

The Office of Energy, Climate & Environment (ECE) was glad to help sponsor the event alongside the Office of Sustainability and Carbon Solutions, and even happier to see the turnout.

“Seeing this grassroots energy and creativity reminds us why this work matters,” said Rachel Morello-Frosch, Associate Provost for Energy, Climate & Environment. 

Thank you to Anela Akiona for capturing the day as onsite photographer, and to everyone who tabled and stopped by.