Supporting a population of 50,000 students takes a visible toll on UC Berkeley’s campus. When I weave through crowds on Memorial Glade or spot trash bins overflowing outside the Golden Bear Café, I’m struck by the sheer volume of waste that our daily routines generate.
But Berkeley has always been home to creative, passionate people who care about our planet. That culture is partly what drew me here in the first place, and I especially see small businesses embody it, not just by minimizing waste, but by innovating and educating. Here are some of my favorite sustainable local businesses, all less than a 15-minute bike ride from campus.
Re-Up Refills
Whether you’re looking for toothpaste, tampons or trail mix, Re-Up Refills has you covered. This Oakland business is reducing single-use container waste by providing products in bulk. Either come prepared with your own container or purchase one of the many reusable options in-store. Because you can measure out exactly how much of a refillable product you want to purchase — including toiletries, skincare, food and cleaning supplies — it’s especially convenient for students living alone. If you don’t want to make the journey, Re-Up’s website offers online shopping as well as detailed information about their suppliers and sustainability goals.
Three Stone Hearth
On Saturdays, you can find me at the bar — Three Stone Hearth’s Broth Bar, serving delicious and nutritious soups. As the first business in the U.S. to follow a “Community Supported Kitchen” model, Three Stone Hearth hopes to not only provide nutrient-dense organic meals, but also to be a center for education and mutual support. Its downtown storefront on University Avenue is a great resource for local food production information. Plus, its weekly rotating menu allows you to order ahead and stock up on hearty dishes with seasonal ingredients.
Reuse for Arts & Crafts
A craft lover’s dream, this family-owned thrift store on San Pablo Avenue is brimming with unique donated items. Whether you’re searching for something specific or just want to browse their knickknacks, Reuse for Arts & Crafts is somewhere you can lose yourself in creative potential. It’s a reminder that not everything is destined for the landfill — scraps can come together to make beautiful art.
Berkeley Student Food Collective
Right across the street from the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union building, you can grocery shop to your heart’s content at this student-run cooperative store. It offers accessible vegan options and great discounts for Electronics Benefit Transfer members, while emphasizing the use of fresh and sustainably sourced local ingredients. BSFC collaborates with many other local businesses, making it a great starting point to expand your knowledge about sustainable food production and consumption.
As one of the 50,000, you may feel like your singular actions don’t make a huge impact. But by utilizing and supporting these small businesses, you can grow your connection with local environmental communities alongside your fridge, wardrobe and trinket collection.