One word: Plastics

The purpose of this award, up to $2,000 for the 2012-2013 academic year, is to support graduate student research in plastics as they relate to health, the environment, and global waste and recycling systems.

The specific project of the fellowship will be to research, write, and update the Ecology Center’s  “Report of the Berkeley Plastics Task Force,”  which was originally published in 1996. The first report can be found on the Ecology Center’s website.

Applications are encouraged from those pursuing studies in, but not limited to, materials science, zero waste, green chemistry, environmental sciences, public health, or other disciplines that touch upon plastic consumer discards and plastic pollution. Ideal candidate will have strong knowledge and interest in the study subject and ability to commit to the research project.

The Ecology Center is a nonprofit environmental organization that has operated Berkeley’s curbside recycling program, the first in the nation, since the early 1970s. The Ecology Center also operates four farmers’ markets, a food justice program, a community center and store, and sponsors several projects in the community. The Ecology Center’s mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond.

Mark Gorrell

To apply, mail or email ([email protected]) cover letter, CV, and Ecology Center application.  Send to: Beck Cowles, Information Services Program Manager, Ecology Center. Ecology Center, Berkeley, CA 94702.  Deadline: the fellowship is open until filled.

Mark Gorrell was a Berkeley architect who specialized in green and sustainable building and an advocate for energy conservation, alternative energy, and zero waste (through reuse, recycling, regulated materials, and composting).  He was an Ecology Center board member for many years and contributed to the 1996 report on plastics.