Ecology Action of Santa Cruz (EA) educates to inspire environmental awareness, prompting lifestyle changes which conserve resources and reduce waste. EA began 25 years ago as a "grassroots" organization responding to the need for somebody to educate and promote recycling in our community.

In 1987, in order to concentrate on public education about waste reduction and conservation, EA sold its recycling center, and has remained at the forefront of publicizing environmental issues affecting Santa Cruz and beyond.

EA has (in their own words) "unfailingly challenged the community's sensibilities" regarding what is acceptable to consume and throw away, and has established dozens of effective programs that have affected the lives of hundreds of individuals and businesses to carry out this purpose.

Virginia Johnson, executive director for only the past year, together with the Board of Directors, act as catalysts in creating a work atmosphere that inspires and motivates people to take initiative, be accountable, and handle issue autonomously, as a team, without direct supervision.

EA recently enhanced working conditions, making a commitment to more fully supporting their staff. Increased pay and better benefits, such as health care, a new computer and phone system, not only increased morale but also expanded viability and effectiveness of staff to carry out EA's mission, "Reduce, reuse, recycle; buy recycled."

Management philosophy is based on accessibility, open communication, and significant feedback. Focus is on solving the problem, not blame. Staff members are given the appropriate level of decision-making power and freedom to be innovative and effective.

Volunteers are part of this "community" and EA gives room for activists with extreme, uncompromising views to contribute. Many of the innovations and ideas that have been implemented came from volunteers.

EA staff demonstrates flexibility with volunteers, focusing on utilizing their best abilities and natural talents. A Master Composter training and Business Waste Reduction program assist participants in gaining the skills needed to carry out EA's mission, while acquiring new skills and abilities.

EA conducts research and develops information databases to facilitate decision-making and continuous improvement. EA has put in place systems for tracking time and resources by project.

EA's successful environmental programs start with internal practices, and have impact "far beyond our own agency's practices." Although their focus is on solid waste reduction, internally, they achieve a high level of water and energy conservation.

Programs are: the first large-scale recycling center in SCC, original curbside recycling, training program in composting, the "Where to Recycle Guide," the first "Business Waste Reduction Program," the first "Materials Exchange Program," market research measuring the effectiveness of the voluntary "packaging ordinance," and coordinating the Annual Coastal Clean-up for SCC.
Currently EA has a goal to set up "reduce, reuse, recycle" programs in companies around the county; Seagate and others have already implemented such programs.


The SQA Selection Committee acknowledges Ecology Action's management, staff and volunteers for developing programs that are inspiring to us all.