Three years ago, I came to Berkeley hoping to inspire change. But I think the opposite happened. Now a senior I see how Berkeley has changed me.

Moving to the East Bay from LA, I was entering into a new territory like most incoming freshman. I appreciated the greenness, the liberalness, and  the friendliness of the city. I took advantage of the hills and trails surrounding Berkeley, the great graffiti on the streets, and the colorfulness of the Berkeley natives. But it has taken three years to really learn to embrace Berkeley and give it the chance to transform me.

To me, Berkeley offers the epitome of a healthy lifestyle, both socially and personally. While some may say that Berkeley is losing its local business trend to corporations like Subway and Chipotle, the benefits of living locally and organically are still easily accessible. The small cafes, restaurants, book stores, bars, thrift shops and creative reuse centers that are locally owned and run are not only what give Berkeley its charm but are also began to make me think about my current lifestyle.

It is hard to ignore the chalkings on Telegraph that read “Stop driving time machines,” signs that say “Support Local,” or even the amount of waste that fills over the trashcans. At least for me, it makes me think about what I can do for both the environment and myself to give everyone a healthier lifestyle. Equally hard to ignore are the numerous documentaries about sustainability and how to save our earth. Just to name one, No Impact Man focuses on a New York family who pledges to live a zero-waste lifestyle. They became a vegan “organic only” family who is electricity-less, toilet-paper-less, and trash-less. While extreme, him along with other health and earth conscious activists advocate applying only a few steps that are doable for your lifestyle. The goal? A peaceful environment with healthy people. AKA Berkeley’s motive.

This is why starting this Fall Semester of 2011, I, Griffin Cassara, pledge to the city of Berkeley that I will adapt a lifestyle that is sustainable and healthy, mind body and world conscious, as best as I can. With the amazing resources that Berkeley offers I am ready and excited for the challenge.

Yes, the transition will be slow. And No, I do not expect to go cold turkey on all subway, chain stores or Safeway produce. But I am enthusiastic about feeling healthy both socially and personally.

I have compiled a list of places that I have tried this first week of school and places that I am stoked to become a regular at.

Goodbye lazy naïve Griffin, hello healthier more mindful Griffin. Thank you Berkeley.

Suggestions on new places to go, places to avoid, opportunities to make this pledge more successful, opinions and comments are greatly appreciated!

FRESH AND ORGANIC

Hot Spot: Juice Appeal 
Whereabouts: Right by Berkeley BART, 150 Berkeley Sq
Perks: Starving and wanting something fresh I ventured into this little smoothie shop. I was pleasantly pleased. They offer both fresh squeezed juices (I had my eye on the carrot beet and apple juice) as well as smoothies with intriguing combinations and unique ingredients like honey and bee pollen. They offer a lot of yogurt and sorbet free options which make the smoothies ever fresher. $3.50 for a decent size.
Other: A worker recommended the “Energizer” to me…great choice. Banana, Fresh squeezed OJ, strawberries, vitamins, protein, Whey, Rice Bran and Bee Pollen.

Hot Spot: Raw Energy Organic Juice Cafe
Whereabouts: 2050 Addison St (between Milvia St & Shattuck Ave)  
Perks: Hole in the wall joint that I heard was amazing. An all juice café, I have heard that they have extensive menu of real fruit and veggie juices.  Nothing like getting a chunk of your food pyramid done in one tasty drink.

Hot Spot: Natural Grocery Company
Whereabouts: 10367 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito 94530 AND 1336 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94706 
Perks: I came across this company when looking for places to buy organic food. Their mission? To provide the community with access to organic produce, dairy and meats. According to yelp? Small but better than Whole Foods.
Other: Open 9-8 everyday, this seems like a great resource on the days when the farmers market is closed.

Hot Spot: Café Gratitude 
Whereabouts: 1730 Shattuck Ave (@ Virginia) 
Perks: I have always wanted to try this all organic vegan restaurant. Taking the food directly “From Our Farm, To Our Café, To Your Plate,” Café Gratitude seeks to work with organic ingredients to honor the earth and our bodies. They support local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products. I heard their food wasn’t too bad either J
Other: Their dishes are all names after self-affirmations. I’ll take a “I am vibrant” please.
 

 LOCAL

Hot Spot: Berkeley Farmers’ Markets
Whereabouts:

DOWNTOWN BERKELEY
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Center Street @ M. L. King, Jr. Way

SOUTH BERKELEY
Tuesdays 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Winter Hours: 2 – 6 p.m.)
Derby Street @ M. L. King, Jr. Way

NORTH BERKELEY
Thursdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
All Organic
Shattuck Avenue @ Rose Street

ALBANY
Wednesdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Solano Ave @ San Pablo Ave
 
Perks: Put on by the Ecology Center, these farmers’ markets are committed to supporting small-scale farmers who practice sustainable agriculture. Not only fruits and vegetables, but baked goods, dairy products, nuts, jams and prepared foods also populate the booths.
Other: Look for the organic ice cream….to die for. 
 
COOPERATIVE

Hot Spot: The Cheese Board Collective
Whereabouts: Shattuck at Vine Street, opened 11:30-3, 4:30-8 Tues-Sat
Perks: Incredibly fresh ingredients, their pizza is always amazing. With a different specially pizza everyday, its hard to go wrong. One of my favorite spots in Berkeley for sure.
Other: When you go, be sure to eat there. Either sit inside and listen to the live music. If you can’t grab a spot (it usually is really crowded), sit on the street median and have a true Berkeley experience. The long line IS worth it.

Hot Spot: Berkeley Student Food Collective
Whereabouts: Bancroft, directly across the street from Eshelman Hall
Perks: I have yet to venture in this store but have met many students who are members of the cooperative and hear great things. The Student Food Collective is committed to providing fresh, local, healthy, environmentally sustainable food to Berkeley students. As a cooperative, they also promote community-building and environmental stewardship.
Other: They sell a range of food from packaged food, fresh coffee, produce and natural cleaning products.

REUSE 

Hot Spot: East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse

Whereabouts: 4695 Telegraph Ave. Oakland 
Perks: Great place to be creative on a budget. Creative Reuse was started by two public school teachers and has grown into a great places for art & craft materials, educational supplies, vintage furniture, home décor, paper goods, fabric and more. Ones waste is another mans art project J
Other: I bought a whole bag of art materials for $3 for an art class last year. Steal. Find of the day: Old art history projector slides. 
  Hot Spot: Urban Ore

Whereabouts: 900 Murray St, Berkeley 
Perks: Their mission is simple, to end the age of waste. Urban Ore is a reuse salvage operation, creating a resource for people to either drop off old household furniture, appliances or material that they need to discard OR for a place to shop the reusable products.  
Other: They sell anything you could ever want, for cheap. Hardware, old art, street signs, vintage clothing, appliances, doors…you name it they have it.

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