Caring for the earth is woven into daily life at MA Center. In 2013 the center converted to solar energy — the solar grid serves the electrical needs of the entire ashram. Residents and Karma Yogis maintain vegetable gardens following Amma’s wish that everyone grow some of their own food.
Source-Reduction Campaign
In spring 2018, the center launched the GreenFriends North America Source-Reduction Campaign, focused on reducing single-use plastics. Weekly videos at Saturday programs — from microplastic pollution to zero-waste living — sparked discussion and change. The San Ramon Craft Guild sewed sturdy cloth bags upcycled from cotton tablecloths, and satsangs across the region held bag-making parties. The center’s first-ever waste audit examined the main residence’s trash and recycling to map single-use plastics and devise strategies to reduce them.
The Craft Guild
The Craft Guild focuses on reusing and upcycling materials — creating treasure from trash. Inspired by Amma’s teachings on our responsibility toward the environment, the guild makes work aprons from recycled rice bags and water-bottle holders and wallets from recycled plastic, providing opportunities for artisans to develop new skills. To get involved, contact Kavyashree.
