A piezoelectric energy harvester has a layered structure comprising a first electrode, a polymeric piezoelectric material, and a second electrode, the layered structure coupled to receive mechanical stress from the environment, and the first and second electrode electrically coupled to a power converter. The power converter is adapted to charge an energy storage device selected from a capacitor and a battery. The method of harvesting energy from the environment includes providing a piezoelectric device comprising a layer of a polymeric piezoelectric material disposed between a first and a second electrode； coupling mechanical stress derived from an environment to the piezoelectric device； and coupling electrical energy from the piezoelectric device.
