Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Cut Costs & Cool Smarter: Your Guide to Healthy Refrigeration

It’s time to upgrade to refrigeration that’s good for business AND the planet.

Cut costs and cool smarter – your toolkit for

healthy refrigeration is here!

Ready to cool smarter, save money, and cut emissions? Sustainable Chill: A Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient Refrigeration is your go-to resource for upgrading your refrigeration.

This bilingual (English/Spanish) guide walks you through:

• Why healthy refrigeration matters and how high-GWP refrigerants impact climate change

• Affordable, energy-efficient solutions for small business refrigeration

• Funding sources and programs to help you make the switch

• Tips to maximize efficiency and lower your energy bill

Refrigerated Transportation Mini Guide

From farmers and food distributors to small-scale grocers and mobile vendors, many businesses rely on refrigerated vehicles to maintain safe temperatures in transit. Our Mini Guide to Refrigerated Transportation is designed to help small businesses keep perishable goods fresh during delivery — without the excess emissions and fuel costs.

This resource includes proven best practices to maximize efficiency and reduce energy use during refrigerated transport. It can also help evaluate the right cooling system for your needs, considering factors like product type, power source, cost, and long-term savings.

Upcoming Events

National Drive Electric Month

Through Sunday, October 12, 2025

Locations throughout the California Central Coast

National Drive Electric Month is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. If you’re considering an electric vehicle, now is the time to take advantage of thousands of dollars in savings. Join CEC’s team at one of these free regional events to learn about EV rebates, incentive programs, and the benefits of switching to an electric vehicle.

Learn more.

Ventura County EV Showcase

Sunday, October 5

12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Ventura Harbor

1591 Spinnaker Drive, Main Lawn, Ventura

Learn more.

Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair & EV Showcase

Sunday, October 19

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

449 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks

Learn more.

Climate Fridays

Friday, October 3, 2025

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Kick off each month by connecting with a passionate community of climate activists, students, allies, and local partners dedicated to protecting our planet. Hosted by CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club, these monthly meetups offer an inclusive space to learn about regional climate issues, collaborate on solutions, and take meaningful, measurable action. October’s gathering with focus on a proposed National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Carpinteria and feature marine science expert guest speakers. Learn more and register.

The Issue with Tissue Screening and Filmmaker Discussion

Thursday, October 30, 2025

6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter for The Issue with Tissue film screening, followed by an enlightening discussion with writer, director, and producer Michael Zelniker, moderated by CEC board member and UC Santa Barbara professor Dr. David Pellow. This documentary reveals the powerful connection between the boreal forest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home — and the deforestation threats they now face from the toilet paper industry. Scientists, activists, and First Nations Elders and Leaders speak out on why conserving this ancient forest is not only necessary, but deeply human. Learn more and register.

Youth Climate Workshop

Saturday, November 8, 2025

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Students in grades six through 12 who want to take meaningful climate action are invited to a free, hands-on workshop at CEC’s Environmental Hub. Join CEC staff and local leaders to dive into environmental policy advocacy and learn how to use your voice to stand up for climate justice. You’ll hear from inspiring guest speakers from the Environmental Defense Center and Make Polluters Pay Santa Barbara as they share how their organizations are leading the charge on high impact campaigns in our communities. A lively panel discussion with local elected officials will give you an opportunity to learn what they are doing on environmental action and connect with them one-on-one afterwards. Co-hosted by CEC and Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, the workshop will include complimentary snacks and drinks, opportunities to collaborate with peers, and tools to help you lead positive change in your community. Learn more and register.

Support Critical Work Like This

Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.