Community Environmental Council (CEC) — An Invitation to Play and Be Present—Join us on June 30, other upcoming events

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Step into play, presence, and belonging at our next Embodied Arts Workshop

Create space to reconnect with yourself, your community, and the world around you.

Other Events

Celebrate summer in plastic-free style! The Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 5th Annual Plastic-Free Expo brings together local organizations, businesses, and community partners working to reduce waste, eliminate plastic pollution, and support a more circular lifestyle. Explore practical solutions for reusing, repairing, and reducing everyday waste while learning about local sustainability initiatives and ways to get involved. Enjoy family-friendly activities, including face painting at the CEC booth, chances to win eco-friendly prizes, and opportunities to connect with environmental leaders over light refreshments. Spanish-speaking representatives will be available at select tables. Space is limited, and RSVP is strongly encouraged. Learn more and RSVP.

Join us for an intimate discussion with Dr. Brett Caraway, author of The Critical Introduction to the Economics of Sustainability. Drawing on insights from economics, environmental studies, and public policy, Dr. Caraway explores the complex relationship between economic systems and sustainability challenges in the 21st century. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Caraway, ask questions, and gain fresh perspectives on today’s environmental issues. A book signing will follow the talk, with books available to purchase for a suggested donation that will support CEC’s critical climate work. Learn more and register.

Join us to hear from Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and CEC on current local and statewide legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastics. Speakers will share updates on what policies are in motion across California, how they’re shaping outcomes locally, and what actions community members can take to help reduce plastic pollution. CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club host Climate Friday SB on the first Friday of each month—a chance for fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends to come together. We aim to create a space where individuals can learn about regional climate change issues, take collective action, and collaborate to protect our planet. Learn more and register.

Join us to explore how kelp and seaweed-based innovations are helping tackle some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We’ll screen Seaweed Stories, a film narrated by Forest Whitaker that takes viewers around the world to meet innovators, scientists, and Indigenous leaders using seaweed as a solution—from replacing plastic packaging to strengthening climate resilience. Following the film screening, a panel moderated by Karla Mora, Alante Capital CEO, will feature Julia Marsh, Sway CEO, Adam Bent, Lonely Whale CEO, and Gracie White, Director of Global Ocean Investments at Conservational International Ventures LLC, who will discuss the growing role of seaweed in building a more sustainable future. Enjoy refreshments and conversations with fellow community members passionate about ocean and climate solutions and stay until the end for audience Q&A. Learn more and register.

Join us for Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, a completely free, community-powered event where volunteers help fix broken items instead of sending them to the landfill. Bring up to two items—such as clothing, electronics, bikes, furniture, toys, small appliances, or knives for sharpening—and work alongside skilled fixers to bring them back to life.

Enjoy light refreshments, live music, and community conversation while learning new repair skills. This is not a drop-off service; you’ll collaborate directly with a volunteer who will assess your item, guide you through the repair process, and share practical skills along the way. Open to the public and designed to empower you to repair your favorite items, this is a hands-on, educational experience rooted in sustainability and community connection. Interested in getting involved? Contact info@repaircafe.org to volunteer your skills, attend future events, or simply help us spread the word! Learn more and register.

CEC’s Green Gala

Saturday, September 19

4:30-9 p.m.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

136 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara

Join us for Green Gala 2026, an unforgettable evening celebrating community, connection, and climate action on California’s Central Coast. Inspired by this year’s theme, Rooted in Hope, guests will enjoy a lively welcome reception and Green Gala Market, exceptional local wine, a climate-smart dinner created by Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table in partnership with Duo Catering, live auction experiences, and inspiring stories of local impact. Proceeds support CEC’s work advancing clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental leadership throughout the region. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Learn more and reserve your place.

Seeking Green Gala Auction Donations

The Green Gala Market celebrates the people, products, places, and experiences that make California’s Central Coast so special. We’re currently seeking silent and live auction donations, including unique experiences, travel packages, dining opportunities, artwork, handcrafted goods, outdoor adventures, and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Your contribution helps support local climate solutions while introducing Green Gala guests to some of our region’s most inspiring businesses, makers, and destinations.

Submit an auction donation or contact Katie Hershfelt at khershfelt@cecmail.org to discuss ideas and opportunities.

Become a Resilience Hub

Become a Resilience Hub and Help Your Community Prepare for Disasters

The California Central Coast faces growing challenges from extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding, and poor air quality. Community resilience hubs—trusted local spaces like schools, libraries, community centers, and churches—can provide aid and resources before, during, and after these events. CEC can help activate your site to:

1. Provide clean air during smoke events

2. Act as cooling locations during extreme heat

3. Distribute food

4. Serve as an emergency shelter or hub for emergency services

5. Facilitate disaster preparedness training and neighborhood organizing

6. Host off-grid charging during power outages or shutdowns

Learn more about Community Resilience Hubs, take our short survey, and use our toolkit to get started today.

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.