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Building a More

Circular Central Coast

Discover how CEC is reducing waste at the source, and how you can help create a circular future.

Single-use plastics harm our communities, climate, health, and oceans. They may be convenient, but their impacts can span generations.

• Plastic is made from 99% fossil fuels and contributes to climate pollutionat every stage of its lifecycle.
• Microplastics have been found throughout the human body, and researchers are still uncovering their long-term health impacts.

• Communities near plastic extraction, production, and waste facilities bear the greatest burden of toxic emissions, pollution, and health risks — disproportionately affecting low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

• By 2050, our oceans will contain more plastic than fish. Plastics already harm marine wildlife along our California coastlines and around the world.

CEC creates opportunities for reuse and repair.
We cohost a bimonthly Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, where skilled volunteers help repair broken household items and keep them out of landfills.

What you can do: Bring a broken item to an upcoming Repair Cafe and give it a second life.

CEC equips community members reduce plastic waste.
Through educational events and practical resources, we equip Central Coast residents with the tools to reduce single-use plastics.

What you can do: Recycle film plastic through the Planet Protector Program or subscribe to Ridwell, a recycling service that collects items curbside recycling can’t.

CEC advances policies that reduce plastic pollution at the source.

For nearly two decades, we’ve helped pass and strengthen local and state policies that reduce single-use plastics. Most recently, Santa Barbara updated its ordinance to prohibit Mylar balloons and require reusable foodware for dine-in service.

What you can do: Help these policies succeed by reporting violations through SB Connect.

Our Zero-Waste Wins

CEC’s zero waste initiatives bring together community action, advocacy, and practical solutions. To date, CEC has:

• Installed 125 water refill stations at schools and community spaces through our Rethink the Drink program, preventing more than 8 million single-use plastic water bottles from entering the waste stream.

• Expanded local plastic film recycling by supporting Planet Protectors and Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners in recovering more than 70,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle plastic.

• Helped advance 10 regional laws that reduce single-use plastics at the source, including bans on plastic bags, straws, stirrers, and Styrofoam food containers.

• Connected thousands of community members with local experts, resources, and opportunities to reduce waste through events like Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, Climate Fridays Santa Barbara, and our annual Plastic-Free Expo.

Plastic-Free Policy Progress

State policies

California continues to advance policies that reduce waste at the source. While implementation remains a challenge, there is meaningful progress worth celebrating.

In 2022, California passed Senate Bill 54, (the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act), one of the world’s most ambitious Extended Producer Responsibility programs. The law shifts responsibility for packaging waste to producers and aims to reduce single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 25% by 2032. CEC and our partners continue to monitor its implementation.

Senate Bill 1053, a state-wide ban on all plastic checkout bags at retail, grocery, and convenience stores, took effect in January 2026.

Local policies

Central Coast communities continue to lead on plastic-free policies. Sixteen cities across our tri-county region have adopted waste-reduction policies, many with CEC’s advocacy.

• Goleta (2023): Strengthened Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations by expanding restrictions on single-use plastics, polystryene, and balloon releases while requiring reusable foodware for dine-in service.

• Carpinteria (2024): Adopted Ordinance No. 776, aligning its regulations with Goleta’s and expanding restrictions on single-use plastics, polystyrene, and balloons.

• Santa Barbara (2026): Strengthened its ordinance by further restricting single-use plastics and polystyrene, banning plastic water bottles eight ounces or smaller in restaurants, and expanding restrictions on Mylar confetti and balloons, and other plastic items.

Upcoming Circular Economy Events

Degrowth and Climate Justice: A Community Q&A

Tuesday, August 4

6:30–8 p.m.

CEC Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

What would it take to build a future that prioritizes people and the planet over economic growth? Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and the North American Center for Post-Growth Research for an engaging community conversation exploring the connections between degrowth, post-growth, and climate justice. We’ll examine how our current economic systems contribute to climate change and discuss alternative approaches that support ecological balance, community well-being, and a more equitable future. This interactive Q&A offers an opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and reflect on how we can move beyond an extractive, exploitative, and human-centered system. Learn more and register.

Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt

June 20 – August 29

Throughout Santa Barbara County

Looking for a fun way to celebrate and protect the coast this summer? Join the Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt, a free, all-ages adventure featuring ocean-inspired missions across Santa Barbara County. Using the GooseChase app, participants can complete challenges such as creating ocean-themed art, joining beach cleanups, spotting local wildlife, learning about coastal conservation, and visiting community organizations like CEC. Missions are available in both English and Spanish, and new challenges will be added throughout the summer.

Created by local ocean advocate Katie Joseff in partnership with CEC, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, 805Action, The Surf League, and Save Our Shores, the scavenger hunt offers a joyful way to connect with nature while supporting the health of our coastline. Participants can join at any time, compete for prizes throughout the summer, and vie for a $500 grand prize awarded to the winning team. Learn more and sign up.

Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for August’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara as we explore how smarter building policies can help create a more sustainable, resilient region. Hear from Alelia Parenteau, City of Santa Barbara Sustainability and Resilience Dept. Director, Dennis Allen, founder of Allen Construction and CEC President’s Council member, and Karl Hutterer, Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History Emeritus Director and CEC President’s Council Member, about the City of Santa Barbara Sustainability Department’s Better Buildings Pilot Program. The program’s incentive-based approach rewards development projects delivering measurable benefits for climate, housing, mobility, ecological health, and public spaces. Learn how innovative policy can encourage higher-performing buildings while supporting community priorities. Climate Fridays Santa Barbara are hosted by CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to create space for fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends to collaborate to protect our planet. Learn more and register.

Repair Cafe Santa Barbara

Saturday, September 26

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

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. 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@repaircafesb.org to volunteer your skills, attend future events, or simply help us spread the word! Learn more.

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.