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From Seaweed to a Sustainable Future
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Join us for a Seaweed Stories film screening, panel, and community conversation on kelp as a climate solution.
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Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 6:30-8 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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With potential to replace plastic packaging, advance sustainable materials, and strengthen climate resilience, seaweed may be one of the ocean’s most overlooked superpowers.
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) on Wednesday, July 15, for an inspiring evening exploring how kelp and seaweed-based innovations are helping address some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We’ll begin with a screening of Seaweed Stories, a short film narrated by Forest Whitaker that takes viewers around the world to meet innovators, scientists, and Indigenous leaders harnessing the potential of seaweed.
Following the film, Karla Mora, CEO of Alante Capital, will moderate an expert panel discussion featuring:
They’ll explore the growing role of seaweed in accelerating climate solutions, ocean health, and the blue economy. This event is part of our free A Year of Active Hope event series, meant to inspire our community with uplifting stories of climate champions paving the way and concrete ways to join them in taking action. Enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow ocean advocates, and stay for an audience Q&A with the panelists.
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The Economics of Sustainability with Dr. Brett Caraway
Wednesday, July 8
6:30-8 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join us for an intimate conversation with Brett Caraway, author of The Critical Introduction to the Economics of Sustainability and Vice Director in the Institute for Management & Innovation at the University of Toronto. 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.
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Climate Fridays Santa Barbara: Plastic-Free Policies and Ways to Take Action
Friday, July 10, 2026
4-5:30 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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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 once a 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.
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Repair Cafe Santa Barbara
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
CEC”s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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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.
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.
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Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt
June 20 – August 29, 2026
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.
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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:
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Provide clean air during smoke events
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Act as cooling locations during extreme heat
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Distribute food
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Serve as an emergency shelter or hub for emergency services
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Facilitate disaster preparedness training and neighborhood organizing
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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.
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Support Critical Work Like This
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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.
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Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.
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