Blog
A space for learning.
Flipping the Switch: Benefits of Home Electrification and Heat Pump Installation
Space heating is one of the largest generators of air pollution in California. The Solution? Heat Pump Technology. Instead of burning fuel, heat pumps use a refrigerant to move heat from one place to another, similar to your refrigerator. They are more efficient, more consistent, and offer more control. Plus, one heat pump can replace both your heating and air conditioning units.
The Livable World Legacy Society Catherine Brozowski: Making the World a Better Place
Making a legacy gift to a cause that you hold dear is an investment for the future. Few people understand this better than Catherine Brozowski, this month's featured Livable World Legacy Society member.
Free Extreme Heat Forum on Tuesday, August 15
If you (or someone you know) are 65 and older, live on California’s Central Coast, and are concerned about rising temperatures in our community, we invite you to join us for our inaugural Extreme Heat Forum presented by the Gray Panthers Santa Barbara Network, Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Community Environmental Council on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Plastic Free July and Beyond - Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
California’s Central Coast has looked to recycling as a landfill diversion solution for several decades—but it’s not enough. That’s why the Community Environmental Council (CEC) is driving progress towards a zero-waste society, turning hard-to-reach waste streams into valuable resources that further reduce climate emissions.
Local Hero: Sigrid Wright
Blue Dot Living features CEC CEO Sigrid Wright, and her long history with the organization.
Dr. Bruce Kendall: Environmental Knowledge and Action
Our featured Legacy donor this month, Dr. Bruce Kendall, is a Professor and Associate Dean at the Bren School.
CEC’s New Environmental Hub Sprouts in the Heart of Downtown Santa Barbara
CEC’s New Environmental Hub is A Focal Point and Incubator for Climate Activism and Awareness
Plastic Free July: How You Can Reduce Waste to Make a Lasting Impact
We all know single-use plastic needs to go, but how do we work collectively to reduce our dependence on it?
Breaking Up With Fossil Fuels Series: The All-Electric Home: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
Did you know that the average U.S. homeowner spends $121 per month on electricity, and even more in California?
Beat the Heat: Lessons Learned from the Fastest Warming County in the Nation And How You Can Ensure Neighbors Are Safe When Temperatures Rise
Did you know Ventura County is warming faster than almost anywhere else in the US?
Featured Legacy Donors: Karl and Nancy Hutterer
Karl Hutterer has been a key figure at the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for a number of years, and we are thrilled to feature him and his wife Nancy in this month's Legacy Donor profile.
Community Environmental Council's “Protect Our Climate Campaign” Raises $16.97 Million, Surpassing Goal
After hosting more than 22,000 community members back to Alameda Park for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival in late April—the first time since 2019—today, we announced the success of CEC’s 50th Anniversary Protect Our Climate Campaign.
CEC Partner Spotlight: Rooted Language Justice
The Community Environmental Council is expanding its work in the areas of language access and language justice with the guidance and support of local partner Rooted Language Justice (RLJ).
Empowering Communities to Take Climate Action
This year’s severe winter storms rocked California's Central Coast region—and laid bare the disproportionate impacts felt by at-risk communities during times of disaster.
Putting Nature to Work Series: Prescribed Grazing for Ecological and Wildfire Resilience
Acompáñanos en este seminario web para aprender de una nueva propuesta de ley que fue presentada recientemente por la senadora Monique Limón, la cual mejorará la mitigación de los incendios forestales al expandir el pastoreo planificado a nivel estatal.
Marc McGinnes: In Love with Earth
Some of our readers may have seen the man on stilts, hovering above the crowds at over eight feet tall, at many of Santa Barbara's past Earth Day celebrations at Alameda Park.
Central Coast Voices: Air pollution on the Central Coast
Last year, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced it is the proud recipient of a competitive grant to monitor and share findings on air pollution, wildfire smoke, and pesticide exposure at the neighborhood level throughout Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley.
Breaking Up With Fossil Fuels Series Electrify Your Life: Top Ways to Ditch Fossil Fuels
Learn how one family kicked their daily fossil fuel habit––and how you and your family can too. Hear about the most impactful changes you can make today to create all-electric homes, commutes and communities that are safer and healthier.