Community-Led Solutions to Climate Change
California’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2045 can feel daunting and somewhat elusive. The Community Environmental Council (CEC) believes we can get there, but it will take all of us, working together. That’s why the 50-plus-year-old Santa Barbara-based nonprofit focuses on community-led solutions that everyone can participate in:
Electrify Your Life
Switching to zero-emissions solutions in your home or business is a great way to take part in reducing our collective impact on the planet. Whether buying or leasing an electric vehicle (EV), installing an EV charging station, adding solar, or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, these seemingly small actions help our region and the state transition to 100% clean, efficient energy. CEC’s free Electrify Your Life service provides information and guidance on electrification options and available incentives. cecsb.org/electrify-your-life
Become a CEC Climate Steward
CEC has certified more than 160 students, retirees, non-profit professionals, and community members as CEC Climate Stewards, equipped with the knowledge and resources to lead climate action in their communities, schools, churches, museums, businesses, homeowner associations, retirement centers, and wherever they have influence. Offered three times per year, the nine-week course is open to anyone interested in taking bold climate action that has far-reaching impact. cecsb.org/climate-stewards
Help Develop a Community Resilience Hub
When we’re experiencing extreme heat, heavy smoke from a wildfire, or other climate stress, Community Resilience Hubs offer a trusted place for shelter and resources. CEC has built partnerships across communities to pilot community-led hubs in Carpinteria, Eastside Santa Barbara, and Cuyama, creating a template with toolkits so that future hubs can be launched faster and easier in our region and beyond. cecsb.org/resilience-hubs
Visit CEC’s Environmental Hub
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, CEC’s Environmental Hub is a nexus for advocacy, innovation, and community empowerment. Home to CEC’s staff offices and local nonprofits like White Buffalo Land Trust and Human Rights Watch, the 10,000-square-foot space hosts dozens of events throughout the year — from lectures and film screenings to meetings and social gatherings — that catalyze collective action. envirohubsb.org
Plant Pollinator Habitat
Including pollinator habitat in your backyard, farm, or ranch helps stop erosion and water runoff, recharges water storage, and protects crops. This climate-smart agricultural practice increases carbon sequestration, water infiltration, and biodiversity. That’s why CEC is working with land owners and stewards to plant pollinator habitat, share resources, and empower individuals to help our lands adapt to climate change. cecsb.org/climate-smart-agriculture
Not long ago, it was believed that climate action on a national level was the way to make an impact on climate change. Over the past five decades, CEC has seen firsthand how local actions pave the way to achieving state, national, and global climate goals. The organization has demonstrated that the California Central Coast is primed to act as a lighthouse community that incubates and pilots ideas and models them for other regions. And they hope you are willing to join them in this urgent work.
Community Environmental Council
Donate now!www.cecsb.org
(805) 963-0583
CEO: Sigrid Wright
Mission
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) advances rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis – including ambitious zero carbon goals, drawdown of excess carbon, and protection against the impacts of climate change. CEC was recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero and is led by CEO Sigrid Wright who was recently named 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. CEC has worked since 1970 to incubate and innovate real-life environmental solutions that directly affect the California Central Coast. Our programs lead to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems, and reduction of single-use plastic.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
Clear Thinking on Climate Change
CEC helped me understand the basics and the complexities of climate change, and how to take steps in my life to make positive changes. I also gained a deeper understanding of how to strategically bring environmental sustainability into my work to help clients be successful.
Training the Next Generation of Climate Activists
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) builds on-the-ground momentum to reverse the threat of the climate crisis and ensure a vibrant and resilient future for California’s Central Coast.
Training the next generation of climate activists – young and old – is critical to achieving this mission.
Funds are needed for CEC’s youth climate workshops, community advocacy training, and climate change education and outreach activities.
Every $300 donation supports training one certified CEC Climate Steward.
2024 Board of Directors
Jon Clark, President
Chandler Buie
Bill Cuttler
Christine DeVries
Nadra Ehrman
Geoff Green
David Jackson
Dr. Barbara Lindemann
Elliott MacDougall
Pat McElroy
Dr. David Pellow
Ivette Peralta
Peter Schuyler
Tammy Sims Johnson
Michelle Weinman
Key Supporters Foundations
James S. Bower Foundation
Patricia and Paul Bragg Foundation
Hutton Parker Foundation
Natalie Orfalea Foundation
Ann Jackson Family Foundation
John C. Mithun Foundation
Errett Fisher Foundation
Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Living Peace Foundation
Santa Barbara Foundation
Weingart Foundation
El Gato Channel Foundation
McCune Foundation
Schlinger Family Foundation