Drive Clean Chronicles: A Workplace Charging Station Win
Dona is an Oxnard resident who spent a couple of years planning to purchase an electric vehicle (EV). Motivated by the potential fuel…
Drive Clean Chronicles: Incentives & Fuel Savings Fund a Fiat 500e
Caesar loved his vintage Italian sports car, which he used to commute to work each day. Because his commute was long, he was very attracted to…
Drive Clean Chronicles: An Interview with a Happy BMW i3 Owner
CEC sat down recently with Krystalin, a Ventura resident who made the switch to a BMW i3. Below, she shares what…
Drive Clean Chronicles: A College Student’s Leasing Solution
Halen, a college student in Ventura, knew he wanted to drive a more environmentally friendly car. He also was interested in better gas mileage…
Intern Spotlight: Lars Davenport
Lars Davenport was an intern for CEC following his graduation from the UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. He is currently working for the Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office as an environmental specialist, focusing on community energy programs.
A Lunch Service For the Planet
For several years, the online learning company lynda.com has provided free daily lunch for employees. Now the Carpinteria-based company is helping employees Ditch Plastic by piloting a reusable container system for those who want to take their lunch to-go.
My First Tesla Model S
In November 2012, I put my name on the list for a Tesla Model S and started waiting the 8 to 10 months that the company estimated it would take to build my electric car.
Intern Spotlight: LeeAnne French
LeeAnne French, after finishing her degree at the UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, went on to work for UCSB’s National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS). Before her job at NCEAS, LeeAnne was an intern for CEC.
Solar Fuels a Retirement Plan #gosolar
When retirement knocked on the door of Arroyo Grande residents Angela and Mark Goble, solar answered.
A Solar Dream Come True
When a Solarponics representative flipped on the solar array at Ed and Irene Rush’s Atascadero home, it fulfilled a dream 35 years in the making.
Meet Your Farmer #eatlocal
Local farmer Alex Frecker hopes to build relationships with customers that can lead to a total overhaul on the current state of the food consumption in Santa Barbara county.
Local Politician Supports the Green Economy – In the State Assembly and at Home
In 2011, assemblyman Das Williams purchased his Chevy Volt and became one of the first locals to start driving electric. A politician with a strong environmental ethic, he was driven by a desire to live by those values in his daily life, starting first by minimizing his use of gasoline.
The Underwater Hunter
A weight belt. A pair of long fins. A snorkeling mask. A wetsuit. A spear gun that looks like an underwater crossbow. A strong set of lungs. A clear, calm day. A high tide. A steady arm. A day off from work. A little luck.
That, says Eric Lohela, is his recipe for a good day of free-dive spearfishing.
Pushing The Boundaries Of Green Living With Local Plant-Based Proteins
Like most conscientious consumers, I realize that eating locally is one of the best ways to reduce my waste, cut my carbon footprint, and support a truly sustainable food system. And living in Santa Barbara like the lucky ducks that we are—well that means that eating locally can really become our reality.
The Creative Commuter
Last March, Kent Epperson bought a house in Ojai after months of fruitlessly searching for an affordable place in Santa Barbara. With that move, his short bike commute to his office near the intersection of Calle Real and North San Antonio Road in Santa Barbara abruptly changed to an hour and a half drive every day between the two cities.
The Baby Boomer Bikers
Recently, Eva Inbar and her husband, Michael, purchased a set of road bikes. Avid cyclists, the two have been biking for decades, and they don’t have plans to quit anytime soon. No matter that they are in their late 60s.
Intern Spotlight: Becky Dempsey
Becky Dempsey works as the Marketing Programs Manager for GreenBiz Group in the Bay Area. Becky completed a six-month internship at CEC following graduation from UC Santa Barbara with a double major in Environmental Studies and Business Economics.
How Daniel C. was saved by a blueberry
Just a few years ago, Daniel Corry would have been lost at the farmers market. He never went, he wouldn’t have known where to start, and he would have been astounded that someone would pay that much for a box of blueberries. He was happy with Trader Joe’s. Now, Daniel is a farmers market regular; he goes at least once a week, he has his favorite stands, and he happily pays that much for a box of locally-grown blueberries. He wouldn’t dream of buying produce at Trader Joe’s anymore. “It has no taste!” he says.
The Probiotic Woman
There are people who hear "fermented" and think "spoiled." Not only would they avoid eating something fermented, they would steer clear of a festival dedicated to all things fermented. But those are people who haven’t yet met Katie Falbo.
The Accidental Chef
Leslie Thomas does not just have a green thumb. It’s more like a green arm. Her backyard is overflowing with kale, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, artichokes, strawberries, eggplants, tomatoes, ghost peppers, and 35 different grape vines -- just to name a few.