Rooted In Action: A Community’s Commitment to the Earth
Left to right: Dr. Gary Griggs, Will Wiseman & Alba Forns of Climatize, Katie Thompson of Save Our Shores, John Felts of CruzFoam
April is Earth Month—a time not just for reflection, but for action. In Santa Cruz County, this isn't a seasonal gesture. It's a year-round commitment to environmental stewardship, led by a coalition of scientists, activists, and innovators. Here are some awesome advocates and organizations we have right here in our backyard!
Dr. Gary Griggs, a coastal geologist at UC Santa Cruz, has spent decades studying sea-level rise and coastal erosion. His research has been instrumental in shaping policies that protect our shorelines. Through his "Our Ocean Backyard" column in the Sentinel, Griggs translates complex science into accessible narratives, fostering public understanding and engagement.
Complementing scientific research with actionable solutions, Climatize.Earth empowers individuals to invest directly in renewable energy projects. By allowing community members to fund solar and clean energy initiatives with as little as $10, Climatize democratizes climate action. This innovative approach not only accelerates the transition to sustainable energy but also fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship. They’re offering a give $60, get $60 deal this whole month.
Beyond these efforts, a network of organizations amplifies Santa Cruz's environmental impact. Save Our Shores, for instance, has been pivotal in marine conservation, leading initiatives like the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and organizing beach cleanups that remove tons of waste annually. Find a cleanup here!
Environteers serves as a hub for environmental volunteering, connecting residents with opportunities to engage in local conservation efforts. Check out some actions they recommend here. Similarly, the Amah Mutsun Land Trust aims to heal the land and the people through cultural revitalization, ecological restoration, and the application of traditional ecological knowledge and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County works to protect open spaces, ensuring the preservation of natural habitats for future generations.
O'Neill Sea Odyssey provide hands-on marine science experiences for students, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.
Ecology Action is a long-standing organization empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to take action for environmental and economic sustainability. Their work spans various areas, including community resilience, energy efficiency, active transportation, and equitable climate solutions. They also run the Resilient Central Coast initiative, aiming to mobilize the community to cut carbon emissions
Local businesses are driving real change, and Cruz Foam is a standout example. Born out of Santa Cruz’s spirit of innovation and environmentalism, Cruz Foam is tackling one of the most persistent pollutants on Earth—styrofoam. By transforming shrimp shell waste into a compostable, marine-safe alternative to expanded polystyrene, Cruz Foam is rewriting the future of packaging. Their solution is not just biodegradable—it’s industrially scalable and already attracting major brands committed to sustainability.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center offers a 20,000-square-foot visitor center, guests can touch a shark, explore the latest discoveries in ocean science, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay and has a volunteer program for individuals who would like to help educate the community on animals, conservation, and sustainability.
Lastly, the City of Santa Cruz has its own ambitious climate action goals, aiming for a 40% reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2035. They are implementing various measures related to building electrification, transportation, waste reduction, and carbon sequestration. Check out the Climate Action Program here.
In Santa Cruz County, Earth Month is more than a calendar event; it's a reflection of a community's ongoing dedication to environmental health. Through collaborative efforts spanning science, education, activism, and business, the region exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainability, offering a model for communities worldwide.