Waste, Truth, and the Planet : Santa Barbara Literary Festival

Join Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Edward Humes, author of Total Garbage: How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World, in conversation with Kathi King, Director of Outreach and Education at the Community Environmental Council (CEC), for a timely and eye-opening discussion on environmental journalism, consumer culture, and climate action.

Humes will explore the reporting behind Total Garbage, revealing the hidden systems that shape what we throw away—and the profound environmental, economic, and ethical consequences of our waste. Together, Humes and King will examine the critical role journalism plays in uncovering environmental truths, empowering communities, and driving meaningful change.

The conversation will also spotlight practical, actionable steps individuals, families, and communities can take to reduce waste, rethink consumption, and protect our planet for future generations.

Hosted at the CEC Hub, this event connects powerful storytelling with local leadership and real-world solutions—inviting audiences not only to learn, but to act.

A compelling program for

He lives in Santa Barbara and has taught narrative nonfiction writing at USC and Chapman University. 

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival brings together readers and writers of every genre for a two day celebration of storytelling and inspiration. Engaging panels, enlightening workshops, pop-up events, and welcoming social gatherings, bring together established authors, emerging writers, and passionate readers in a uniquely intimate setting that fosters community centered around a shared love of the literary arts.

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