In early December, the Science and Environment Council (SEC)—a not-for-profit consortium of 40 science-based environmental nonprofit and government organization in Sarasota and Manatee counties—will host a Green Living Expo and EcoSummit, designed to engage the community on environmental issues and put in place more sustainable practices in their homes and businesses.

On the schedule: a week of free, family-friendly eco-education events at The Bay; a two-day trade show that highlights green solutions for energy conservation, waste reduction, water protection, local food, and nature conservation; and panel discussions, storytelling and music featuring filmmaker Damon Gameau and writer Carl Hiaasen. 

On Dec. 2-3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Green Living Expo at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium will highlight eco-conscious solutions for energy conservation, waste reduction, water protection, local food and nature conservation. Entry is free with advance registration or $5 per group at the door.

The EcoSummit kicks off December 4, from 5-8 p.m., at The Bay Park Nest with a free outdoor screening of the film 2040 with the film’s creator, award-winning Australian documentary filmmaker and EcoSummit keynote speaker Damon Gameau.

Then, on Dec. 5, from 7-9 p.m., renowned writer Carl Hiaasen will take the Van Wezel stage  with emcee and award-winning journalist Craig Pittman, local storytellers and a musical guest. A Florida native, Hiaasen has been writing about the Sunshine State since his father gave him a typewriter at age 6. Thirteen books—nine of them national bestsellers—the fiction he writes today is not far from the bizarre truth he discovered about Florida during his reporting for the Miami Herald from 1985 through 2021. Tickets for Hiaasen's talk start at $85; a packages for the entire weekend start at $155.

“Over the past century in Florida, population growth and development patterns have increased pollution and decreased the environment’s capacity to process it,” says Dr. Jennifer Shafer, SEC’s co-executive director. “Our natural environment is the foundation of our economy and quality of life. By working together to educate and activate the community, we hope to bolster efforts to conserve and restore our treasured natural resources—and protect quality of life for generations to come.”

A week of Ever-Green days runs Nov. 30-Dec. 5 at The Bay. The Green Living Expo takes place Dec. 2-3, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. The EcoSummit will be held Dec. 5-6 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit eco-summit.org.