The popular Central Coast Bioneers Conference, a Bioneers Pollinator event hosted by Ecologistics, is returning to San Luis Obispo on Friday and Saturday, October 4-5, at the Octagon Barn.
Expanding to a two-day event, the conference will focus on environmental and climate-related topics on Friday and on social justice topics on Saturday.
Local speakers include author Esha Chhabra on her book “Working to Restore: Harnessing the Power of Regenerative Business to Heal the World,” and author Tom Bowman on his book “What If Solving the Climate Crisis Is Simple?”
A member of the Hollister Guardians group will speak on their efforts to empower Latino voices and Cal Poly student Emma Lee Daniel will present her research on nature-based solutions for urban injustice.
Selected keynote talks from the 2024 National Bioneers Conference will be shown, featuring Dolores Huerta on organizing for justice, Erica Gies on the slow water movement, Merlin Sheldrake on how fungi make our world, Stacy Mitchell on democracy vs. Big Tech and Native American activist Corrina Gould on the rematriation of native lands.
A pre-conference field trip on October 3 will offer a tour of four all-electric green buildings that are energy efficient and powered completely or in part with renewable energy, reducing their carbon footprints.
“We are really excited to offer this opportunity for the public to get an inside look at one commercial building and three residential projects,” says conference organizer Stacey Hunt. “If you’re thinking about decarbonizing your home or office, this is a great showcase of projects to inspire you.”
The Green Marketplace will return. Breakfast will be provided by Coastal Peaks Coffee and lunch will be provided by Bear City Social. Thanks to dishes, cups, and cutlery provided by Tableware Share, the conference will be no-waste.
One day or two-day tickets can be purchased at adult and student rates. The pre-conference field trip is $35, and includes transportation.
Central Coast Bioneers is a local, self-organized Bioneers Pollinator event.