Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Santa Barbara, Westmont College is a place where a passion for environmental stewardship meets a foundation of Christian faith and values.
Launched with a commitment to nurturing our campus, community, and planet, Sustainable Westmont integrates efforts in biodiversity conservation, sustainable food practices, and waste management that reflects a theology of care for the Environment.
Through a combination of campus wide initiatives and educational outreach, Westmont College embraces a campus culture that honors both our world and faith, creating a sustainable future rooted in community and responsibility. Join us!
Our Commitment
As a Christian college, we are deeply committed to sustainable practices that honor our call to care for God’s creation, human and non-human. Guided by our faith, we strive to steward the Earth with respect, integrity, and purpose, recognizing our responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. Through education and action, we dedicate ourselves to practices that reflect our love for creation and our commitment to a sustainable world.
What We’re Doing
Move Out Mindfully
Moving out? Don’t toss it—donate it! As part of Westmont’s sustainability efforts, our Move Out Mindfully program makes it easy to give your gently used items a second life. In partnership with Alpha Thrift, donation stations pop up in every residence hall during move-out season. From clothes and books to mini-fridges and mugs, your reusable items stay out of the Tajiguas Landfill and go on to support our local community. Clean out, give back, and leave your dorm a little greener!
GLC Farm Stand
The GLC Farm Stand brings Westmont Garden’s fresh, organically grown produce straight to our campus community. Located in front of the GLC, the stand offers a rotating selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs—harvested just that morning. All produce is grown right here on campus using sustainable, chemical-free practices. Best of all, it’s completely free for Westmont students, faculty, and staff. Come taste the difference of hyper-local food and support our college’s commitment to sustainability, community, and ecological stewardship.
Oak Woodland Restoration
Our coast live oaks are making a comeback! Westmont is teaming up with UCSB, Montecito Fire, RWMP, Kitson, and the SB County Conservation Blueprint to restore a native oak woodland on campus. After removing invasive eucalyptus between the baseball field and Las Barrancas, we’re replanting the live oak forest that once thrived there. With a 94% survival rate and major growth already, our student-led monitoring is showing great success—and the area may soon serve as a site for ecological research! Come get your hands dirty and help grow a forest for the future!
Living Prayer Labyrinth
Set beside the Westmont Garden, the Prayer Labyrinth invites students into a quiet space to pray, reflect, and meditate on God’s Word. Surrounded by native plants that support our campus ecosystem, the labyrinth is both a spiritual and ecological sanctuary. Rooted in Christian tradition, this path helps guide hearts toward God. As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “You show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” Walk with intention. Rest in His presence. Find joy in the journey.
OUR INITIATIVES
CC-SAG (Creation Care - Sustainability Advisory Group)
CC-SAG is a group of faculty, staff and students who work together to implement new sustainability projects on campus. They have
officially reconvened for the 2024-2025 school year and work to consult our sustainability team, strategizing for increased student involvement and effective communication.
OUR INITIATIVES
In the Garden
We're composting food waste from the DC and GLC Kitchens in our own garden! The fresh soil is added to our rows to grow veggies for the DC. We’re growing kale, tomatoes, zucchinis and more.
Come get your hands dirty and join our Garden Club in the garden every Wednesday from 3-5 PM!
OUR INITIATIVES
On Campus Restoration
Westmont is partnering with UCSB, Montecito Fire, RWMP, Kitson, and SB County Conservation Blueprint on a proposal to restore oak woodland on campus. After removing non-native eucalyptus trees from the area between the baseball field and Las Barrancas neighborhood, we hope to replant the live oak forest that once thrived there. The newly restored area could then be used for ecological research!
Plant-based at Westmont Continues
After an effort to promote plant-based eating on campus, 89% of student respondents report that they’ve taken on a more plant- based diet. Our plant-based cooking class offered by the Blue Owl spring of 2023 was a smashing success so we’re planning another; keep an eye out for more information to come!
Janell Balmaceda, our Sustainability Coordinator and Garden Manager
Sustainability Intern
Garden Intern
Biodiversity
The Westmont Biodiversity initiative is based in the Biology department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, but is very much a collaborative endeavor of faculty, staff, students and neighbors.
Environmental Studies Major
Westmont College offers an environmental studies program and courses that empower students to become environmental leaders. From environmental sociology to ecological studies, the curriculum is designed to instill a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the environment.
