Sustainability landscape expo spreads awareness in Santa Monica

(L to R) Miki Yoshimoto and Brisa Alvarez, Santa Monica College student coordinator, manning sign-in booth at the Sustainability Landscape Expo at Miles Playhouse Christine Emerson Reed park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Participants examine the free plants being given away at the Sustainability Landscape Expo at Miles Playhouse Christine Emerson Reed park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Clove Galilee engaging with participants about sustainable programs at the Sustainability Landscape Expo at Miles Playhouse Christine Emerson Reed park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

People attending the Sustainability Landscape Expo at Miles Playhouse Christine Emerson Reed park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

The Sustainability Landscape Expo was held at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Christine Emerson Reed park the morning of Sept. 13 to inform the public about the programs that the City of Santa Monica were offering the public. 

Booths were set up to inform attendees about all the various programs available to help the Santa Monica community to create more sustainable landscapes for their homes. Additionally, plants, seeds and educational materials were available to all registered attendees for free. 

The expo was organized by Gina Garcia, co-executive Director at Sustainable Works. Garcia said the event was aimed to educate the public on the city of Santa Monica sustainability goals. Such as informing people about sustainable gardens and all the rebates available for converting grass lawns to sustainable landscapes. 

Garcia said, “one of the biggest challenges the organization is facing is finding ways to engage the public.” They are continuing to try new ways to draw in more people to spread awareness of these resources. The event helps inform the public that they don’t have to design a sustainable landscape alone and there are organizations happy to help.

One company is Smith Pipe and Supply. Mike Nordstrom, branch manager for Smith Pipe and Supply, said “his company has made sure that they have on supply equipment for new construction to meet regulation. All new landscape construction in Santa Monica is required to follow current regulations.” 

Julianne Zuccardi, from Zero Waste, talked about the impact of keeping food waste out of landfills. Food wastes still have nutrients that can be used in composts and by sending them to the landfill it removes a resource.  Zuccardi said, “If California reaches composting goals this year, it can reduce the emissions equivalent of 3 million cars off the road.”

For more information about sustainable programs in Santa Monica, visit the City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment at https://www.smgov.net/departments/ose/