Now in its 23rd year, the Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference will take place on Saturday Sept. 14 from 12 to 5 pm at Woodward Middle School on Bainbridge Island.

Exploring a diverse range of topics, from forestry to rising sea levels, each year, the event’s theme addresses one of the most relevant issues of the time. This year, the spotlight is on electrification – exploring how this shift can help reduce our carbon footprint, improve public health and save homeowners money.

“We wanted to focus on something that touches every aspect of our lives,” says event organizer, Michael Cox. “Electrification is not just about energy efficiency; it’s about creating healthier environments and making our communities more resilient and saving homeowners money.”

There will be speakers who will address a wide variety of topics highlighting electrification and conservation as tools to improve the region’s environmental and public health

and feature insights from homeowners who have made these transitions.

Inside the Woodwards Commons will be booths and tables for people to visit to learn from local vendors about installing solar panels and heat pumps, along with making your house more energy efficient. There will be battery and smart panel vendors and volunteers from

non-profits who are promoting electrification. In the North parking lot will be food, EV car dealers, electric bikes and landscaping tools.

“We’re offering people ideas on how they can make changes, whether it’s switching to an electric stove or insulating their homes better,” Cox says. “It’s about providing options that can lead to cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint.”

This year’s electrification conference will focus on how power consumption and conservation can enhance the environment and public health.

A significant focus of this year’s event is the many incentives and subsidies available through programs including the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. “There’s a lot of money out there that people can tap into if they knew how,” Cox says. “We want to help them navigate these opportunities.”

Organized entirely by volunteers, this grassroots event is driven by a passion for creating a sustainable future. “We’re doing this because we believe in it,” Cox says. “We think it’s essential, not just for our wallets, but for the planet.”

Tickets are $5 for adults and free for youth and can be purchased online or onsite.