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Harvé sits along an herb garden bed smiling. Text reads, "Harvé Franks: Net-Zero Hero.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by growing food and trees on private and public properties to fight hunger and create a more abundant earth.

The African American community in Austin has a long-standing relationship with the land. Following emancipation in the 1860s, Black farmers created “Freedom Colonies” — self-sufficient communities where infertile land was transformed into circular economies, supplying their communities…

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Students and parents line up along a street on bicycles. Text reads: 2023 Annual Highlights City of Austin Office of Sustainability.

 

Top 5 Achievements

1 in an orange circle.

Surpassed $1 million in funds provided to Austin-area schools through the 

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Leti Alvarez stands outside smiling. She wears a red flannel and stands in front of a field with trees.
 

Meet our newest Office of Sustainability team member: Leti Alvarez! Leti is joining the office to help with the creation of a regional climate action plan by providing administrative support. Like other recent new employees

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Amy Sugeno looks through binoculars in a field. A graphic reads, "Amy Sugeno: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by helping people build meaningful and nourishing relationships with nature and each other.

It’s a new year — full of possibilities and resolutions for the months ahead. As we move into 2024, the Office of Sustainability looks forward to continuing to share the stories of individuals across our city who inspire us th…

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Andrew stands in front of the playground at T.A. Brown Elementary. A graphic reads, "Andrew Cortes: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by supporting Austin’s urban parks reforestation efforts.

Andrew Cortes saw a need for shade in his local park — and stepped up to address it. Partnering with the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Highland Neighborhood Association, Andrew worked…

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A Thanksgiving table spread with the words: A Greener Gathering.

Food waste in the U.S. is a serious problem that only gets worse during the holidays.

Here are a few tips to help you have a sustainable Thanksgiving with friends and family while reducing your carbon footprint...

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Oh my gourd! It's pumpkin season: Make use of the entire pumpkin with these tips

Fall is here, and Halloween is right around the corner! But, before you start breaking out the carving tools for your Jack-O-Lanterns, be sure you’ve got a plan for what to do with the seeds, pulp, and finished product. Avoid throwing out your pumpkin’s treasured innards and reduce pumpkin waste by following these tips:

Roast the seeds

Depending on who you ask, half the fun is scooping out th…

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A photo of Reza Cristián smiling in her living room. Words read, "Reza Cristián: Net Zero Hero"

Reza Cristián stands in front of a colorful mural.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero through inclusive storytelling, sustainable fashion, and community organizing.

Meet Reza Cristián, founder of SUSTAIN THE MAG, co-founder of the…