I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by living my values through plant-based eating, biking, and community action.

Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero, Laura Ts'ao. Laura is a community organizer, advocate, and lifelong learner who’s showing that sustainability is just as much about people as it is about the planet. Through her leadership in Plant Powered Athlete ATX, Laura has helped expand the group’s mission — combining plant-based living, cycling, and community to make active, low-impact lifestyles more approachable for all Austinites. Beyond her work with PPA, Laura also lends her time to civic engagement and environmental advocacy through the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area, where she works to advance policies around water, energy, and climate while helping others find their voice in the democratic process. Her work reminds us that building a sustainable Austin takes more than individual choices — it takes connection, creativity, and collective action.

What inspired you to take action?

For veganism and biking, I have been a part of the Plant Powered Athlete for a few years. The group is led by Paige Bockhorn and is incredibly welcoming and all-ages. While the core part of the group is walking and running, it has been diversifying with new activities, like weightlifting, climbing, pickleball, and, now, bicycling! I have previously done local political advocacy work around accessible transportation, and bike communities have been a staple in my adult life. Combining cycling, plant-based eating, and community was a natural fit for me. I wanted to do it in a fun, beginner-friendly way that made biking feel approachable and safe.

For the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area (LWVAA) work, I’m from Colorado, where the voting system is very different. When I moved to Texas 6 years ago, I was struck by how many barriers to voting there are, especially for college voters and disenfranchised voters, like voters of color. My generation has grown up with climate change always on our radar, and I know how urgent it is to pursue climate actions through the political process. I wanted to connect into a community advocating for long-term plans and policies, and help people understand how to vote in a system that often discourages participation. Most importantly, I wanted to bring joy and creativity to voter education, rather than doom and gloom.

Top to bottom: Laura speaks at the LWVAA’s New Year Brunch; Laura accepts "Volunteer of the Year” award from the League of Women Voters. Photo credit: Hal Jennings.

How did you do it?

For the vegan biking group rides, I went to my fellow members, Philip, and my partner, Russ, to make the event come to life. Philip has been biking for 50 years, so I knew he would be a great person who would aid in the ride route logistics. And Russ is my “personality-hire, vibes aficionado” who takes great pictures, and I wanted him to capture the magic of the rides. From then on, it was just coming up with fun ideas, spreading the word, and making sure the ride was safe and people got to enjoy plant-based food from a vegan restaurant.

Left to right: Laura stands in front of the State of Texas Capitol building; Laura poses in downtown Austin. Photo credit: Russ Lockwood.

For LWVAA, I had been a Volunteer Deputy Registrar with them since I moved to Austin, and I later helped with their social media during the election, just before joining the Board. Previously, I had volunteered with racial justice organizations and mentored refugee girls, where I had done advocacy during the Texas Legislative Sessions. While the League doesn't support or oppose candidates or political parties, as it is nonpartisan, they do take action on issues. One of their top priorities this year is water infrastructure. I interviewed representatives, participated in the LWVTX Legislative Advocacy Day, and helped find common ground with representatives on our water priorities. I also represent LWVAA on an Energy Issues Organizing group that focuses on energy and climate advocacy issues in Austin.

What’s been most rewarding about getting involved in this way?

The community that comes with the work has been the most rewarding. Austin has a great vegan community and a huge bike community. There are always fun ride groups for all levels. I’ve met great friends, shared fun experiences, and explored all parts of the city by bike. The vegan community is a diverse, passionate group of people, some of whom have become close friends. 

The most heartwarming aspect is the collective action. It’s one thing to make an individual lifestyle habit, but another to join others in the pursuit of more sustained systemic impact. Community also brings hope and resilience. When times get hard, it’s good to have support from people who understand and share your experience. Sustained action becomes more sustainable when done together. Big efforts and systemic changes don’t come overnight. You need teamwork and a community-first approach in order to create lasting impact for the community.

Left to right: Laura talks about a mural on the PPA Mural Art bike ride; Laura and fellow Austinites ride their bikes during a PPA Bike event. Photo credit: Russ Lockwood.

What’s been the toughest part?

Finding balance. Managing volunteer work, my community groups, my full-time job, and my personal life can be a challenge. I’m thankful that I love what I do for my work and that volunteering enriches my life. I have learned to take breaks, unplug, and protect time for myself. 

I’m also genuinely happy to spend a lot of time volunteering, and the people who love me know that about me. They understand when I prioritize the work because they see how meaningful it is to me and they are my biggest cheerleaders. Sometimes the line between work, volunteering, and friendship blurs, and I’ve had to learn that balance. Overall, it’s all well worth it.

Top to bottom: Co-organizers of the PPA bike rides, Russ, Laura, and Philip smile for a photo;  Laura and fellow PPA cyclists pose with their bikes. Photo credit: Russ Lockwood and Jeff Guerrero.

What first inspired your shift toward a plant-based lifestyle, and how has it influenced your views on sustainability?

I first went vegetarian when I was fifteen, and my Mom, sister, and I were going through a tough financial period. At this time, my Mom suggested not buying meat to save money, and I decided to do the same. Very quickly, my motivations shifted to animal rights and environmental concerns, as I learned more about the issue and decided not to turn away from those facts. Eventually, I went vegan. 

I think many people begin their plant-based journeys for different reasons, whether it’s finances, health, environment, labor practices, decolonizing their diet, etc., and I encourage that exploration! It deepens your understanding of the importance of food choices for our future and how they shape your relationship to the earth.

Becoming more aware of my daily actions has created a critical consciousness about how I want to live out my values that extends to other parts of my life, such as advocating for sustainable transportation, rethinking consumerism, and supporting environmental actions at the policy level.

Left to right: Laura stands with her bike in front of the Capitol building; Laura smiles on the front lawn of the Capitol.

What advice do you have for others?

Find a community. If you are struggling to get involved or stay involved, having a supportive group makes all the difference. In all my work, current and previous, embedding myself in community groups is essential. Shared brains help you grow, and community bonds sustain you when the road gets tough. They are also there to celebrate wins, and that is incredibly important. Part of sustainable action is gratitude for life and a hope for what is possible, and community helps you see that. 

I would also encourage you to support democracy with everyday actions. That could be writing and calling a representative, voting, or volunteering. Take time to read the LWV Voters Guide before you vote and pay attention to all elections, because environmental impacts can show up on the ballot at every level.

Find something you're passionate about. You don’t have to care or know everything about every issue. Look at what truly interests you and aligns with your skill set. Let that guide where you give your time and energy. 

Is there a book, documentary, or other piece of media you would recommend for folks wanting to learn more about these topics?

• Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution by Janette Sadik-Khan and Seth Solomonow. An inspiring book about how to change our streets for the people instead of cars.
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert. A book that puts our human impact on this Earth in an ecologically historical perspective.
• Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. A book that discusses and explores the moral implications of our food choices.
• Making Waves: Writings By and About Asian American Women. A book that was great for me to read that highlighted the work and lives of Asian American women as it relates to activism, resilience, and advocacy that does not get recognized in textbooks.

Laura’s work shows that sustainable living can start with simple choices — like biking to brunch, eating plant-based, or helping neighbors find their voice at the ballot box. By weaving together advocacy, community, and care for the planet, she’s helping Austinites see that climate action isn’t just about reducing emissions — it’s about connection, empowerment, and building a city where everyone can thrive.

To learn more about Austin's net-zero goal and the actions you can take to support a greener community, view the Austin Climate Equity Plan.

Share your Net-Zero contributions with us on X or Facebook, and use #NetZeroHero. If you know a Net-Zero Hero (or heroes!) who should be recognized for their efforts, send your nomination to climate@austintexas.gov.