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Ricardo poses with his bike. Text reads "Ricardo Treviño Net-Zero Hero"

Ricardo smiles with his bike, a graphic next to him reads "Net-Zero Hero Ricardo Trevino"

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by embracing sustainable transportation and building a community around cycling.

Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero, Ricardo Treviño! From biking instead of driving to recycling nearly everything he can, Ricardo finds simple, everyday ways to live more sustainably. He also participates in (and previously led) rides with Social Cycling Austin, a group that brings casual, beginner-fri…

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Office of Climate Action and Resilience team members pose with DIY air filter

Our team made one — and you can make one too!

When poor air quality happens, like wildfire smoke, Sahara dust, or high ozone days, it can feel like you’re stuck inside with no good options. But you can do something — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, our team built a DIY indoor air cleaner using a box fan and an HVAC filter, and it works surprisingly well for clearing up smoke and other pollutants indoors.

Here’s what we learned — and how you can make one too.

Two people stand with a finished DIY-air filter.

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I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by educating communities throughout Texas and beyond about the importance of backyard birds and how to plant native plants to help birds thrive in a healthy habitat.

​Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero, Sebastian Casarez! From a young age, Sebastian cultivated a deep passion for birds and birdwatching, leading him to establish The Texas Blue Jay Project. Through this initiative, he brings engaging birding presentations to…

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Students stand on foundation blocks at Gorzycki Middle School.

Crockett High School students stand with their teacher, Mr. Bugge, before the barn build begins.

Every year, the Bright Green Future Grants Program receives dozens of inspiring applications from schools working to connect students with nature, instill lifelong sustainability habits, and contribute to a greener Austin — and each year, we continue to b…

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Eli Halpern in a Golden Cricket shirt stands in front of a pond. Text reads, "Eli Halpern: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by providing a sustainable protein source that reduces water usage, land consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. 

​Meet our latest Net-Zero Hero: Eli Halpern. Eli holds many titles. He’s a mixed martial artist, comedian, and musician who has channeled his diverse talents into promoting sustainable nutrition. After trying a barbecued scorpion abroad, Eli…

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Starla Simmons smiles at the camera. She stands outside in front of greenery.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by bridging the connection between people and nature, social justice, and collective healing!

Meet our latest Net-Zero Hero: Starla Simmons. Starla is a dedicated social worker, eco-therapist, and professor at The University of Texas at Austin. With over 15 years of experience, Starla has led the way regionally in integrating nature-based practices into social work, emphasizing the vital connecti…

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People point off a cliff at Mount Bonnell. Text reads, "New Name, Same Commitment: Introducing the Office of Climate Action and Resilience."

 

We’re excited to announce that the Office of Sustainability has officially become the Office of Climate Action and Resilience! This change better reflects the work we do every day — helping Austin prepare for and respond to the challenges of climate change while ensuring a more just and sustainable future for all.

While the name is new, our work is the same. We remain com…

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Eduardo "Wayo" Longoria smiles as he stands in front of an airbrushed mural outside the entrance of Casa de Luz.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by providing a place where health and community thrive — and helping others do the same in their neighborhoods.

Eduardo "Wayo" Longoria, co-founder of Casa de Luz, has been a pioneer in fostering health and community through sustainable, plant-based dining in Austin since 1991 — and we’re proud to i…

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Are we experiencing a winter wonderland or a winter wasteland? 

If you need motivation to have a sustainable holiday, consider this: every year, at least 12,500 tons of holiday decorations, 141,525 tons of food packaging, and 30,000 tons of holiday cards end up in landfills. Imagine the numbers when considering gift packaging, food waste, and unused gifts. All of these contributions to holiday waste are entirely avoidable. Follow these tips to help support a greener holiday season.

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Kelley Rytlewski stands next to a large pile of clothes and in front of stocked shelves. A graphic reads, "Kelley Rytlewski: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by giving away over 100,000 secondhand garments a year for free — from the Austin community back to the Austin community.

Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero: Kelley Rytlewski! Founder of Heartening, Kelley is on a mission to take meaningful action to reduce waste, connect community, and build a more sustainable future in Austin. Wh…