Sustainable Austin Blog

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by building and advocating for affordable housing projects.

When a package arrives at your door, have you ever thought about all it takes to get there? A product is made, likely in a factory. It might be packaged and shipped to a warehouse, where it then is picked up, packaged again, and shipped to you by boats, planes, and trucks. So many steps in this process create waste, and all of them negatively impact our planet. 

You certainly can’t tell by the weather, but Fall is approaching, and it’s back-to-school time! As a new school year begins, families stock up on supplies and gear up for the routine of packed lunches, homework, and hustling out the door each morning. But the back-to-school season also brings a spike in waste from all the shopping and school supplies. This year, keep sustainability in mind with these tips for an eco-friendly start to school.

Climate solutions can enhance the lives of every Austinite, but the effects of climate change are not felt equally across our community. As part of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Community Climate Ambassadors Program helps to empower community members to lead on climate action through community projects. 

Join us as we dive into the inspiring stories of our dedicated ambassadors and discover how they are making a positive difference in their communities. 

There are thousands of employees that help power the City of Austin — we're proud that so many of them center sustainability in their work and lives. Today, we're introducing you to one such employee: Sara Boone Hartley, Assistant Director for Support Services with the Watershed Protection Department.

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We all have a role to play in helping create a healthy planet. To celebrate all month long, the Office of Sustainability invites you to participate in the Earth Month Challenge.