School gardens offer campuses and students far more than just fresh food or attractive landscapes. They serve as an extension of the classroom, functioning as a living laboratory and a peaceful retreat. At the Office of Climate Action and Resilience, we recognize that the benefits of school gardens are only possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of campus volunteers who work tirelessly to build, maintain, and support these valuable spaces.
The Friends in Gardening (FiG) Award was created in 2023 by the Central Texas School Garden Network…
I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by encouraging folks to give up consumerism for community and creativity.
Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero, Shelby Orme! Shelby is a sustainability advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader whose journey began with a summer camp and grew into a lifelong commitment to environmental justice and collective action. From building a platform that…
When Austin ISD closed several campuses in 2021, many across the community had deep feelings about losing these spaces and were left wondering what they might become. For Colleen Garland, an Outdoor Learning Specialist with Austin ISD, the Bright Green Future Grants Program provided the perfect springboard for a vision that could reconnect kids, community, and nature all in one vibrant space.
“I really appreciate the mission of Bright Green Future Grants to crea…
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…
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.
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…