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Sherry Lepine at a school garden. A graphic next to her reads "Net-Zero Hero: Sherry Lepine"

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by empowering my students to get involved in sustainability efforts and to be environmental stewards.

Meet Sherry Lepine, the Maverick Green STEM Academy Director at Mendez Middle School, where she also leads campus composting, gardening, a…

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Christopher Stanton poses with his bike. A graphic next to him reads "Chris Stanton: Net-Zero Hero"

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by developing Austin's youth bicycle riders to give them the skills and confidence they need to ride independently

Meet Christopher Stanton, Founder and Executive Director of the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative. The Ghisallo Cycling Initiative is an Austin-based non-profit organization committed to providing Austin’s youth with supervised access to outdoo…

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Paula Camacho Net-Zero Hero, Photo of Paula in the garden

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by doing more with less.

Meet Paula Camacho, the Office of Climate Action and Resilience's administrative assistant and chief reuse enthusiast. Paula is our office’s biggest advocate for zero waste, reminding us to reuse and repurpose items at work. Paula has even set up and encouraged a compost collection system for our entire floor. Since she started working with us in 2015, we’ve been hearing about her zero-waste journey at home and wanted to know more. We spo…

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Lucas Brown stands near a compost station at his school. A graphic next to him reads "Lucas Brown: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by trying to change how my high school, Griffin School, disposes of waste and thinks about our environment.

Meet Lucas Brown, a high school senior at Griffin School. Lucas developed an interest in reducing waste at his school’s campus, which led him to create a proposal to keep more materials out of the landfill and get closer to becoming a zero-…

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Photo of Net-Zero Hero Amy Stansbury

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by offering the Austin Common as a way to stay informed and get engaged.

 

Meet Amy Stansbury, Editor in Chief for the Austin Common. If you are already a subscriber, you know about the fantastic work that Amy does to keep us all informed about sustainability issues, events, and jobs in our community (and if you’re not a subscriber, you should

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This week, City officials unveiled Austin Energy’s showcase for electric transportation in the new Seaholm EcoDistrict – Electric Drive. The area is located on a portion of West 2nd Street between Walter Seaholm Drive and Sandra Muraida Way, and is a mobility hub that features charging options for two- and four-wheel electric vehicles.

At the ceremony, Mayor Steve Adler was joined by Council Member Ann Kitchen, Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent, and Chief Sustainability Officer Lucia Athens. Electric Vehicle Program Manager Karl Popham emceed the event. The speakers focused on Austin’s commitment to sustainabili…

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Dustin Fedako poses in front of a large compost pile. A graphic and text next to him reads "Dustin Fedako: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by running a 100% bike-powered composting company.

Meet Dustin Fedako, co-founder and CEO of the Compost Pedallers — an organics collection business with roots in Austin. Compost Pedallers uses bicycles to collect organic waste from members’ homes and pedal it to nearby urban farms and community gardens. In addition to helping Austin reach our Net-Zero goal through his busines…

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Sameer Pusapaty working in a lab with lab goggles on. A graphic near him reads "Sameer Pusapaty: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by encouraging residents of my community to recycle more.

Meet Sameer Pusapaty, one of last year’s Austin Energy Regional Science Festival Best of Fair winners. We’ve been following Sameer’s impressive academic career since the Science Festival, and were pleased to meet up with him again at last fall’s SXSW Eco Conference, where he…

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Calder Kamin in her studio next to a graphic that reads "Calder Kamin: Net-Zero Hero"

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by being creative.

Meet local artist Calder Kamin. She contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, but most importantly through her creative process, which involves transforming plastic trash into whimsical and thought-provoking works of art. While her creations are both beautiful and playful and can be appreciated on those terms alone, Calder also us…

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August Martin in downtown Austin. A graphic next to him reads "August Martin, Jr. Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by spreading the message of sustainability at home, at work, and in the community.

Meet August Martin, Jr., Project Manager for Integrated Planning Services at HNTB Corporation. He contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways at home, at work, and in the community. August implemented several initiatives for HNTB, including collaborating with the Clean Air Force of Central Texas to reduce the company’s…