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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…

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Joseph de Leon with a graphic next to him that reads "Joseph De Leon: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by turning organic waste into plant food.

Meet Joseph de Leon, steering committee member for the Gardens at Gus Garcia and former Operations Director for Keep Austin Fed. He contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including composting at home and in the community. Joseph also works with the Compost Coalition of Austin to provide compostable resources to the community. In his free time, he also enjoys…

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Byrony Gomez-Palacio with her family next to a graphic that reads "Bryony Gomez-Palacio: Net-Zero Hero"

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by creating a lifestyle for my kids where they don’t really think twice about making the greener choice.

Meet Bryony Gomez-Palacio, co-founder of UnderConsideration LLC, a graphic design and publishing firm whose work includes the blog Brand New. She contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including recycling, composting, riding her bike, and walking instead of driving. Born and raised…

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CarShandra Hollins in front of a green tree with a graphic that reads "CarShandra Hollins: Net-Zero Hero"

I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by helping my university go green! 

Meet CarShandra Hollins, a student at Huston-Tillotson University. CarShandra contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including advocating green initiatives and inspiring others to take action, both on and off campus. We spoke with CarShandra about her inspiration, successes, and the advice she has for others.


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Austin Energy joined BikeTexas last week to unveil the first program in the nation aimed at incentivizing the use of electric bicycles. BikeTexas’ fleet of 25 bikes will be the first to take the fleet rebate for a ride.

Mayor Steve Adler and City Council Members Leslie Pool and Sabino “Pio” Renteria spoke at the event, highlighting Austin Energy’s innovative new program. Immediately following, participants were invited to take BikeTexas’ new fleet for a spin on a 2-mile “electric-assisted” bike tour.

Robin Stallings, Executive Director of BikeTexas,…

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Lisa Apfelberg smiles at the camera in a Goodwill store. She is near a rack of jeans. A graphic next to her reads "Lisa Apfelberg, Net-Zero Hero"

I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by composting, upcycling, and reusing! 

Meet Lisa Apfelberg, Director of Development for Goodwill Central Texas. Lisa contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including her continuous efforts to find new ways to recycle, reuse, and upcycle. We spoke with Lisa on her successes, challenges, and what advice she has for others.


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Melissa Rothrock in a black leather jacket and teal blue dress with a graphic next to her that reads "Melissa Rothrock: Net-Zero Hero"

I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by being a bus commuter! 

Meet Melissa Rothrock, water planner at the Texas Water Development Board. She also organizes the Austin Zero Waste Lifestyle Meetup. Melissa contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including opting to ride the bus instead of driving her car. We spoke with Melissa on the benefits and c…

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A photo of Sharon Mays walking in a park outside. Text over the photo reads, "Sharon Mays: Net-Zero Hero".

I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by walking more and driving less.

Meet Sharon Mays, owner and founder of Baby Greens. She also serves on the Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board. Sharon contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including choosing to walk more and drive less. We spoke with Sharon on how she does it, the benefits and challenges, and w…