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  Trey stands at a construction project with a hard hat on.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by showing there is a better way to build.

This October, the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will host its annual Homes Tour. Local architect, sustainability advocate, and our newest Net-Zero Hero, Trey F…

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The owners of Just Right Design Co., Claire Dollen (left) and Ashleigh Straub (right).

In the fall of 2021, Ashleigh Straub and Claire Dollen landed on an idea that felt just right. At the time, Ashleigh was hoping to purchase greeting cards from Claire. Claire had dabbled with the idea of selling her artwork, but the business aspects stressed her out. Within a few weeks of their initial conversation, Ashleigh approached Claire with an offer. As Claire describes it, “She approached me and was…

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 Ericka smiles at the camera holding a frame full of bees and honeycomb.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by saving the bees!

In celebration of National Honey Bee Day on August 20, we buzzed up to Elgin to meet with local beekeeper, viral TikToker

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Frances stands in front of a bright teal door.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by speaking my mind and being involved in the community as a resident and organizer.

In 2022, Austin experienced record-breaking heat during both May and June — a fact that may not have surprised our newest Net-Zero Hero: Fr…

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 Leatha Floyd in the Genesis Gardens.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by making sure my neighbors have a good, healthy choice of food.

At the 51-acre Community First! Village, a development of

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Illustration of the Planet Protectors

This summer, join the Office of Sustainability at your local library to learn from the Planet Protectors as they share important tips and lessons on how to take better care of the planet.

The Planet Protectors — Commander Sustainability, Captain Airiel, Hydro Crusader, and Agent Leaf — will help kids of all ages understand the importance of water conservation, healthy eating habits, clean air, and much more.

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David

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by connecting the dots between global climate change and our local Austin weather.

Our newest Net-Zero Hero may be a familiar face for many Austinites: three-time Emmy Award winner, David Yeomans!  As KXAN’s chief meteorologist, David supports our community daily in understanding our local weather. Through all his work, David’s passion for climate action shines through, whether he’s

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An illustration of a street with people biking, walking, and planting a tree. Text underneath reads, "Air Quality Awareness Week May 2-6: Be Air Aware and Prepared."

 

Breathe in. Feel your lungs expand with air. Breathe out.

Every second, we breathe in about a cup of air, or nearly a gallon every minute. For many of us, breathing is so automatic that we may have taken it for granted at one point or anothe…

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A photo of Marcos Martinez smiling outside. A graphic on it reads, "Marcos Martinez: Net-Zero Hero".

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by connecting community members to resources both at the library and beyond.

In honor of National Library Week and National Gardening Month, we’re excited to introduce our newest

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“We get to be out in nature all day — I really love that,” shared 12-year-old Annika, who we met on a recent visit to Whole Life Learning Center (WLLC). With nearly two acres of space in South Austin, WLLC is creating “living classrooms” where students are encouraged to connect with the natural world around them.

Visiting the school, it’s clear to see the impact of outdoor learning. Teacher John prepares a garden for his Ecostudies class later that day. Students on a break create their own version of leapfrog with the help of the school’s baby goats. The campus is bu…