When we asked two fifth-grade students what they most loved about bees, the answer was clear: “HONEY!” The students, Steve and Tadeo, were volunteering at Govalle Elementary School over their summer vacation to help care for the campus’s new beehives.
Library Media Specialist and Green Team Leader, Stacey Smith, was at the campus with them. “Honey may draw us in but caring and learning about their behavior is what has kept me engaged,” said Stacey. “And I hope it keeps our school community engaged as well!”
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I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by co-creating community spaces for sharing Native American and Indigenous heritage through cultural programs, advocacy, and partnerships.
In recognition and celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 10), we’re excited to introduce our newest Net-Zero Hero: Skye Howell. Skye is Potawatomi and Ottawa, a proud mother, and a passionate community organizer. She proudly serves on the board for the…
I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by living in a tiny house, being mindful of the impact of my personal actions on the environment, and participating in the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition.
Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero: Amal Morse! Amal is an Austinite, documentary filmmaker, and passionate climate advocate. While Amal focuses on living a green lifestyle in all her daily actions, last year Amal got to go on the experience of a lifetime. In March 2022, Amal was one of 170 parti…
We’re helping to make Austin Net-Zero by engaging parents, caregivers, and families in the local climate movement.
In the past few years, we’ve seen many examples of youth organizing for climate justice. From the global Fridays for Future movement to young Austinites organizing with the Austin Ch…
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 Farmer, will be one of the Austinites showcasing their home on the tour. Trey works with local firm Forge Craft Architecture + Design and is a LEE…
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 like, ‘Okay, mull this over: what if we did it together? We could team up an…
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, and our newest Net-Zero Hero: Erika Thompson!
Erika has been interested in insects for as long as she can remember, routinely asking her parents for books on bugs as a kid. In 2014, she foun…
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: Frances Acuña. In her role as Climate Resilience Lead Organizer with Go! Austin/Vamos! Austin (GAVA), Frances mobilizes community members to combat cli…
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 Mobile Loaves & Fishes, sustainability is woven into the fabric of daily life. From enjoying free, hyper-local food to engaging in opportunities for dignified and sustainable income, neighbors in Community First! Village live firm…
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.
Each month, the Planet Protectors will take on a different topic at the following branches. Kids will receive a…