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Photo of Anneliese near garden signs. Graphic reads: "Anneliese Tanner Net-Zero Hero"

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by: reinventing the urban school meal experience

 

Headshot of Anneliese TannerWhen you picture school cafeteria food, what comes to mind? Many of us remember…

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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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Text overlay: Giving back to the planet: a garden that prevents wildfires. Photo: three firefighters planting a garden.

In 1969, a massive oil spill occurred near Santa Barbara, California. Over 21,000 gallons of crude oil was dumped into the ocean, killing thousands of marine animals and igniting public outrage. It was this event that inspired the first Earth Day.

Founded on April 22, 1970 as a national “teach-in” to educate the public about environmental issues, this past Earth Day mar…

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Net-Zero Hero David Brearley

 

I’m helping to make Austin net-zero by: building a green home using reclaimed materials and generating power on-site

 

David and MollyMeet David Brearley, a solar energy professional and technical writer. David serves on the Board of Directors for both the…

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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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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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  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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Skye Howell sits with her son, Zoran, in front of rose bushes.

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…

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Two young boys wear beekeeper suits and smile for the camera.

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…

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Graphic with a light grey world map in the background and two green ribbons in the foreground that read Marcom Platinum Winners and Marcom Gold Winners

Our office recently added three new awards to the trophy case! We were awarded one platinum and two gold awards for excellence in marketing and communications by the MarCom Awards — an international competition that judges about 6,500 entries annually. The MarCom Awards recognize the creativity and hard work of professionals in the communications field.