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Students and teachers hold tools and smile outside. Garden beds are around them.

A Bright Green Future Grant Project Spotlight:
Supporting Student-Led Sustainability at Bowie High School

After regularly passing the same empty garden plots, Bowie High School student Gavin Taylor saw an opportunity to give back to his school community — and help his classmates connect more deeply with the outdoors. With funding from the City of Austin’s Bright Green Future Grants Program, Gavin was able to mobilize students and teachers to revitalize Bowie High School’s gardens.

Check out this short video to learn more about Gavin's inspiration and process.

WATCH THE VIDEO
Frances smiles in front of trees at the Williamson Creek Greenbelt.

Meet Net-Zero Hero: Frances Acuña

Frances Acuña is the Climate Resilience Lead Organizer with Go! Austin/Vamos! Austin (GAVA). In her role, Frances mobilizes community members to combat climate stressors like flooding and extreme heat.

"As the summer gets more intense, we all need to know about ways to help ourselves and others in our community," says Frances. "I advise others to take action now."

We met up with Frances at her home and traveled to the Williamson Creek Greenbelt to speak about what motivates her in this work, her approach to organizing, and what advice she has for others in managing climate stressors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANCES
Do you know a sustainability superstar who should be recognized as a Net-Zero Hero? Send your nominations to sustainability@austintexas.gov.
A photo of a farmworker holding carrots with an arrow to another photo of a salad being prepared.

Don't miss your chance to apply for a Food Justice Mini Grant

Applications close Friday, July 22, 2022.

Food Justice Mini Grants support communities in their efforts to grow, sell, and eat healthy food. The program offers grants of up to $3,000 to support community-driven solutions led by those most negatively impacted by the food system.

Non-profits, schools, for-profit businesses, homeowner associations, faith-based groups, grassroots initiatives, and more are eligible to apply for a grant. Examples of funded projects could include: 

  • Innovative food production methods
  • Fresh food markets or affordable food retail
  • Workforce development in the food supply chain
  • Low-cost home meal or grocery delivery services 
  • Community events centered on food systems or food justice

Last year, the City funded 20 organizations working on projects ranging from community-based “free fridges” to gardening workshops led by and for people of color. Any applicant that shares an intersectional lens and wants to build food justice in Austin is encouraged to apply.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY
A photo of a sun shining with text that reads, "Resources to Beat the Heat."

Find ways to stay cool and safe

It's hot out there, Austin! Both May and June broke historic heat records and a look at the forecast shows little relief in sight. Use the resources below to find information on cooling centers, sign up for emergency alerts, and get prepared.

Graphic of a mural that shows three community leaders from the PODER organization

NEW MURAL SHOWS EAST AUSTIN HISTORY

A new mural unveiled July 17 depicts the past, present, and future of the Govalle neighborhood in East Austin. Many community leaders who have long fought for social and environmental justice are featured.

SEE PHOTOS
Graphic that says, "Keep West Campus Weird, Not Trashy!"

MOVEOUTATX IS BACK!

Help keep West Campus weird, not trashy! MoveOutATX is back to help students donate gently-used items they no longer need at convenient locations. Get involved by donating, volunteering, or visiting the free furniture market!

LEARN MORE
Logo for the Austin Tree of the Year Awards over a green-tinged photo of a fig tree.

NOMINATE AN AUSTIN TREE OF THE YEAR

The Austin Tree of the Year Awards are back! From now through September 30, nominate those special specimens that put the tree in treehugger for you.

NOMINATE A TREE
Logo for the Austin Green Business Leaders

WELCOME, NEW GREEN BUSINESS LEADERS

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Austin Green Business Leaders. These companies have joined our growing community of Austin-based businesses that are committed to protecting our environment:
 
•  Plastic Reduction Project - Platinum
•  Inzet Creative - Gold
•  CONSOR Engineering - Gold

USEFUL LINKS

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