Office of Sustainability Archives - The Austin Common https://theaustincommon.com/tag/office-of-sustainability/ Network of people interested in information, events, and resources related to Austin and the environment. Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:28:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 “Gather” Screening And Food Plan Discussion https://theaustincommon.com/event/gather-screening-and-food-plan-discussion/ Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50965 Join the City of Austin Office of Sustainability at a FREE screening of the film Gather, hosted by the Central Texas Cherokee Township. Stick around after the screening for a community discussion with special guests who will share information about Austin/Travis County’s first-ever food plan....

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Join the City of Austin Office of Sustainability at a FREE screening of the film Gather, hosted by the Central Texas Cherokee Township. Stick around after the screening for a community discussion with special guests who will share information about Austin/Travis County’s first-ever food plan.
WHEN: Saturday, December 9 from 12 pm — 3 pm
WHERE: Austin Public Library Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin, TX 78741
❓ ABOUT THE FILM: Gather is a portrait of a growing movement amongst Indigenous Americans to reclaim their spiritual and cultural identities through obtaining sovereignty over their ancestral food systems while battling against the historical trauma brought on by centuries of genocide.

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]]> Net-Zero Hero: Reza Cristián https://theaustincommon.com/net-zero-hero-reza-cristian/ https://theaustincommon.com/net-zero-hero-reza-cristian/#respond Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:23:10 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?p=50977 About The Author This post is sponsored & written by The Office of Sustainability, the city department that is working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy & just local food system, and climate resiliency. Action Box Click the badge above to read SUSTAIN THE...

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Austinites You Should Know

About The Author

This post is sponsored & written by The Office of Sustainability, the city department that is working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy & just local food system, and climate resiliency.

Action Items

Action Box

Click the badge above to read SUSTAIN THE MAG.

This post is sponsored by the City of Austin Office of Sustainability. (It was originally published on the city’s website on October 19th.) All Austin Common sponsors are screened by The Austin Common team to ensure they’re doing good for their employees, customers, our community, and the planet.

Meet Reza Cristián, founder of SUSTAIN THE MAG, co-founder of the Slow Fashion Festival, and our newest Net-Zero Hero. Through her everyday actions and community organizing, Reza is helping others understand that living a sustainable lifestyle can start small. From the clothes you wear to the ways you engage in community, Reza understands that there is a place for everyone in the sustainability movement — but especially for those whose experiences have been historically left out of the narrative.

 

We met with Reza at the Slow Fashion Festival and at her home in East Austin to talk about climate and mental health, her online publication SUSTAIN THE MAG, and how growing up in a Mexican-American family shaped her sustainability journey.

What inspired you to take action?

 

I was inspired to take action through the way I was raised. My parents — often unintentionally and just by default of being frugal and Mexican-American — shared ways for us to save money. They would have us recycle our cans and water bottles or take us to swap meets and thrift stores to purchase clothing items.

 

I also truly loved animals. When I was in middle school, I was inspired by my mother, who became a vegetarian first after reading and watching docs on animal abuse in the U.S. This led me to also become a vegetarian at age 12. I’ve since turned pescetarian. 

 

I became more inspired to take action when I went to college in NYC. I was a first-gen college student in my family and met so many new friends who showed me the world of sustainability. From there, it was all uphill! 

Reza Sewing
Reza works on sewing a dress from scratch with fabric purchased from Austin Creative Reuse.

How did you do it?

 

While attending college in NYC, I was studying journalism, my dream major. It was then that I came up with the idea to start SUSTAIN THE MAG, a sustainable inclusive magazine. We’re currently only online with hopes of having a print version one day. 

 

Before I started SUSTAIN, I saw a lot of magazines and blogs at the time that did not talk enough about sustainability since it wasn’t buzzworthy. The sites that were talking about sustainability didn’t showcase inclusivity and diversity. I wanted to change that and create a community that was the opposite of what high fashion profile magazines were. 

 

That was five years ago. I brought that same community and mindset to Austin when I moved here four years ago. I’ve since hosted many clean-ups, mutual aid fundraisers, community fridge activations, and now co-organized a Slow Fashion Festival right here in Austin. 

The entrance to the Slow Fashion Festival
Reza Slow Fashion Festival
Reza welcomes attendees and introduces Saloon, a Slow Fashion Festival partner, at the opening of the September 2023 festival.

What’s been most rewarding about getting involved in this way?

 

Truly, it’s been rewarding seeing how I could use my connections with brands to raise funds for mutual aid. For instance, this past SXSW, I hosted an eco-concert and raised over $1,500 to help buy groceries for the local ATX Free Fridge Project. I enjoy hosting experiences for folks while also raising funds and bringing awareness to issues that many people may not think about in their day-to-day life. All of this can help shift the narrative of what sustainability looks like. 

Reza SXSW
Reza moderates a panel at the 2023 South by Southwest Festival.

What’s been the toughest part? 

 

The toughest part has been doing all of this while not having enough funds to allow me to work on these projects full-time. It can be challenging to also juggle other priorities. For this reason, I am looking to turn SUSTAIN into a non-profit, as we work strictly as a grassroots organization now. 

Sustain The Mag
Reza shows off the most recent edition of SUSTAIN THE MAG.

In recent years, we’ve started to hear more about climate anxiety, especially among younger generations. What are some of the strategies or practices you use to avoid burnout and stay optimistic?

 

I have general anxiety already, and it’s gotten worse over the years since the pandemic. I have been so proud of my journey as I have asked for help and gone to therapy. I also try to work out as little or as much as I need to and gain movement in my body so I am not chronically online. I try to find the time to read or meditate more often. 

 

Since moving to Texas, I have experienced more climate anxiety from seeing the dramatic weather events here — from the winter storms to extreme heatwaves. But again, I try to do my best to ease my anxiety as much as I can, and also have learned to live through the anxious thoughts and not let them overwhelm me. 

Reza at home
Reza relaxes at home, her own little refuge.

Our interview will come out during Latine Heritage Month. Through all of your platforms, you’ve been vocal about the need to lift BIPOC voices in the climate space. Have you seen shifts around this since you started SUSTAIN THE MAG, and what do you hope the future of climate storytelling will look like?

 

With it being Latine Heritage Month and with myself being half Mexican- and Iranian-American, I have felt it necessary to push BIPOC voices in sustainability in the media. I also do this work through the Slow Fashion Festival by being conscious of who is participating as panelists, designers, models, etc. I had the idea for SUSTAIN THE MAG in 2017 and launched in 2018. As I’ve mentioned previously, inclusivity and diversity weren’t at the forefront of media or the environmental space until just recently, really in the last couple of years. I am glad it’s changing, but of course, it took a while to get here when, in fact, it has been BIPOC — specifically Black and Indigenous folks — who have been teaching and living sustainability for centuries.

 

I hope the future of climate storytelling continues to push more everyday change makers in this space — not just influencers with large platforms, but the BIPOC & Queer folks on the ground in their own communities actively doing the work without an agenda. 

Reza Slow Fashion Festival
Reza moderates a panel as part of the September 2023 Slow Fashion Festival featuring Camille Lee, owner and creator of Wear Em Out Tees, and SaSha Rachel, founder of Aomih Design.

Is there a book, documentary, or other piece of media you would recommend for folks wanting to learn more about these topics?

 

This is a shameless plug, but I would like to plug SUSTAIN THE MAG. We have so many great writers from all around the world who have such incredible insights to share. We dive into multiple, intersectional sustainability topics in each edition. 

What advice do you have for others?

 

I would tell people to not feel defeated by all that is going on and to do as much as they can. And if they have the privilege and money to do so, try to put in more work to provide for their neighbors, communities, etc. Sustainability isn’t just about small personal lifestyle choices but also about sharing resources and giving back to our communities as well. 

The Slow Fashion Festival takes place every spring and fall. Learn more at slowfashionfestival.com.

 

To learn more about Austin’s net-zero goal and the actions you can take to support a greener community, view the Austin Climate Equity Plan.

 

Share your Net-Zero contributions with us on Twitter or Facebook, and use #NetZeroHero. If you know a Net-Zero Hero (or heroes!) who should be recognized for their efforts, send your nomination to sustainability@austintexas.gov.

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]]> https://theaustincommon.com/net-zero-hero-reza-cristian/feed/ 0 Food Planning Listening Session https://theaustincommon.com/event/food-planning-listening-session-3/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50172 Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan. Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:...

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]]> Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan.

Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:
  • Thursday, June 15th, 6:00-8:00pm, Travis County Community Center at Oak Hill
  • Thursday, June 29th, 6:00-8:00pm, Govalle Neighborhood Park… Stay for Movies in the Park at 9:00pm!
  • Thursday, July 27th 6:00-7:00pm, Virtual Zoom Meeting

RSVP today at https://bit.ly/TalkFoodPlan

Can’t make it? No worries! Click below to share your vision for a better food system: bit.ly/FoodVisionForm
Looking to table at our event? Click here to submit your organization: bit.ly/ExhibitorATX

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]]> Here’s What You Need To Know About The City’s Proposed Budget https://theaustincommon.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-citys-proposed-budget/ https://theaustincommon.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-citys-proposed-budget/#respond Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:54:56 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?p=50375 Summary Last week, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza released a $5.5 billion budget proposal for the City of Austin. Action Box Attend a budget town hall! Check out our community calendar for a list of upcoming dates/times. It’s budget season at the City of Austin!...

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We Actually Explain The News

Summary

Last week, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza released a $5.5 billion budget proposal for the City of Austin.

Action Items

Action Box

Attend a budget town hall! Check out our community calendar for a list of upcoming dates/times.

It’s budget season at the City of Austin! Here’s what you need to know… 

 

PS – Looking to attend a budget town hall? Here’s a list of upcoming events:

  • District 1 – August 3rd from 6pm to 8pm, at the George Washington Carver Museum

  • District 5 – August 9th at 6pm, at the Menchaca Road Branch Library

  • District 6 – August 2nd from 6pm to 7pm, at the District 6 Field Office

  • District 7 – August 7th from 6pm to 7pm, at the Northwest Rec Center

  • District 8 – July 31st from 6pm to 7pm, online

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You can look through the city manager’s entire proposed budget here. 

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You can sign up to speak at the August 1st meeting here. 

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]]> https://theaustincommon.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-citys-proposed-budget/feed/ 0 Food Planning Listening Session https://theaustincommon.com/event/food-planning-listening-session-4/ Sat, 22 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50281 Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan. Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:...

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]]> Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan.

Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:
Thursday, June 15 | 6:00-8:00pm
Travis County Community Center at Oak Hill

CANCELLED: Thursday, June 29 | 6:00-8:00pm
Govalle Neighborhood Park

Saturday, July 22 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Dove Springs Recreation Center

Thursday, July 27 | 6:00-7:00pm
Virtual Zoom Meeting

RSVP today at https://bit.ly/TalkFoodPlan

Can’t make it? No worries! Click below to share your vision for a better food system: bit.ly/FoodVisionForm

Looking to table at our event? Click here to submit your organization: bit.ly/ExhibitorATX

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]]> Cancelled: Food Planning Listening Session https://theaustincommon.com/event/food-planning-listening-session-2/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50171 Update -Due to the heat advisory warning this week, our Austin/Travis County Food Plan Listening Session for Thursday, June 29 at Govalle Neighborhood Park has been CANCELED. We encourage you to sign-up for one of our upcoming sessions and stay tuned for details on rescheduling...

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]]> Update -Due to the heat advisory warning this week, our Austin/Travis County Food Plan Listening Session for Thursday, June 29 at Govalle Neighborhood Park has been CANCELED. We encourage you to sign-up for one of our upcoming sessions and stay tuned for details on rescheduling this event.
Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan.

 

Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:
  • Thursday, June 15th, 6:00-8:00pm, Travis County Community Center at Oak Hill
  • Thursday, June 29th, 6:00-8:00pm, Govalle Neighborhood Park… Stay for Movies in the Park at 9:00pm!
  • Thursday, July 27th 6:00-7:00pm, Virtual Zoom Meeting

RSVP today at https://bit.ly/TalkFoodPlan

Can’t make it? No worries! Click below to share your vision for a better food system: bit.ly/FoodVisionForm
Looking to table at our event? Click here to submit your organization: bit.ly/ExhibitorATX

The post Cancelled: Food Planning Listening Session appeared first on The Austin Common.

]]> Food Planning Listening Session https://theaustincommon.com/event/food-planning-listening-session/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50169 Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan. Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:...

The post Food Planning Listening Session appeared first on The Austin Common.

]]> Join us throughout the summer for our family-fun Listening Sessions with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan.

Our next sessions will be held on the following dates:
  • Thursday, June 15th, 6:00-8:00pm, Travis County Community Center at Oak Hill
  • Thursday, June 29th, 6:00-8:00pm, Govalle Neighborhood Park… Stay for Movies in the Park at 9:00pm!
  • Thursday, July 27th 6:00-7:00pm, Virtual Zoom Meeting

RSVP today at https://bit.ly/TalkFoodPlan

Can’t make it? No worries! Click below to share your vision for a better food system: bit.ly/FoodVisionForm
Looking to table at our event? Click here to submit your organization: bit.ly/ExhibitorATX

The post Food Planning Listening Session appeared first on The Austin Common.

]]> Food Plan Listening Session Picnic & Movie Night https://theaustincommon.com/event/food-plan-listening-session-picnic-movie-night/ Thu, 25 May 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50072 We are excited to launch our first community-wide gatherings for the Austin/Travis County food plan! Join us throughout the summer for family-fun Listening Session Picnics with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Bring your own picnic and share your vision for what...

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]]> We are excited to launch our first community-wide gatherings for the Austin/Travis County food plan!

Join us throughout the summer for family-fun Listening Session Picnics with interactive activities, free food, and a mini resource fair. Bring your own picnic and share your vision for what you want to see for the Austin/Travis County food plan.

Our first session will be held on Thursday, May 25 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Gus Garcia Recreation Center, be sure to stay for Movies in the Park sponsored by Austin Parks Foundation, show starts at 9:00 pm.

RSVP today at: bit.ly/TalkFoodPlan

Stay tuned for our next scheduled Listening Session Picnic details!
Can’t make it? No worries! Click below to share your vision for a better food system: bit.ly/FoodVisionForm

Looking to table at our event? Click here to submit your organization: bit.ly/ExhibitorATX

The post Food Plan Listening Session Picnic & Movie Night appeared first on The Austin Common.

]]> 2023 Climate Ambassadors Spring Showcase https://theaustincommon.com/event/2023-climate-ambassadors-spring-showcase/ Sat, 20 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=49946 *This event was originally scheduled for April 29th, but was postponed due to the weather*  [Español abajo] Love the environment? Love meeting like-minded individuals? Interested in learning more about climate change in Austin but not sure where to start?   Come join the Office of Sustainability’s Climate...

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]]> *This event was originally scheduled for April 29th, but was postponed due to the weather* 
[Español abajo] Love the environment? Love meeting like-minded individuals? Interested in learning more about climate change in Austin but not sure where to start?

 

Come join the Office of Sustainability’s Climate Ambassadors for their Spring Showcase event! The Climate Ambassadors are a group of passionate Austinites that have been doing outreach in their communities about climate change, how it impacts communities differently, and what actions people can take to prepare for and respond to those impacts.

 

Event attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Climate Ambassadors, learn what they’ve worked on, and get inspired by everything that’s possible when passionate community members come together! There will be refreshments, prizes, and activities for all ages. There will also be a variety of free merch and resources curated by the Climate Ambassadors.

 

The event will be family friendly, and parking at the recreation center is free and readily available.

 

En español:

¿Te preocupa por el medio ambiente? ¿Te gusta conocer a personas con ideas afines? ¿Te interesa saber más sobre el cambio climático en Austin pero no sabes por dónde empezar?

 

Únete a los Embajadores del Clima de la Oficina de Sostenibilidad en su exposición de primavera. Los Embajadores del Clima son un grupo de Austinites apasionados que han estado haciendo divulgación en sus comunidades sobre el cambio climático, cómo afecta a las comunidades de manera diferente, y qué acciones puede tomar la gente para prepararse y responder a esos impactos.

 

Los asistentes al evento tendrán la oportunidad de conocer a los Embajadores del Clima, saber en qué han trabajado e inspirarse en todo lo que es posible cuando se unen miembros apasionados de la comunidad. Habrá refrescos, premios y actividades para todas las edades. También habrá una gran variedad de productos y recursos gratuitos seleccionados por los Embajadores del Clima.

 

El acto será apto para toda la familia y el aparcamiento en el centro recreativo es gratuito y de fácil acceso.

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]]> Clean Air Storytime https://theaustincommon.com/event/clean-air-storytime/ Sat, 29 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=49925 At the “Clean Air Storytime,” co-hosts Parents’ Climate Community and the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability will share a reading of “The Air We Breathe” and “Hablemos con el aire” with kids and their caregivers before leading kids in a creative art reflection.

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]]> At the “Clean Air Storytime,” co-hosts Parents’ Climate Community and the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability will share a reading of “The Air We Breathe” and “Hablemos con el aire” with kids and their caregivers before leading kids in a creative art reflection.

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