I had the chance to attend my very first Austin Sustainability Professionals event, and it was everything I hoped for and more.
What makes this group special is that it isn’t an organization you’ll find on a website or social media. It’s more of a word-of-mouth community — a grassroots, invite-only network of people across industries who are advancing sustainability in Central Texas. From climatetech founders to corporate sustainability leads, from nonprofit advocates to circular economy innovators, this group is full of changemakers doing real, on-the-ground work to build a more sustainable world (here in Austin).
A Brewery Reborn as a 3D Printing Hub
This month’s “Climate, Cocktails, and Conversations” happy hour took place on Austin’s east side at the former Hi Sign Brewery — now the headquarters and production facility for re:3D, a local company making huge waves in sustainable manufacturing and circular design.
Walking into the space, I was immediately struck by how re:3D has transformed the building into a hub of innovation. Massive 3D printers lined the walls, producing everything from artistic sculptures and signage to functional construction components. The team even showed off some of their pop-culture creations (yes, there were Star Wars-themed prints — and they were incredible).
The facility tour was fascinating — it showcased how re:3D builds its own 3D printers right there on-site while also using them to create new products from plastics and recycled plastic waste.
Turning Waste into Worth: Habitat for Humanity ReStore Partnership
One of the most inspiring stories of the night came from the Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which has partnered with re:3D to turn unusable plastic donations — things like tubs, containers, and scraps that can’t be resold — into new, functional 3D-printed home goods.
From vases and flower pots to furniture and household accessories, these items give a second life to materials that would otherwise head to the landfill. It’s a tangible example of how circular economy principles can come to life at a community level, bridging environmental innovation with social good.
Electrifying the Classics: Local EV Retrofitting Business
Another highlight of the evening was meeting a local electric vehicle retrofitter, Current EV Motors, who brought along a mint-green vintage truck from the 1950s that had been fully converted from gas to electric. The craftsmanship was as impressive as the mission, turning reliably-built classic vehicles into sustainable machines that reduce emissions while keeping history alive.
While this particular truck had a short commuting range, the business also works on fleet vehicle conversions with extended battery life, giving companies and individuals alike a realistic pathway toward electrification without having to buy brand-new vehicles.
The People and the Energy
Beyond the impressive tech, what truly made the night special were the people. I met so many new sustainability professionals — many I’d never crossed paths with before — and it reminded me just how vibrant and collaborative the Austin sustainability scene really is.
The evening opened with remarks from the event organizers, who recognized the hosts, re:3D, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and the EV retrofitting team, and presented them with thoughtful thank-you gifts. From there, the conversations flowed as freely as the drinks, with attendees sharing insights from NYC Climate Week and ideas for local sustainability initiatives here in Austin.
A Personal Full-Circle Moment
For me, this event was a bit of a full-circle moment. I’ve followed re:3D for years — particularly their connection with the aerospace industry and NASA analog missions, which simulate life in off-world environments like Mars or the Moon. Their technology has supported researchers in remote analog stations in Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico, and the Arctic, helping to explore how 3D printing can support interplanetary missions and sustainable living in extreme environments. [Click the buttons for my Space Glamping Blog posts related to analog space missions.]
It was amazing to finally meet Samantha Snabes, re:3D’s founder, and hear how the company came full circle — from its early days in Austin with support from SXSW, to relocating to Houston for expansion, and now officially back home in Austin.
As someone who’s passionate about sustainability, technology, and community building, I couldn’t be happier to have this kind of innovation happening right here in Austin.
Final Thoughts
My first experience with Austin Sustainability Professionals left me feeling motivated, inspired, and incredibly hopeful. From turning plastic waste into purpose to electrifying vintage vehicles, the event was a snapshot of what’s possible when creativity, collaboration, and climate action intersect.
I’ll definitely be returning to future ASP gatherings — this community is one of the most exciting corners of Austin’s sustainability ecosystem. If you ever get an invitation, don’t hesitate. You’ll leave with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed sense of optimism for the planet.
