Both moments were focused on small, local, and community-driven efforts – and they reminded me just how much meaningful climate action begins at the neighborhood level.
Austin’s sustainability and design community gathered on November 12th to celebrate a milestone year for the 10th annual Austin Green Awards—an evening dedicated to recognizing the innovative, resilient, and equitable projects shaping the Austin area. As someone deeply engaged in environmental communications and community outreach, attending this year’s ceremony felt like stepping into a room full of ambition and inspiration, where creative problem-solving and sustainable design come together to reimagine what’s possible for our growing region.
The Austin Green Awards were created to honor exemplary achievements that push beyond conventional design and demonstrate how the built environment can enhance ecosystems, support community wellness, and strengthen resilience. This year’s event not only highlighted the evolution of sustainable thinking in Austin but also showcased two standout projects demonstrating what thoughtful, future-focused design truly looks like.
Over the past few weeks, I completed the Green Pathways (Green Digital Certificate) — a 130-hour, self-paced professional program developed and delivered by INCO Academy. This global initiative is designed to help professionals build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the evolving green workforce. The curriculum blends sustainability education, digital literacy, and professional development to prepare participants for careers that make a measurable environmental and social impact.
I initially joined the program seeking a structured way to strengthen my knowledge of sustainability beyond communications and outreach. What I didn’t expect was how comprehensive it would be in connecting climate science, business strategy, and workforce development all through the lens of modern digital transformation.
As Austin continues working toward its ambitious goal of 90% waste diversion by 2040, this program equips residents to play an active role in that mission. The Zero Waste Block Leader Program (ZWBL) trains volunteers to educate their neighbors about recycling, composting, and waste reduction, while also serving as on-the-ground advocates for sustainability. It’s one of those rare opportunities where everyday citizens become part of the city’s environmental strategy – one conversation, one household, and one block at a time.
From Waste Management to Resource Recovery
During my time at Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) (one of Austin Metro’s largest private waste haulers), I developed a strong appreciation for the complex systems that make waste and sustainability work together. Seeing firsthand how recycling streams, compost operations, and landfill logistics function behind the scenes gave me a tangible understanding of what it takes to manage waste at scale.
But what’s always fascinated me most is the communication side of it: how do we take something as unglamorous as trash and turn it into a story that inspires change? That’s exactly where programs like ARR’s Block Leader initiative come in.
The Roots of Change: Growing the Future event marked the public debut of the Green Workforce Collaborative (GWC) — a brand-new initiative aiming to strengthen sustainability education, workforce readiness, and equitable access to green jobs across Central Texas. Hosted at the Austin Central Library, the evening brought together an incredible mix of professionals, educators, policy advocates, and community members who share a common goal: growing the green workforce and supporting the people behind it.
The atmosphere felt great from the start — a blend of civic pride, optimism, and collaboration. As I arrived, conversations filled the library’s event space, and it was clear that this was more than a networking mixer; it was the start of a movement. The rooftop view overlooking downtown Austin added an extra layer of inspiration (and even offered a glimpse of ACL Fest — plus a surprise police chase below for some unexpected entertainment!).
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).
