April 2023

classic comfort

Introducing the Viking lounge chair by Stig Christensen, Denmark

Denmark has long been considered the capital of contemporary chair design and designer, Stig Christensen, does not disappoint with his new Viking lounge chair. Inspiration for this chair clearly comes from the Danish masters of the 1950’s and 60’s, while modern aesthetics are evident as well. Comfort is excellent with a deep cushioned seat and the perfect pitch of the back.

Viking is painstakingly handcrafted in Portugal by skilled artisans using only the finest materials, including solid American walnut and luxurious top-grain leathers. Attention to detail is meticulous.

This is certainly a chair any connoisseur of classic Scandinavian or mid-century design will appreciate. Available from stock in black, red and taupe and very well priced at only $2849 each.

Every now and then, we come across a product that surprises even us when we consider quality and price. Our new Lake series is just that. Featuring solid walnut construction and exceptional craftsmanship that rivals the finest European manufacturers, Lake captures the essence of true classic Scandinavian design and is available at prices that make sense. Come experience the collection at your nearest Copenhagen showroom and enjoy the wonders of walnut.

55” Long Bench $799 30” Seat Height Barstool $485 Dining Chair $385 Counter high stool and beautiful spindle style bed also available.

Expectant parents who receive a diagnosis of a fetal abnormality experience a range of emotions, and establishing care with a provider you trust can help improve your health outcomes UT Health Austin fetal medicine specialist Kenneth Moise, Jr , MD, brings together a team of specialists who are prepared to listen to your health goals and help you achieve them. As Co-Director of the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin, Dr Moise emphasizes the importance of family-centered care that includes care for the mother and baby before, during, and after pregnancy Find out more by scanning the QR code

36 FEATURE ROSE STUCKEY KIRK: BIG PROBLEMS, BIGGER SOLUTIONS

BY REGINE MALIBIRAN

PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

44 FEATURE FIGHTING FOR MOTHER EARTH

BY SAMANTHA GREYSON

I Have Too Much Stuff. Now what?

Spring. Has. Sprung. Spring. Has. Sprung.

It’s time to organize your home and let go of the things that no longer spark joy.

Not next year. Today.

Organizing your home is one of the best investments you can make because it brings peace and a calming simplicity into your life, which, for lack of better words, makes everything else better.

Where do I even start?

How many seasons have gone by where you have struggled to get these organizational projects completed, or even started? The truth is that this stuff is difficult and easy prey for the procrastinator in all of us.

This spring, let’s get your home in order.

As a professional organizer, I work closely with my clients through life events (moving, marriage, divorce, new baby) and/or your general frustration with a disorganized home.

We assess, organize your physical space and set up sustainable systems to establish and maintain order. The key to a successful system is first getting to the root of your disorganization and then guiding you through the psychological part.

As a certified Konmari Consultant, Shai Organized uses the KonMari Method in conjunction with our own techniques to help clients declutter in a mindful way. We guide you through a thorough inventory of your belongings to determine what still deserves a place in your home and life. We start with the easiest categories—i.e. clothes, books, papers and komono (aka miscellaneous items like kitchen utensils and toys)—and then move on to tackle the more difficult sentimental items that may or may not deserve a place in your home anymore.

A professional organizer comes in as a supportive confidant throughout the purge process to help you let go of what no longer serves a purpose. We then create a chaos- and clutter-free life with a few simple customized systems. After we make space and organize your home, I donate what you no longer need to a local charity. Two of my favorites are Dress for Success and SAFE, which directly benefit the women and children in Austin.

For any of your items that cannot be donated or repurposed, Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) offers the perfect option for home projects with their mini roll-off dumpsters. TDS is one of the largest independently-owned companies who provide the highest quality and most environmentally friendly services in Central Texas. They are truly top-notch and give you peace of mind that your belongings are responsibly managed and diverted to beneficial uses.

When you let things go through the organizing process, you create space in your mind and in your home for a calm, chaos-free daily experience. Stay tuned for some of my favorite tips and tricks for creating organized systems post-purge next month.

Ideas for you:

✔Clean out your closet. Part ways with the clothes you didn’t wear last spring/summer.

✔Go through your papers and categorize your documents this tax season.

✔Books. Only keep what truly sparks joy when you hold it. Kids? Donate what is no longer age appropriate so someone else can enjoy it.

✔We all have that drawer that is overstuffed in the kitchen, an overflowing garage we’ve neglected and toys that have been outgrown and shoved in a closet. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to let it go.

✔Revisit your keepsakes. What we once held onto changes over time. For the items that bring you the most joy, consider a scrapbook or a beautifully labeled bin to give your memories a home that has purpose instead of taking up space.

To get a quote, visit: www.texasdisposal.com/mini-roll-off-dumpsters-form/ YOU

Shai Organized

Contributors

SHURONDA ROBINSON CEO

KIP GARVEY COO

CY WHITE Managing Editor

JAIME ALBERS

Creative Director

DARBY KENDALL Copy Editor

KRISNA MENIER Community and Events Manager

NINA GLORIA Production Coordinator

CLAIRE HELENIAK Social Media Specialist

MICHELLE BERMEA Media Sales Executive

SONIA YAZDI

Media Sales Executive

CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Brandi Clark Burton, Alyson Freeman, Samantha Greyson, Tess Harmon, Jenny Hoff, Allie Justis, Alexia Leclercq, Regine Melibran, Peyton Sims, Cy White

Art: Joaihú, PODER, Annie Ray, Samuel Rowland, Peyton Sims, Jessica Wetterer

INTERNS

Samantha Greyson, Tess Harmon, Jessica Spendley, Brena Ullrich, Isabella Urby, Kaitlyn Wilkes

AW MEDIA INC.

SHURONDA ROBINSON

LANA MACRUM

LYNELLE MCKAY

TERRY MITCHELL

GRETEL PERERA

ANA RUELAS

NEHA SAMPAT

SAMANTHA STEVENS

This month, we asked our contributors: What’s one way you care for the environment?

ANNIE RAY

Photographer, “Rose Stuckey Kirk: Big Problems, Bigger Solutions,” page 36

• She begins decorating for the holidays on Sept. 30.

• She always has Dr. Phil on in the background when editing images.

• Chuy’s is her happy place.

“We are big on recycling at our house and are trying to only buy plastic that can be recycled.”

KAITLYN WILKES

Writer, “Changing Sustainability for the City,” page 18

• She has a twin sister.

• She loves going to concerts.

• She is a cat person.

“One way I care for the environment is carpooling when I can. My friends and I try to ride together to reduce how many cars we take.”

TESS HARMON

Writer, “The Short List,” Page 25

• She’s a Houstonian.

• She’s a tennis player.

• She’s a crossword puzzle enthusiast. “I prioritize reducing my carbon footprint by carpooling and taking the bus.”

Lane, Austin, TX 78739

MELINDA GARVEY Co-owner/Co-founder

CEO/Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-owner

Co-founder

EARLY BIRD

TICKETS N O W ON SALE

S A V E T H E D A T E

ne of the most liberating things I’ve ever done is stand outside, barefoot, in the middle of a rainstorm. As the heavens opened up, I felt an immediate kindredness with nature. Mother Earth’s tears, warm and nurturing, wrapped me in a softness that I’m not sure I deserved. It’s an intriguing thing, to stand vulnerable in a downpour, but it’s unbelievably freeing and insightful.

We roll into April, and as we do we acknowledge some of the Austin women who are taking the plight of the planet seriously. These women are not only doing all they can to heal the earth; they’re educating others on how to do the same. Cover woman Rose Stuckey Kirk, senior vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer for Verizon, has dedicated her career to ensuring that everyone has access to technology and the education to inform how they better coexist with the planet. Austinbased PODER, co-founded by an indefatigable group of Chicana Austinites, has dug in with hands and feet to force policy change and take major corporations to task for their environmental responsibility and environmental racism. Brandi Clark Burton has provided us concepts and paths toward intentional actions we can use in our everyday lives to minimize some of the damage done to the planet. Women, particularly Indigenous women, have led the charge in Austin, providing alternatives to fast fashion and preserving the history and culture of the first people of this land we now sit on. Every woman in this issue has taken a stand to protect Mother Earth and show proper gratitude for the gifts she continues to provide us.

We should all take time in our lives to commiserate with the Earth. There’s so much that harms us, being one with nature is one of the most undeniably healing things one can do for their spirit, their body and their mind. As we honor some of the women who have fought valiantly for the betterment of the planet, let us not forget to honor and revere Mother Earth for all her blessings. We have one home, and the mother of the house is displeased. Let’s all show her that we hear her and, with love, we are going to do better.

Editor’s Picks: Albums Revering Mother Earth

CY WHITE EDITOR

Publication of Austin Woman would not be possible without the support of our monthly advertisers and sponsors, who believe in the impact we are making in the Austin community. The following businesses have stepped up their support of our efforts beyond traditional advertising and we are proud to recognize them as our partners. The team at Austin Woman is grateful for these businesses that have shown their commitment to the advancement of women in Austin and hopes you, as readers, recognize their efforts and support these businesses and all our regular advertisers.

Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On

Jamiroquai: Emergency on Planet Earth

Esperanza Spalding: SONGWRIGHTS APOTHECARY LAB

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Navigating Your Cancer Diagnosis

The word “cancer” is a term for abnormal or damaged cell growth that becomes more abundant over time. Cancer may come in the form of solid tumors or can manifest in the blood. The news that you or someone close to you has cancer can cause ripples of disruption and a flood of emotions. Feelings of shock, denial, fear, anger and uncertainty are normal responses. After the initial shock, as you start to process the news, you may want to jump on the internet to find your miracle. While searching the web, be cautious of the sites you browse; many contain inaccurate information. Keep in mind that information tends to be generalized, rather than tailored to your specific condition, and can sometimes create unnecessary fear. Focus on steps you can take to prepare for your first appointment with your cancer team, such as gathering relevant information and making a list of questions. We recommend the “GAP” approach—Gather, Ask, Plan—the three steps for success. Gather as much information about yourself, your family and your new specialist as you can. It is vital to be open and honest with the information you provide your doctor because that will keep you safe and improve your outcome.

Tips on what to gather:

g Call your insurance company for details about copay fees, out-of-pocket maximums and your deductible. Ask if any new specialists are in-network or accept self-pay if you don’t have insurance.

g Have all your medical records transferred to your cancer team ahead of time.

g Make a list of your medical, surgical and family history, including dates, ages and conditions.

g List all your medications, herbs and supplements with dosage information.

g Keep a journal of symptoms with dates. Rate each one on a scale of 0 to 10 (with 0 being “no complaint” and 10 being “severe”).

g Record and prioritize your concerns.

g Any substance use or abuse is important to include. This information is not reported but helps to keep you safe.

g Inform the provider’s office if you have any limitations or handicaps, such as vision, physical or mental health issues.

g Tell your provider if you require an interpreter so they can make accommodations for extra time and resources.

g Arrive early to appointments; call ahead and get information on address, directions and parking instructions. Find out if the doctor allows you to record the visit, and ask how many visitors you can bring as well. It is important to have at least one companion join you so they can take notes and ensure all your questions are asked and answered.

KRISTI PYLE, RN, MSN, OCN

SARAH CANNON BREAST CANCER NURSE NAVIGATOR WITH ST. DAVID’S

g Ask is the next step towards success. Patients who are prepared in advance and ask more questions generally have higher satisfaction with their visit and better outcomes. Ask your cancer specialist for a nurse navigator to be assigned to you to help prepare and guide you through each step of your journey. Nurse navigators assist with barriers to care and education, and also provide resources. As you come up with questions, write them down immediately. You can anticipate many calls and appointments being made, and it is very easy to forget your questions.

g Plan is the final step towards success. Review what has been discussed, make sure you’re clear on things that may be hard to understand, set some goals, arrange for diagnostic tests and begin pursuing your treatment plan. Communication with your cancer team is crucial, so building a strong relationship is the cornerstone. Get to know the support staff, including who to call for questions or concerns.

g The compassionate team at St. David’s HealthCare is here to provide comprehensive cancer care. As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare providing cancer treatment across the U.S. and U.K., we are able to offer you access to world-class cancer treatments and support. From diagnosis through recovery, the oncologists at our hospitals are here to walk with you on your journey. For more information, visit stdavids.com/ specialties/oncology

HEALTHCARE

Austin Woman @ SXSW: That’s another SXSW in the books! Check out all our coverage at the historic Austin conference.

WIN THIS!

Joaihú Chocolate Tasting Set

Elizabeth McQueen: Rallying Behind Public Radio

KUTX’s Elizabeth McQueen describes her pursuit of a career in podcasting.

The Unity Show: On March 5, Haute Spot in Cedar Park became the home for The Unity Show, a musical fundraiser hosted by Graham’s Give Back and KUTX.

Joaihú Chocolate is crafted with regeneratively grown cacao and all organic ingredients. Highlighting the rich flavors of Brazil, Joaihú Chocolate opens with notes of orange and cherry supported by woody and floral tones. Their chocolate tastes like a walk through the jungle. Joaihú is made by cacao producers in Bahia, so this is as close to the source as you can get. Their cacao groves are located in the understory of old-growth rainforests, which help protect the remaining 8% of the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Their 240 acres also act as a preserve for biodiversity and endangered species. In addition to making high-quality chocolate, each bar is wrapped in biodegradable cellulose packaging. To celebrate Mother Earth, Joaihú Chocolate is gifting one lucky winner a tasting set of all three percentages of their dark chocolate. To enter to win, follow us @austinwoman and Joaihú Chocolate @joaihuchocolate on Instagram. One tag equals one entry!

The Slow Fashion Festival

April is most certainly the month of sustainable practices. More than a concept or cute buzzword to get people more invested in taking care of the planet, “sustainability” is a complete lifestyle change, an evaluation of common practices to fully understand if you’re doing all you can to help keep the planet healthy.

One of the most detrimental industries to the planet is fashion, more specifically fast fashion, cheaply made near-replicas of runway looks sold just as cheaply. The fast fashion industry accounts for more carbon emissions than international air travel and shipping combined. In fact, according to Earth.org, “If fast fashion were a country, its carbon emissions would rank almost as high as the entire European continent.” Also worth noting, the industry consumes more than 90 billion cubic meters of water each year. (A basic pair of jeans requires around 2,000 gallons of water alone.) Never mind the inherent racism in fast fashion, both historically and environmentally. Check out Julia V. Pretsfelder’s incredible article in SUSTAIN the Mag called “Why is Fast Fashion Racist? ‘Ethical’ Brand’s Reckoning” and Consumed: The Need for Collective Change by Aja Barber.

There’s so much to learn about the fashion industry and how its practices have harmed the planet for decades. However, there are organizations working to repair much of the damage and reverse the traditional ideologies held by the industry overall. Thus, the “slow fashion” movement. (Refer to Audrey Stanton’s article “What Is Slow Fashion?” on The Good Trade.) We all know about the Texas Campaign for the Environment’s annual Trash Makeover Challenge, an Austin staple and leader in the sustainability movement. However, there’s another event that took Austin by storm in October 2022. The Slow Fashion Festival is a three-day event whose mission is to have intentional conversations and calls to action to push back against fast fashion and its harm to the environment.

Conceived by photographer and art event curator Leah Bury; Reza Cristián, founder of SUSTAIN The Mag; Courtney Keville, founder of Mutiny Market; and Mikaela Friedman, VP of Mutiny Market, and held at Factory on 5th, Slow Fashion Festival brought together Austin-based businesses and organizations for a series of panels, demonstrations of slow fashion in action (for example, an exhibition on slow fashion photography sponsored by Precision Camera) and the highly anticipated and discussed Living Closet art gallery and clothing swap sponsored by GOOD Group ATX. The event, of course, included a makers market where purveyors of sustainable goods had a chance to sell their wares.

The Slow Fashion Festival will hold a spring fashion show on April 15 (a week before Earth Day), so save that tax refund for the fashion revolution!

Follow Slow Fashion Festival: slowfashionfestival.com slowfashionfestatx

A group of talented organizers dubbed the “Sustainable Charlie’s Angels” created the Slow Fashion Festival to push back against the industry.

Photos courtesy of the Slow Fashion Festival.

Leah Bury

Reza Cristián

Courtney Keville

A Leader in Sustainability

Alyson Freeman, Sustainability Product Manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group

at Dell, shares important lessons she’s learned as a sustainability leader.

BY ALYSON FREEMAN

Of all the time I’ve spent in various engineering, research, manufacturing and management roles, I have never felt as fulfilled in my career as I do today, leading sustainability for Dell Technologies’ data center and infrastructure solutions products. To me, sustainability is all about finding a balance. It’s about making sure we can meet our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations— or other societies—to meet their own needs, because everything is connected. Bringing that desire for balance to work with me as an environmental sustainability strategist sits in perfect harmony with my personal and professional passions. Identifying new opportunities for innovation, driving initiatives and breaking down the barriers of product sustainability to define the next generation of technology truly inspires and motivates me. Along the way, I’ve learned several things that make me optimistic about the state of environmentalism today.

Consumers have the power to influence outcomes. Consumers have a powerful effect on businesses’ behavior by making conscious choices and putting pressure on companies to adopt sustainable practices. Choosing products and services that are environmentally friendly and buying from transparent companies that have a strong social purpose creates demand for more sustainable products and services. This can influence companies to invest in sustainable practices, reducing their carbon footprint and minimizing their environmental impact. By “voting with their dollars,” consumers have an incredible amount of influence on how organizations tackle their contributions to climate change

What is good for the planet can also be good for businesses.

Doing the right thing and achieving business success are not mutually exclusive. In fact, ethical and sustainable business practices can help attract and retain customers and employees, reduce costs, mitigate risk (this is a big one) and raise brand reputation. Sustainable practices can help businesses lower operational costs through energy and water conservation, waste reduction and efficient supply-chain management. Adopting ethical, circular and sustainable practices can also help organizations mitigate reputation, legal compliance and environmental liabilities risks.

Government and private sector organizations must collaborate.

Businesses and governments together have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainability. Corporate sustainability involves integrating social, environmental and economic considerations into business operations and decision-making. Businesses can lead the way on climate action with velocity and scale in a way that governments sometimes cannot through regulation alone. Governments can create policies and regulations to incentivize sustainable practices and discourage unsustainable ones. Collaboration and education between these entities are essential for achieving sustainability. No one individual, organization or sector can address sustainability challenges alone. It requires collective action and cooperation across all levels of society. Education and awareness-raising builds understanding and support for sustainability initiatives

Innovation is about the people behind it.

The challenges we face are complex and require new and innovative solutions. Solving these problems will push us to fundamentally change the way we interact with the environment. Incremental improvements to existing technologies and practices won’t cut it. People from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table. This diversity of perspectives can lead to more innovative and creative solutions to problems, as different people approach challenges from different angles. When a team or organization has a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, they are more likely to make better decisions. This is because diverse teams are better at considering a range of factors and anticipating potential challenges and opportunities. That’s one reason why I’m so passionate about working with girls and women to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM. More than ever, we need new people joining scientific and political fields to bring new perspectives to solve this problem and to solve it for everyone, equitably.

Photo by Samuel Rowland.

Read Alyson Freeman’s insights about the future on atxwoman.com.

How has your experience and the health care space informed your leadership style?

The health care industry has served as a catalyst for my leadership style. Health care teaches you about long hours and hard work combined with compassion and care for those you serve, which is exactly what you need to have in order to be a successful leader.

How has YPO furthered your mission to be an empathetic health care provider?

YPO has given me so many resources and tools needed to enhance my leadership style. They continually have both local, national and global educational events related to every field of business as well as fostering an environment of vulnerability and support, which is what health care and the world need.

What has been YPO’s greatest impact on you and for other young leaders?

I love learning, and YPO has put me into groups of different people who all have similar ages and job titles but drastically different problems to tackle. Seeing the different ways other leaders approach and solve problems is a great teacher and has really impacted how I lead my team. I also love the resources for my business and that it has so much focus on family, truly a rare gift in the business world, one that is unique to young business leaders.

The world’s largest leadership community of chief executives, over 30,000 extraordinary global members, coming together to become better leaders and better people.

AMY SWEET, MHS, PA-C CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | HALCYON HOME

Changing Sustainability for the City

Brandi Burton, aka EcoBrandi, is helping local businesses be more sustainable through positive education and longterm solutions.

BY KATILYN WILKES

Brandi Burton can pinpoint the exact moment she became interested in the topic of sustainable business. In 1997, she volunteered at the National Green Builder Conference that was being held in Austin. The conference allowed volunteers to see the year’s keynote speaker, Ray Anderson, former CEO of Interface Corporation. During his keynote speech, he spoke about how he came upon the practice of sustainable business and reflected on the impact his own business had on the environment.

Now, for more than 22 years, Burton has been a staple in Austin sustainability, implementing new ideas, pushing initiatives in local government and giving the general public and businesses actionable items they can do to be more sustainable in their day-to-day lives.

Burton combines her interest in serving the community, something that she has loved since middle school, and her interest in the environment to create servant leadership that helps guide others to better sustainability and environmental practices in a positive and informative way.

Her latest project is helping businesses become more sustainable in their practices. She was inspired to do this work after asking local chambers and business alliances about their plans to inform their communities about Austin’s new climate plan to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. When the chambers and alliances came back empty-handed, Burton created her own plan.

“It was a wake-up call for me to refocus my efforts on engaging businesses in actions that will be good for them and for their financial bottom line as well as the ecological impact,” Burton says.

Photos courtesy of Brandi Clark Burton.

“

Sustainability is right for so many reasons. It’s good for people. It’s good for the bottom line; it’s good for the planet; it’s good for the health of not just humans, but plants and animals. It gives you a better reputation, all these different things that make it [a] smart [practice].

—Brandi Burton

Burton with her son Branson at the Huston-Tillotson Bluebonnet Hill restoration project.

In her efforts to teach local businesses about sustainable practices, Burton has created what she calls a “braggable brand,” a brand that not only takes care of its employees, but is diverse in its staff and business partners, is engaged with the community and looks after its customers.

When educating businesses and people, or when writing proposals for the city, Burton tries to take a positive and informative approach to her work so as to not scare those interested with talks about a doomed climate.

“I try to come at it from a positive frame of opportunity because there are so many,” Burton says. “Sustainability is right for so many reasons. It’s good for people. It’s good for the bottom line; it’s good for the planet; it’s good for the health of not just humans, but plants and animals. It gives you a better reputation, all these different things that make it [a] smart [practice].”

Even though Burton is dedicated to helping businesses and Austinites find ways to be more green, she doesn’t stick with one thing for too long. Once she creates change in a space and moves the trajectory in a positive direction for the future, she allows other projects to come forward so she can continue to educate and inspire as many people as possible.

“We live on a rock floating in space, and everything we create, manufacture, all of our discards, we have to continue dealing with,” Burton says. “[We have] to be stewards of the place that we live.

“If you just shift your mindset, then you make a whole bunch of different decisions,” she says. “I think that’s key. That’s why my title at my different businesses is founder and chief inspiration officer. I see my job as getting people inspired to take on doing life in ways that work better for themselves and the planet.”

THE AUSTIN COMMON BY NUMBERS

Burton started The Austin Common in 2003, and over 20 years, the organization has grown in both those who use their resources and recognition.

25,000+ SUBSCRIBERS

100s CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

70+ BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

THE AUSTIN COMMON REBRAND IN 2020:

500+ NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS

800% GROWTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

6 AWARDS RELATED TO MEDIA AND MEDIA COVERAGE

2021 CRITIC’S PICK AWARD

2022 READER’S POLL FOR BEST ONLINE MEDIA

2022 BEST OF ATX

AUSTIN YOUNG CHAMBER 2022 FAVE LOCAL SOURCE FOR INFORMATION

AMERICAN PRESS INSTITUTE 2022 ELECTION COVERAGE AND COMMUNITY LISTENING FUND GRANT COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT NETWORK AWARD

Burton with Green is the New Black

Earth Is a Woman

Women drive the sustainability conversation in Austin.

BY CY WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

In May 1991, Susana Almanza co-founded People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER) in order to ensure that East Austin residents have a voice in conversations surrounding economic development and environmental protection. PODER was established by Chicana/o East Austin activists and community leaders all intent on the mission of environmental justice. In the year of PODER’s founding, Almanza attended the First People of Color conference and with other leaders of color wrote the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice, which form the foundation of PODER’s mission.

$90,000

Every year, the Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) holds its Trash Makeover Challenge. The event is a themed fashion show and silent auction. The fashion show highlights local artists and designers who create elaborate couture pieces. Each piece is made of at least 90% recycled materials, a tactic to both denounce “fast fashion” and offer viable alternatives in the industry. The fashion show also acts as a fundraiser for the TCE. In 2022, the event came back for their first in-person event since 2019 and raised over $90,000 for TCE. 2040

In 2021, with input from almost 200 members of the community, Austin’s City Council conceived the Austin Climate Equity Plan. The plan’s main goal is to achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, meaning reducing the use of fossil fuels to nearly zero. The plan maps out 17 goals and 74 strategies to cut emissions significantly by 2030.

Why it Makes Sense to Invest Sustainably

Do good while also doing well.

BY JENNY HOFF

It wasn’t too long ago that sustainable investing seemed like a niche interest, hardly poised to go mainstream in the hypercompetitive world of investing, which tends to solely focus on a maximum cash return on investments. But times have changed, and sustainable investing is no longer considered just a “feel-good” addition to a portfolio, but rather a necessary asset to get the returns most investors are seeking.

You may see the acronym ESG when looking at investment options. Major consulting groups like McKinsey say businesses that get their ESG proposition right also end up creating more value, which means better returns for investors.

EIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA.

This includes the energy a company takes in and the waste that is discharged. It also includes carbon emissions and consequences for the planet and living beings.

S IS FOR SOCIAL CRITERIA.

Social criteria addresses the relationships a business has and fosters with people in the communities where they do business. This could include labor relations as well as diversity and inclusion.

GIS FOR GOVERNANCE.

Every company requires governance, which is an internal system of practices, controls and procedures it adopts in order to make effective decisions, comply with the law and meet the needs of external stakeholders.

According to Nerdwallet, “socially responsible investments” are often judged using an ESG-based grading system. The higher the score, the more sustainable the companies. The easiest way to sustainably invest is to put your money into funds marked ESG, which you can find by going to any investment firm and searching for ESG exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds. This means that the companies you’ll be investing in meet certain sustainable standards. Instead of handpicking individual companies to invest in, funds will include a variety of companies, so you are taking on less risk. (If one company fails, there are many others in the fund that might be performing very well, helping mitigate the chance of a loss.)

If you want an even easier approach to sustainable investing, there are a number of robo-advisors that will offer a variety of funds, depending on the causes you care most about. Companies like Betterment, Wealthfront and Merrill Edge Guided Investing all provide either impact portfolios you can choose from or customized portfolios with ESG restrictions.

If this all sounds too confusing, think of it like this: If you’re searching for houses on Redfin or flights on Kayak, you can use filters to ensure the products you’re seeing are the ones that fit your needs. Many investment platforms have created a user-friendly experience so that all you need to do is use the search function to include sustainability measures and then choose a portfolio recommended based on your filters. Connect your bank account with the money you want to invest and you’ll be on your way to (hopefully) making your money grow and supporting companies that share your values.

The great news is you don’t need to sacrifice a profitable return on investment to do the right thing. With sustainable investing, you can do good while also doing well.

Sustainable Fashion

Women are making a huge impact through their sustainable fashion brands and stores.

BY AUSTIN WOMAN

The words “sustainability” and “fashion” usually don’t share space in the mind of the general public. However, fashion’s impact on the environment cannot be understated, particularly “fast fashion,” a term for clothes that are cheaply made near-replicas of runway styles priced at rates that encourage consumers to buy large quantities quickly. Earth.org compiled a list of the most harrowing fast-fashion facts. Nearly 10% of global emissions come from the fast fashion industry, and even more disconcerting, by 2030, the industry’s global emissions will increase by 50%. What’s more, 90% of garments produced end up in landfills. But the tide is slowly shifting. At the local level, cities like Austin are intentionally introducing strategic plans to actively create a more environmentally responsible community. Local fashion brands and stores have taken the charge for sustainability head-on.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRANDS/STORES IN AUSTIN

COMPILED BY SANDI SCHWARTZ

Cat & Dogma: This adorable organic clothing brand for both mom and baby was founded by mompreneur Adrian Layne, who is passionate about doing something to help people and the planet thrive. The name Cat & Dogma is inspired by her love for animals, nature and the magical universe that surrounds us. While the organic cotton is grown overseas, the company is headquartered in Austin. From the planting of the seed through cultivation, ginning, spinning, weaving and sewing, the focus is on the well-being of factory workers and farmers who grow the organic cotton. The company’s entire supply chain is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and it provides jobs and living wages to women. In addition, no chemical bleaches, dyes or finishes are used on the soft, comfy products. Layne also believes strongly in paying it forward and donates proceeds from sales to the Children’s Home Orphanage in India, just minutes away from the company’s factory. catanddogma.com catanddogma catanddogma

LOKA.HAUS: Derived from the Sanskrit word “loka,” which defines the various planes of reality that define the universe, LOKA.HAUS is a local sustainable fashion brand. CEO Lisa Hausberg founded LOKA.HAUS in 2020 to provide affordable high fashion options that are ethically sourced, sustainable and address the glaring lack of inclusion in the fashion world. The 100% woman and LGBTQIA+ owned company was accepted into the 2021-2022 ACC Fashion Incubator. Per their mission, LOKA. HAUS was created to “build a lifestyle brand that empowers customers by simplifying their lives through unique, sustainable goods; produce apparel, skincare, jewelry and art that inspire customers in their daily life, comparable to existing ‘luxury’ products at more accessible prices; educate consumers on the negative environmental and economic impacts of ‘fast fashion’ and current major fashion brands/trends; and build community around sustainability and diversity and promote change and inclusion through [their] blog and community impact.” loka.haus loka.haus loka.haus LokaHaus

Miranda Bennett Studio (MBS): Founded by women in 2013 and independently operated, this Austin-based clothing store and brand believes in putting people and planet first. The flagship store is both a boutique and community gathering center, featuring ethically and sustainably made women’s clothing and accessories, gifts, children’s products and home goods. They design versatile apparel made from biodegradable fabrics and organic cotton. They also dye, cut and sew the collection right in town, which helps minimize carbon emissions and ensures a fair and safe working condition for their team. All dyes they use are non-toxic and derived from plants. Avoiding plastics and microplastics is also a top priority. By working only with naturally derived, biodegradable fiber, MBS is making a difference in the community. In addition, their unique zero waste design process keeps 100% of the fabric remnants out of landfills. They even have a garment take-back program in which customers can send back their MBS apparel in any condition to be repurposed or recycled. shopmirandabennett.com

mirandabennettstudio

MirandaBennettStudio

Raven + Lily: Led by CEO Kinda Lincoln, who was recently named an inaugural Sustainability Star by Adweek, this eco-friendly company is led by women. Their handcrafted designs are inspired by nature, including the hills, lakes, vegetation and vistas surrounding the Austin area. As a Certified B Corporation and a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Raven + Lily is committed to responsible production by using locally sourced, natural and sustainable materials. Remake, a global advocacy organization fighting for fair pay and climate justice in the clothing industry, recently honored Raven + Lily as one of the top 10 fashion brands leading the way with sustainability. They are making huge strides by choosing biodegradable materials derived from plant and animal fibers, upcycling remnant pieces to create new handbags and upcycling brass and glass in their jewelry and homeware collections. ravenandlily.com ravenandlily

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SUAVS: Headquartered in Austin, SUAVS was founded in 2015 by Monxi Garza to create comfortable, versatile, stylish shoes that are soft on feet and kind to the environment. The sneakers are lightweight and made with 100% post-consumer recycled water bottles and vegan materials. In fact, SUAVS has saved over 1.2 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills. The company is committed to becoming a low carbon impact brand. They do this by using digital knitting to reduce material waste during manufacturing, sending dual purpose shoe boxes for both initial shipping and returns, and offering removable insoles that can be washed and replaced. Finally, SUAVS gives back to the community by donating all unsold footwear to organizations such as Soles4Souls and LifeWorks. suavshoes.com

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Vada: Named for her grandmother, this forward-thinking, independently owned brand was founded by Katie Caplener in 2013. The fine jewelry line is produced in small batches in a local studio in East Austin and features handmade and vintage collections. Drawing on a range of design concepts including ancient art, modern dance, neoclassicism and new wave, Caplener tries to use recycled materials and post-consumer diamonds as much as possible. Sustainability is a priority for Vada. Every order is mindfully packaged using eco-friendly materials from U.S. facilities that operate exclusively on wind and solar energy. Their shipping box is printed with all-natural vegetable inks on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper. All packaging items are also fully recyclable, naturally biodegradable and compostable. They even print their warranty card on seed paper that can be planted to produce USDA approved non-GMO wildflowers. vadajewelry.com vada.world

Women-Led Indigenous Organizations Championing Sustainability

Indigenous women are at the forefront of both environmental advocacy and cultural sustainability and preservation in Austin.

BY AUSTIN WOMAN

WOMEN-LED INDIGENOUS ORGANIZATIONS CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY

COMPILED

BY TESS HARMON

As the nation recognizes Earth Day on April 22, we must not forget who first inhabited the land we occupy now. In the past five years, there’s been a resurgence in Indigenous folx and First Nations from the U.S. and Canada, respectively, reclaiming their lands. Conceived in 2018 by Arnell Tailfeathers, a member of the Kainai Tribe (of the Blackfoot Federation), #LandBack is a decentralized movement to reclaim the land stolen from those Indigenous to the continent. As the call becomes stronger, the demands more urgent, we recognize local women-led Indigenous organizations that are championing sustainability not of just Mother Earth, to whom we all owe reverence, but also sustainability of the culture, wisdom and history of those who were here first.

Puerto Rican Cultural Center: Founded in 1997 by Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center has remained a pillar in the Austin community for celebrating and sharing Puerto Rico’s vibrant cultural traditions through the performing arts. Honoring her own Indigenous heritage to the Tainos of Boriken, Tekina-eirú Maynard leads the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in cultural sustainability through preserving Afro-Indigenous Boricua culture and traditions. The center offers diverse programs, workshops and classes in folkloric music and dance, percussion, community theater, ancestral fighting arts and Taino heritage, language and history. Located in East Austin, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center is the only of its kind in the Southwest and comprises a strong community for the sustainability and celebration of a rich culture and history. prfdance.org

PRFDanceCC puertoricancultural

Full Humanity: by Skye Howell, co-founder of Full Humanity and Greater Promise for American Indians board member

Full Humanity is a Black and Indigenous woman-owned consulting firm that was founded in 2020 with a vision to actualize equity. Nicole K. Bell, Tiffanie Harrison, Jaquita Wilson and Skye Howell are partners who share the mission of co-creating communities where we can all show up in our full humanity. Uplifting the power of storytelling through art, music, literature and personal reflection, we strive to curate spaces of collective learning, healing and restoration. We’re excited to partner with community members to create Austin/Travis County’s first-ever food plan. In June 2021, Austin City Council directed the city manager to begin a food planning process that would center and uplift the voices of those most impacted by our current food system. Full Humanity will support the process with racial affinity circles that center Indigenous practices toward sustainable food justice in Central Texas. fullhumanityconsulting.com linkedin.com/company/full-humanity

FullHumanity full_humanity

People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER): Founding member and Executive Director Susana Almanza helped create PODER in 1991 as a woman-led people of color grassroots social justice organization designed to place East Austin residents at the center of their community’s environmental protection and economic development. Their mission is to “redefine environmental issues as social and economic justice issues” and create their “own agenda to address these concerns as basic human rights.” Almanza, an Indigenous woman, has been at the forefront of social and environmental justice movements for over 30 years. She was a Brown Beret during the Civil Rights Movement and helped write the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice at the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991. Almanza and PODER strive to combat environmental racism through legislation, community projects, work on zoning cases and campaigns against environmental threats in East Austin. poderaustin.org poder.austin poderatx

and educates in Austin through her fashion, which is currently on permanent display at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. In their efforts to share and preserve Indigenous culture, Blassingame and GPAI are innovators in cultural sustainability in Austin. austinpowwow.net/great-promise-for-native-americans GreatPromiseForAmericanIndians

Indigenous Cultures Institute: by María Rocha, founder of Indigenous Cultures Institute

Founded by María Rocha and members of the Miakan-Garza tribe in 2006, the Indigenous Cultures Institute’s mission is to preserve the culture of the original people of Texas: the Coahuiltecans a.k.a. “Mission Indians.” The majority-women staff also works collaboratively with environmental networks to restore balance to Mother Earth. Repatriation of ancestors’ remains—currently stored in cardboard boxes and held by universities and institutions—is both an environmental and spiritual imperative; thousands of bodies have not been restored to the delicate ecological balance of the earth, and unearthing remains also suspends the spiritual journey of these ancestors. Rocha also helped to establish programs that inspire young people to advocate for Mother Earth, teachers to guide students with an Indigenous-based pedagogy, community members to learn their Indigenous language and allies to support Native activists. She helped to establish the Sacred Springs Powwow that annually brings thousands of visitors to San Marcos, Texas, to learn about and appreciate Native culture. indigenouscultures.org, sspowwow.com

Indigenouscultures

Indigenous.Cultures.Institute and sspowwow

Great Promise for American Indians

(GPAI):

Known for hosting the annual Austin Powwow and the American Indian Heritage Festival, the Great Promise for American Indians has been a leader in cultural sustainability in the Austin community since 1991. Programs Director Nan Blassingame and GPAI work to ensure the preservation and celebration of Indigenous cultural traditions, while advocating for the health and safety of their community. Through leadership in educational programs and special events, GPAI and Blassingame work to dismantle harmful stereotypes surrounding Native American culture while creating awareness about the vibrant Indigenous community in Austin. Blassingame also celebrates

Dr. Nichole Prescott: As the assistant vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas, Dr. Prescott leads student success initiatives and advocates for minority student populations, particularly in efforts to create space of belonging and visibility for Indigenous faculty, staff and students. A proud citizen of the Miami Nation of Oklahoma (Myaamia), she is a leader in cultural sustainability, working on language and culture revitalization, serving as a culture bearer in her own family and writing academic and public media articles. Although Prescott is not a part of any single Austin-based organization, she seeks to build community among many Indigenous advocates in Austin while conducting workshops and public presentations that raise awareness and elevate the importance of language and culture in identity. In addition to her efforts on cultural sustainability, Prescott also engages in environmental advocacy, such as meaningfully bringing in Indigenous voices and people into Austin’s Food System Planning initiative. nicholeprescott.com neehweeta

Sari’s Not Sorry

Artist Sari Shryack inspires creators from Austin and beyond.

BY PEYTON SIMS

While Sari Shryack’s 1950s-built home may appear simple on the outside, the inside radiates with color, from her bright pink hair to her canvas-crowded walls—all of her own creation.

Sari and her husband, Lincoln, start their morning early in Taylor, Texas, a town 40 minutes north of Austin. After Lincoln drops their 7-year-old son off at first grade, he and Sari talk over a cup of coffee. Then when their 2-year-old daughter is ready for her morning nap, Sari takes that as her cue to head to her studio.

It’s time for Sari to spend the rest of the day creating.

As a young girl growing up “way below the poverty line,” Sari wasn’t exposed to anything artistic, with the exception of fine art shown on PBS.

To compensate, Sari created her own artistic world by doodling. For inspiration, she’d flip through catalogs that laid around her house: Cosmo, Seventeen, her mom’s advertisements and whatever else she

could get her hands on. Throughout the years, her simple sketches grew into an art business.

“When I first started my art, I was in a tiny little apartment,” Sari said. “It was so small; I would unroll a yoga mat; I had a container for my watercolors, and that was my studio.”

While Sari wasn’t certain about what direction she wanted to go in life, she knew art wasn’t only something she enjoyed; it was something she needed. After graduating from art school at Drury University in Springfield, MO, Sari moved to Austin with Lincoln. On Jan. 1, 2016, she posted her first drawing to Instagram. Six years later, she has more than 251,000 supporters on the app.

“I posted to Instagram for accountability, and it basically snowballed into what it is now,” Sari says. “Now it’s a legit business where I get to make art every day.”

Her brand Not Sorry Art came about after people kept incorrectly

Photos by Peyton Sims.

pronouncing her name as “sorry.” Being the quiet person she was, she was too shy to correct anyone.

“When I was starting my art business, I was the kind of person where somebody could have plowed into me, and I would have apologized; it’s just my personality,” she says. “I wanted to embody a more unapologetic self in the name, and I wanted to have more of a presence. I thought if I gave myself the name ‘Not Sorry Art,’ I could inhabit that.”

As Sari’s art commissions began to pick up during the pandemic, she and Lincoln welcomed their second baby into the family. It didn’t take long for Sari to realize her art business was a job she couldn’t do alone. After lots of thoughtful conversations, Lincoln decided to step away from his freelance journalism career to work for Sari’s business full time.

“It made more sense for me to transition to working for her full time,” he says. “Sari has a really clear vision of what she wants to accomplish. She has a plan, and she’s really selfmotivated.”

Beyond her one-of-a-kind painting style and expanding art business, Sari is conscious about sustainability in the art world.

“I try not to waste my acrylic paint because it is pretty bad for the environment,” she says. “I’m really mindful of how I dispose of things. Also, I’m careful with how I dispose of the water. When I’m done with my paint, I do an evaporation system.”

Her current studio is a shed in her fenced-in backyard that overflows with canvases and vibrant acrylic paints. When you slide open the glass doors, you notice a white drop sheet hanging from the wall. Over the course of a few months, it becomes layered with dried acrylic paint. But instead of tossing the spattered sheet in the trash, Sari gets creative.

“The drop cloth gets really thick and textured,” she explains. “I frame little scraps of it where it’s uniquely colored and sell them, and I’ve used them to make T-shirts or tote bags. I try to waste as little as humanly possible.”

At 31 years old, Sari’s name continues to grow on social media. She’s become a successful business owner, started “Not Sorry Art School” and gives away four different art scholarships a year.

“If we didn’t live in a dog-eat-dog world, I would probably give all my money away for free,” Sari says. “I still have lots of free information on my Instagram and TikTok. I’m always teaching and answering questions.”

In her Not Sorry Art School, she teaches other artists how to apply unique techniques, practice sustainability and dig their way out of a creative rut.

“I went to art school, and I always wanted to be an artist for a living, but I didn’t know how to approach that,” artist Sarah Heinbaugh says. “My coworker recommended that I follow Sari, and she showed me her Instagram feed. I was taken aback by her work; it really caught my eye.”

Throughout Sari’s career, she never would’ve imagined she’d be where she is today. While she’s known for inspiring fellow artists, her own supporters inspire her just as much.

“The core of what I’m inspired by is just connecting with people,” she says. “If I can empower people to go after their dream of being an artist, then my job is done.”

Acrylic paint is made of acrylic polymers, which are microscopic plastics. When acrylic paint or water waste is poured down the drain, those polymers go straight to our local water sources. It’s illegal to wrongfully dispose of paint due to the harm it has on the ecosystem. Instead of washing acrylic paint down the drain, there are plenty of other sustainable options.

Sustainable Options for Acrylic Paint

• Evaporate the water you used to rinse off your acrylic paint in

• Let your acrylic paint fully dry into a solid form before disposing of it in the garbage

• Donate unused acrylic paints instead of disposing of them

• Seal off any paint cans or containers before throwing them away

AMANDA RENEE COMMUNICATIONS | COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Family and philanthropy are two core values that inspire and empower Amanda Bonilla to make a difference in the Central Texas community. As actions speak louder than words, Bonilla is a proficient multitasker, juggling multiple roles as a mother, business owner, communications director and board member of two local nonprofits, Manos de Cristo and Center for Child Protection. Her versatility extends to being a “woman to watch,” appearing on English and Spanish television in her capacity as a communications director and nonprofit board member. Bonilla believes that community is everything, and by setting an example of volunteerism and philanthropy, we can improve the Austin and Central Texas community for everyone while also modeling positive behavior for the next generation: our children.

@amandarbonilla

AMANDA BONILLA

AMBER MILNER FAIRMONT AUSTIN | ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANQUETS

A

mber Milner is the assistant director of Banquets at Fairmont Austin, where she oversees events for up to 2,000 people and curates an extensive Banquet Beverage program known for its innovative Cocktails on Tap program, including SipMi and in-house canned cocktails. Originally from South Florida, Milner joined Fairmont Austin in 2017 as part of the pre-opening team and was named Leader of the Year in 2022 for her esteemed service, ability to teach and commitment to the hotel’s various yearly activations like Formula 1, NASCAR and Pride. She is also a repeat competitor for USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo, where she was named a Top 100 Bartender in 2020/21, Top 50 in 2022 and is currently a Top 30 National Finalist for 2023. The final educationbased competition occurs here in Austin in May. fairmontaustin.com

@ambercmilner/@fairmontatx

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

L auren Dwiggins’ search for her career path slowly became a passion to help others connect their dreams with real-life possibilities. As she gained education and experience, she realized there was a disconnect between the education system and the job market. Taking a risk, she left her job at the Texas Education Agency and founded Austin-based CareerCraft in 2019. In only four years, CareerCraft has made a tremendous impact, raising $11 million for Texas school districts, helping nearly 100 school districts effectively align their programs with job market demands and providing technology solutions for tracking college, career and military readiness. Adding a co-founder and experienced professionals with similar visions, CareerCraft has built meaningful support for Texas school districts. As a result, CareerCraft has helped students access valuable skills, fostering economic growth. Dwiggins is empowering her company to make a lasting impact on the future of the Lone Star State. careercraft.com

LAUREN DWIGGINS CAREERCRAFT | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Big Problems, Bigger Solutions Stuckey Kirk:Rose

Fearless and elegant, Rose Stuckey Kirk inspires others to lean into their strengths.

BY REGINE MALIBIRAN PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

Rose Stuckey Kirk is a risk-taker, and stopping is not an option. Resourceful and resilient, as the senior vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer for Verizon, she has effectively prioritized the advancement of digital equity across the United States for more than a decade. Upon meeting Stuckey Kirk, it’s clear she is a leader with vision, someone that can both gracefully motivate and persuade others in order to get the job done. Her well-earned poise was cultivated throughout her life. In the 11th grade, she recalls feeling unsure about the direction she wanted to take her future.

“I remember thinking, ‘What am I going to do?’ I wandered into a journalism class—it was an elective—and I took it and I loved it.”

After that fateful course, Stuckey Kirk graduated with a degree in journalism from Arkansas State University. She started her career by writing for newspapers before taking one of her first big risks: transitioning to corporate America.

“I had to talk to someone about what clothes to go buy to come to my first job. But I knew that there was opportunity there, so I took it,” Stuckey Kirk recalls. “I believe that you should take risks so you can grow in your comfort level of what your capabilities are.”

Her first foray into corporate America was as an executive speech writer. She made an intentional effort to learn the operations of different functions within the corporate structure, gaining experience in marketing, advertising, sales, customer care and union management. As she progressed on this journey, Stuckey Kirk navigated learning her value, developing an understanding and instinct for how to best leverage what she brings to the table.

“You are going to fail at some things,” Stuckey Kirk shares. “There is no doubt about it. But you can’t operate from fear or failure. You have to operate from faith.”

For Stuckey Kirk, the strong-willed entrepreneurial spirit is hereditary. Her father was a self-taught barber, and as a young girl she got an intimate look into what it takes to be successful as a small business owner. Driven by the pursuit to

share that self-determination with others, Stuckey Kirk chose education as a pillar for the work she advances at Verizon.

Completing her higher education was never a question for Stuckey Kirk, as she grew up in rural Arkansas. For her family, education was the ladder to economic prosperity—the great equalizer.

“I come from a lineage where my greatgrandfather rode his bicycle to get to college and was a prosperous farmer,” says Stuckey Kirk. “No one could take away your education, and so it was everything for my family.”

At Verizon, she pays that prosperity forward through initiatives like Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a program that encompasses learning tools, including lesson plans designed to spark exploration and professional development. For 10 years, Verizon has been providing Title I middle and high schools with 5G access, learning tools and hardware, and training for both teachers and students, with the goal of empowering youth to explore STEM and equip them for their future. Verizon Innovative Learning has created opportunities for over 1.5 million students in the United States, including five middle schools in Austin ISD.

According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digital equity is “necessary for civic and

AUSTIN.

STYLED BY PARKE BALLANTINE (WITH ASSISTANCE FROM NOALANII KARKASHIAN) WITH INSPIRATION FROM THE GARDEN ROOM (@gardenroomatx), EPHRANCE VINTAGE (@ephrancevintage), BE BEADIFUL (@bebeadiful_jewelry), SOUL REBEL (@shopsoulrebel) AND NORDSTROM (@nordstrom). HAIR AND MAKEUP BY SOPHIA FROM LOLA BEAUTY

cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning and access to essential services.” It’s achieved when “all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.”

The United States Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology found that between 15 to 16 million K-12 students don’t have the digital access required for effective learning, with Black, Hispanic and Native American children and teenagers disproportionately disadvantaged.

The Office of Educational Technology has identified three components of access: availability, affordability and adoption, with adoption presenting a tricky final barrier that affects 6 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning takes that extra step to address adoption. As part of the program, they provide funding, training and IT implementation support.

“Our responsibility is to allow children’s dreams to be fulfilled and not have them change their perception of what they can be,” asserts Stuckey Kirk. “How do you ensure an environment where people don’t only have access to the technology, but they can also become experts?”

Stuckey Kirk’s thinking is heavily informed by her own experiences as a student. Despite growing up in a state that consistently ranks at the bottom of the nation’s education system, she remembers having “teachers who were so smart, so capable, leaning in and challenging us and showing us what could be possible.” They made her confident enough to compare next to anyone who received “elite” schooling.

“I hold [Arkansas] up as a badge of honor,” says Stuckey Kirk. “Because it helps me to dimensionalize for people that it doesn’t matter where. It matters what and who: What are the tools that you give students and teachers? Who are you willing to invest in?”

With Stuckey Kirk at the helm, Verizon Innovative Learning has invested over $1 billion into digital equity and education. Her commitment doesn’t stop there. In 2020, she led Verizon into adopting a “responsible” business plan that drives the advancement of digital inclusion, climate protection and human prosperity. They have an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030 as well as supporting 1 million small businesses with digital resources.

One of the major differentiators in how Verizon approaches corporate social responsibility is as “part of a balanced scorecard.” Because Stuckey Kirk took the time to familiarize herself with various functions within the corporate structure, she’s able to see how a company as a whole can align itself for the greater good. There is a trust that fellow leaders within Verizon can place in Stuckey Kirk because she meets them where they are and understands how to integrate their strategy with hers.

Pride suffuses Stuckey Kirk when she talks about her team. She’s intentional about recruiting subject matter experts that believe in doing more than just throwing money at projects. Solution oriented and data-driven, Stuckey Kirk and her team are committed to the longevity of their programs.

“[The core mission of this company] is to ‘build the networks that move the world forward,’” says Stuckey Kirk. “How are we thinking about corporate social responsibility in a way that is moving the world forward?”

Digital equity has become particularly relevant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and businesses alike had to quickly pivot to utilizing the digital space. Some were better equipped and better supported than others.

“What the pandemic did was help society to see that we had a very unequal distribution of digital technology,” states Stuckey Kirk. “We still have generations of young people that have gotten further behind as a result of the pandemic.”

Research by Sean Reardon, professor of poverty and inequality in education at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, found that the pandemic only served to widen the educational gaps between low- and high-income students.

“School districts are the first line of action to help children catch up,” says Reardon. “The better they know about the patterns of learning loss, the more they’re going to be able to target their resources effectively.”

New research has shown that though the 2020-21 school year experienced declines in math, there was an inconsistent pattern

“

Our responsibility is to allow children’s dreams to be fulfilled and not have them change their perception of what they can be. How do you ensure an environment where people don’t only have access to the technology, but they can also become experts?

—Rose Stukey Kirk

in regards to remote versus in-person learning. “Based on the discussion before these results came out, you’d think that the only thing driving achievement losses would be remote learning, but actually that does not seem to be the case,” says Thomas Kane, the faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research and professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

This presents an opportunity for Stuckey Kirk and her Innovative Learning team, who are focused on equalizing the equalizer. With schools strategizing around students’ academic recovery, prioritizing digital inclusion can be pivotal in helping educators bridge the gap.

Stuckey Kirk permanently moved to Austin in 2020. As a senior executive in tech, she’s enthusiastic about the track record and the potential of her new hometown. Because the city is centrally located, Stuckey Kirk believes that one of Austin’s biggest opportunities is its position to bring in talent from surrounding areas and states and develop as a “shining beacon” within the infrastructure of the South.

“Austin is full of people who are so committed to community. Austin was built on that foundation,” reflects Stuckey Kirk. “I’m just delighted that the work that I get to do every day, I can center out of this community that feeds my soul and motivates me in ways that I have not had out of a community in an awfully long time.”

Though she loves that social impact work is inherently understood in an ecosystem like Austin’s, there are still developing challenges that she’s identified.

“We [can’t] create an environment where we price people out of housing,” asserts Stuckey Kirk. “People need homes, because the strength of your community is in people’s ability to have affordable housing.”

Affordability is certainly a top concern for Austinites. A recent study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that Austin is the second most overpriced housing market in the nation, with average home prices 65% higher than data trends predict. In 2022, the Texas Lyceum found that 50% of Texas adults believed housing costs consume too much of their income, an increase from 44% in the 2020 Texas Lyceum Poll. Looking at renters specifically, who comprise most of Austin’s residents, 66% believe they spend too much on housing.

“If someone is paying more than 30% of their income toward their housing expenses including mortgage or rent, insurance and utilities, then they are costburdened,” says Sherri Greenberg, professor of practice and fellow of the Max Sherman Chair in State and Local Government at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin.

The City of Austin’s Household Affordability Program found that about 28% of Austin’s households are cost-burdened, with low-income renters taking the brunt of the impact. 53.6% of renters with a household income lower than $35,000 spend more than half of their income on rent.

Upon examining the cause and effect of affordability issues, it’s clear that the state’s priorities play a major role. According to Steven Pedigo, professor of practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at UT Austin and the director of the LBJ Urban Lab, Texas dedicates less than 1% of the state budget to housing and community development, ranking 49th in the country in regards to fund allocation for affordable housing.

“What I love about the state is that it’s so welcoming to transplants,” shares Stuckey Kirk. “But I don’t want us to lose sight of what the needs are for individuals—for women, for people of color—who we can lift into great economic prosperity. We have to ensure that we’re creating an entire infrastructure that demonstrates how people can be part of helping the city continue to thrive.”

Stuckey Kirk’s work is not charity. It is far-reaching cultivation, seeds planted in every person she impacts. She recalls stories of educators who are newly energized and inspired to teach, whose pride is clear in the work they do; previously unmotivated students who discover their passion for exploration feeling confident in thriving during their next stages; as well as the reciprocal invigoration that motivates her to dig deeper and grow stronger.

“The life-changing impact that we are having, I call it legacy work,” says Stuckey Kirk. “There is no greater legacy than having created [Verizon Innovative Learning].”

For those who aspire to build their own legacy, Stuckey Kirk’s advice is straightforward: know yourself, know the problem you’re solving and “have a mindset of building solutions with individuals, not for individuals.”

Raised in a community that often talked to their neighbors from their porches, Stuckey Kirk’s intention to build trust through close collaboration sets her apart as a leader. Over a decade into the work, she is sharper and more zealous than ever before.

“Very few people are waiting around for someone to save them,” says Stuckey Kirk. “What they want is partnership. What they want is you to understand their issues, their journey, their why, and be part of the what: What can we do to address these issues? What can we do to make it better?”

“

The life-changing impact that we are having, I call it legacy work. There is no greater legacy than having created [Verizon Innovative Learning].

—Rose Stukey Kirk

Fighting for Mother Earth

For more than 30 years, PODER has celebrated Mother Earth and fought to protect her resources.

BY SAMANTHA GREYSON

There’s an old grainy black-and-white photograph from the early ’90s. A young woman with a determined face clutches papers as she walks through an East Austin neighborhood, accompanied by city officials and a news crew. This is the Toxic Tour of February 1992. The woman in the photo is a young Susana Almanza, environmental activist, politician and co-founder of People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER), an Austin-based organization founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated Chicana and Chicano activists. PODER was created out of a need to fight environmental degradation, which disproportionately affected BIPOC residents of East Austin communities.

“These industries were negatively impacting the health of our residents,” Almanza says. “We decided the first thing we need to do is protect the health of the children and the elderly. Our whole goal is to close down the most polluting facilities because [they] are causing a lot of health harm, and even cancer, in our community.”

The Toxic Tour was PODER’s attempt to take on the eminent task of relocating a local tank farm, which was made up of over 52 acres of waste from oil companies like Exxon, Mobil and Chevron. These fuel storage tank facilities sat in East Austin for more than 35 years, ravaging the land in the predominantly Latino and African American neighborhood. In 1992, when PODER discovered these companies had violated air emissions regulations (thus contaminating the groundwater in the surrounding area), they joined forces with the East Austin Strategy Team (EAST) and took action.

For three decades, Alamanza has actively engaged with local and national government entities, taking the fight for environmental justice right to those who make decisions that impact the general population. In 2021, Almanza was

appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, formed by President Biden and Vice President Harris. Almanza’s appointment aligns with the work she and the women of PODER have done for decades, work that has seen them challenge major companies for the harm they have caused East Austin communities.

For PODER co-founder and East Austin native Dr. Sylvia Herrera, ferocious activism is nothing new. She’s been in the trenches since she was a child. “My parents, along with other elders, provided a foundation for us to see the beauty of the

Dr. Sylvia Herrera and Susana Almanza

environment surrounding us in East Austin,” she says. “The family home is in East Austin on Oak Springs Drive, where natural springs still run. The pecan groves, the flowers and gardens were all important parts of our lives. My mother always composted and taught us to turn off the lights when you leave the room. To this day, at the age of 93, she reminds us to conserve energy.”

Herrera has known Almanza since high school. They were both involved in Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers movement. “Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta were concerned about farmworker issues, including the products that we were consuming,” she says. “I began to see the connection between health and the environment, the spraying of pesticides on our food and farmworkers.”

For PODER, Herrera uses her specialty in health education to examine the health impacts of industry and pollution on the families living in East Austin communities.

Family is what led the members of PODER to first become involved in the cause. The women of PODER all have families—children and grandchildren—who motivate them to protect the community and environment for future generations. Today, the women reiterate that their focus is on the challenges facing East Austin. Everything leads back to the community.

“As a resident [in East Austin], at the time I was a single parent,” Herrera says. “[My] two children were small, so I was concerned about their safety. I had been complaining about heavy industrial trucks that were parked along Springdale, right across from my house. There were a lot of reasons for becoming involved, not only on a personal level, but also just a commitment to working on the issues. My interest has been trying to inform the residents in terms of how these facilities might be affecting your health.”

For board chair Janie Rangel, the issues PODER takes on quite literally hit close to home. She became involved in the organization to stop the negative health impacts of the tank farm she lived right down the street from.

EAST Chair Ron Davis and Susana Almanza

“When PODER went door to door checking on people, they realized there were so many people in that neighborhood, right behind where the tank farm was, who were dying of cancer,” Rangel says. “[The community] didn’t even know it was there, and that’s probably the reason they got cancer; they were living right there.”

Rangel remembers several instances where the city demonstrated negligence toward her neighborhood and its safety. For instance, she found lead, which had washed downstream from the tank farm, in her backyard.

“At the time, I had a 2-year-old son, and we had to go to have him checked out, because of all of that lead,” Rangel says. “He used to play in the backyard, and of course he would play with his hands. He started getting sick, and the city had to come out here. They dug up my backyard to get all the dirt that was contaminated. Had I not seen what was going on in the backyard [and reported it], there’s no telling what would have happened to him. They just can’t do that, just dump stuff anywhere.

“They finally closed it down, thank God for that,” Rangel continues. “But [from then on], the people wanted to be included. They wanted to say, ‘This is my neighborhood; I’ve got to do something.’ With PODER, we were able to get the community involved.”

Along with their philosophies on Mother Earth and how to protect her, PODER follows the Indigenous model of elders as leaders in the community.

“We developed a one-page survey that’s been used on various issues,” Herrera says. “We’ve done [one] on transportation and on different things as a way to solicit conversations and to also gather information on what’s happening in the community. That’s something that people have responded to.”

Almanza adds, “By going out into the community and talking to people, there’s a way to organize and say, ‘We need to get this changed’ and ‘We need you to speak on this.’ We don’t ever do anything on our own; we always work with our community. As a matter of fact, our board of directors is not the traditional Western philosophy of boards, like CPAs and lawyers. Our board members are all chairs or presidents of their neighborhood associations.

By going out into the community and talking to people, there’s a way to organize and say, ‘We need to get this changed’ and ‘We need you to speak on this.’ We don’t ever do anything on our own; we always work with our community.

—Susana Almanza

In 2022, there were plans to open another tank farm near the McCall Lane neighborhood of East Austin. In preparation of protesting the new facility, the researchers at PODER collected several stats:

The tank farm was proposed to be 500 feet from the McCall Lane neighborhood.

1600 homes in the McCall Lane neighborhood would be negatively impacted by the tank farm.

Six million gallons of fuel was slated to be stored in the tank farm.

64 fuel trucks per day would enter and exit the storage facility at U.S. Hwy 183 and Metropolis Drive.

80 to 100 trucks per day would enter and exit the storage facility during peak season.

“It’s hard for communities to be involved in a lot of the bureaucracy, talking to City Council [or] going to meetings, because they’re at work,” she continues. “That’s the role that PODER [plays], and if there is research to be done, we’ll do that as well.”

That research includes gathering information about the environment in the surrounding communities. PODER is currently conducting an air quality survey of the community living near the TESLA plant. In 2021, the electric car company opened Gigafactory Texas on Pickle Parkway just outside East Austin.

“When you go out there you’ll find these other issues as you talk to people,” Almanza says. “We found out they’re having to pay double for water because they have private companies instead of the city providing the water. But again, these are low-income, working communities of color. You, again, see that disparity and that racism that has locked them into that state.

“A lot of times people are not informed of the goings-on or what the process is, in terms of city politics or the city processes on zoning or planning,” she continues. “A lot of times it’s very basic information, so when PODER works with a community we provide as much information as we can regarding the issue. Once people are informed, they will take action, they will participate. But it’s just taking the time to inform them as to different ways

that the issue can be addressed, say before the City Council or before the Planning Commission or before the different entities that are dealing, or not dealing, with a problem.”

The women of PODER constantly reiterate that the work they do is not about them; it is about the community. Their humility drives the energy behind their activism.

The East Austin community was there for Herrera when she was finishing her dissertation to graduate with a Ph.D. Without the support of the community, Herrera insists she couldn’t have finished. She wants to support the community that has supported her, her whole life.

Rengal continues to do this work “because I enjoy working with and protecting the community and the people around me and giving a voice to the people who are voiceless.”

“It’s a question of preparing the next generation and the next generation,” Herrera says of PODER’s mission. “Leaving [them] an environment where they can thrive. Our approach is holistic in terms of the natural environment, the water, the soil. Mother Earth is part of our Indigenous perspective and belief that all natural things should be protected. But that also includes us, the places where we live, work, play. Every living being has to be respected and recognize that we need to protect one another in terms of having a clean environment.”

This is the essence of PODER. As with much of the language surrounding the work they do, the name references the Earth and her resources. PODER centers Mother Earth and her importance to all living things.

“The people who founded PODER are very much grounded in our Indigenous models,” Almanza says. “We honor the earth; we honor the four directions. Traditionally, we’ve always been very in-tune about the earth and what the earth gives us and how we look at her as a female entity. How do we honor our own mothers? Do we disrespect them? Do we drill holes in them? When you’re more in-tuned that the earth is this female entity, you need to respect the earth.”

“Our elders were connected to the land and all living things and showed us to do likewise,” Herrera says. “This is the memory of our Indigenous roots, and it is our responsibility to carry this forward for future generations.”

To find out how zoning directly affects the environment and more, read the full interview at atxwoman.com.

To Love and Be Loved

For Joaihú Chocolate, sustainability comes first, but regeneration is what’s coming next.

BY ALLIE JUSTIS

Joaihú is a word that may not be familiar to most here in Austin, but for Kate Robberson, CEO, co-founder and creative director at Joaihú Chocolate, this word and the philosophy that comes with it has worked its way into every aspect of her life and business. Deriving its meaning from the Indigenous Brazilian language Tupi, joaihú means “to love and to be loved,” or more broadly for Robberson, to respect the Earth and give back to it.

Getting her start back in 2009, Robberson first fell in love with Bahia, Brazil, when she was traveling on tour with longtime friend and fellow musician Emilie Basez. While there, Robberson fell in love with the strong sense of community and holistic lifestyle and wanted to find a way to give back to the area.

Fast forward to 2021, Robberson has built a strong connection with Charles “Charlie” Stewart, an American biologist based in Bahia, and together they formed a partnership to bring specially crafted Joaihú Chocolate from Brazil to Austin. Currently, Joaihú sells 75%, 85% and 100% craft Brazilian cocoa chocolate bars in their online store, as well as at Tiny Grocer, Dia’s Market, Central Markets and Try Hard Coffee. Robberson emphasizes the importance of keeping their cocoa nibs percentage at 75% and higher, not only so customers can taste the bold regional

Photos courtesy of Joaihú.

flavors, but also because it keeps the health benefits from the cocoa butter, like the extra dopamine, serotonin and healthy fats used for better brain functioning, intact .

Both Stewart and Robberson knew from the start that the Joaihú philosophy needed to be more than a lofty goal. They set out to have every aspect of their company not just be sustainable, but regenerative for the ecosystem they were relying on. The pair got to work making a business that is proudly zero plastic, single origin and directly sourced. By committing to using a cellulose, biodegradable packing, Joaihú has been able to cut out the middleman and foster a healthy environment.

“We understand that we are part of a larger system, so we have to take care of the whole ecosystem rather than just our part of it,” says Robberson. “I personally just don’t see any other way than going past sustainability and investing in our future with regeneration. Sustainability means to maintain, but now we’re in the mode of thinking, ‘How can we make it better? How can we improve our ecosystems? How can we develop practices that aren’t harming the earth? How do we regenerate, regrow and replenish the earth?’”

Being based in the Atlantic Rainforest region of Brazil, where only 8% of that rainforest is still intact, has really driven home the importance of practicing mindful agriculture at Joaihú, rather than falling back on slashand-burn tactics that would be easier and cheaper. Joaihú has partnered with Brazilian organizations like Parque Conduru and INEMA to release rehabilitated animals back into healthy ecosystems. That’s only possible thanks to these mindful agricultural practices.

“As a business, we have the opportunity to do both environmental good and social good,” says Robberson. “I feel business owners assume that you have to be a nonprofit to have these values, but with Joaihú we wanted to reinvest back into these communities by being a direct company. You’re buying the chocolate ‘bean to bar,’ basically like it would be at a farmers market.” These little chocolate bars represent just a fraction of a larger process built upon ideals of respect and dedication to keeping a holistic lifestyle that gives back to the planet.

“I want [customers] to take away the same things that I’ve been able to,” says Robberson. “I want people to cultivate a feeling of a deep connection to the rainforest and be able to appreciate where things come from. To understand that something’s crafted with loving hands and to be able to connect to the other side of the world through our food is so amazing to me. I think that’s a huge thing, to understand what the name Joaihú means and to know that there are like-minded people who are here rooted in those values of reciprocity and a respect. Not only is it chocolate, but it’s understanding that what we consume also has long-lasting effects on our body, so when we’re putting clean, intentional ingredients in, that holistic living radiates out from there.”

THE STATE OF CHOCOLATE IN THE U.S.

In a study conducted by the National Confectioners Association, 2022 saw significant growth for purveyors of chocolate. More fascinating is that consumers were more engaged with these companies, particularly regarding their sustainability practices.

• $23.9 billion in chocolate was sold.

• Chocolate sales saw a 9.1% increase.

• 59% of active social media users searched for confectionery-related content.

• Consumers relied on the brand packaging (43%) and the company’s website (34%) to learn about their ESG efforts.

THEDRAGONFLYPRINCESS THROUGH APRIL 15

The VORTEX

As one of the highlights of our 35th Coral Season, The VORTEX proudly presents a sweeping musical tale of magic, power and transformation with an all-new production of The Dragonfly Princess. Long, long ago and far away, the Ovo ruled the magical Faery Realm of Ovona. We journey with Princess Mala as she rides Xéphyra the Dragonfly into the wilds in search of Vyn, the renegade Sorceress. The Magic of the Pearls, the Mysteries of the Temples and the Secrets of the Ages are revealed as Mala is transformed from the Green Princess into the Red Queen.

MedievalXModern THROUGH JULY 9

The Blanton

Medieval X Modern presents the work of modern artists from Europe and the Americas who created prints, drawings, paintings, illustrated books, sculptures and decorative objects informed by the spectacular craftsmanship and compelling historical figures of the Middle Ages. Drawing primarily from the Blanton’s permanent collection, Medieval X Modern offers a wide array of artistic responses to the European Middle Ages, including one of the museum’s most iconic works—Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.

GREENFEST

APRIL 23, 12-4 P.M.

Waterloo Greenway

Join Waterloo Greenway for a parkwide celebration during Waterloo Green Days that will educate, inspire and encourage sustainability, innovation and environmental justice in our community. The festival will feature dozens of interactive environmental exhibitors, pollinator and plant workshops, guided garden tours and a special boisterous outdoor spectacle from Squonk Opera that fuses fantastical visual design, playful staging, high-energy original music and features the world’s largest puppet hands.

Please join us for our next virtual community meeting on April 6 as we move forward with Austin’s light rail. Learn about updates on the light rail system from the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), what’s next for Project Connect and share your feedback. Everyone is welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!

through May 2.

AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Intentions in Action

Brandi Clark Burton explains how to align our values with our purchases to impact sustainability and personal priorities.

BY BRANDI CLARK BURTON

We all have more power, influence and impact than we think. How we spend our time, energy and resources shapes our lives and our world. Whether we are conscious of it or not, practically every minute of the day we are making choices that have positive or negative consequences for our bodies, our families, our communities and our planet.

One way to create change is to “vote with our dollars” by supporting businesses and organizations that align with our values and beliefs. Women are particularly powerful in this regard. Studies show that women control a significant portion of the world’s wealth and consumer spending, with estimates as high as 85%.

Rather than simply default to the cheapest or most convenient items, with a little effort you can take into account the often invisible impacts built into your choices. You can support the products and companies that reflect your values, and avoid those that don’t stack up to your priorities by taking these four steps:

• Reflect - Stop and think about the things you care about and rank their importance. For example, if you are passionate about animal welfare, you can choose to only buy from companies that do not test on animals or use animal products. Moreover, there are also companies that actively promote women or take care of the environment.

• Research - Find out who the leaders and bad actors are in the categories that matter to you.

• Reward - Give your business to the companies that are doing things right in your eyes.

• Reinforce - Make your habit stick and increase the impact of your research by sharing it with others. Talk about it, and share why you care, in person or online. People will follow your lead.

We have the power to create positive social and environmental impact and support a more sustainable and just future by overall making fewer purchases, using conscious shopping strategies, and directing our purchasing power to support businesses and organizations that align with our values.

We can meet our needs while investing in creating the world we want to see, now and in the future.

Role Model Companies

Though there is no such thing as a perfect company, many of the all-around best have put themselves through certification processes. Locally we have the Austin Green Business Leaders Program. Nationally, you can look for Green Seal Certification or membership in the Green America Business Network. One of the gold standards for responsible business practices is the B Corp designation as a benefit corporation. In addition to passing the rigorous certification, these companies have built into their charters their commitment to evaluate how they impact people and the planet, while growing their bottom line.

Atchley & Associates

Bloom Communications

Nada Moo

OneSeventeen Media

To see a more information about these and other Austin B Corps, go to atxwoman.com.

Sustainable purchasing means taking into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of the products or services throughout their entire life cycle.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAW MATERIALS

DISPOSAL

AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE

ENERGY OR EMISSIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCT USE

EcoConcept in Action:

How we approach spending is just as important as what we purchase. Not buying is often the greenest and likely the cheapest choice. Keeping things in service through repair is another strategy. Next best is to think about how you can get the service of the product without purchasing a new one yourself. Could you borrow, rent or participate in a fractional ownership program?

CONSIDER THIS:

The difference between an ear of corn from the farmer’s market and a bag of corn chips. The corn for the chips might have been raised in Mexico, shipped to California, manufactured with other ingredients, bagged, boxed, shipped some more, displayed in a store, purchased, taken home, opened, then…eat them all? (Hopefully you don’t let them go stale after all that!)

BONUS BEHAVIOR:

Continue

Can I satisfy the need with something I already own, have access to, or another way?

Circular Economic Strategies

DO REPAIR BORROW RENTAL

Can

Buy the new product.

Consider what attributes of the product and the brand align with your values. Company values, reputation, community engagement, locally owned

Unless there is an urgent deadline, don’t use rush/air shipping, which uses the most energy and causes the most pollution. Have a little patience and let it travel by boat, train, truck. Reuse, recycle or compost packaging as appropriate.

How they treat their employees, diversity, inclusion

Quality and durability

Energy consumption

Human or environmental harm

Final disposition

EcoConcept in Action:

When it comes to big purchases (i.e. durable goods like your home, vehicle and appliances/electronics), a one-time choice can lead to years of impact. You can use the decision tree above when considering the values of the companies you support.

YOUR HOME (HOUSE OR APARTMENT):

Location: Where you live relative to your work, school, daily activities and services will impact hours in traffic, fuel/energy spent on commutes, as well as wear and tear on vehicles.

Energy efficiency: An HVAC with a higher SEER rating, sealed ducts and proper insulation can save you thousands of dollars over the years.

YOUR VEHICLE: (CAR OR TRUCK)

Beyond the first cost and manufacturing impacts (buying used helps with both), electric vehicles (EV) have a lower total cost of ownership, accounting for maintenance and power costs. When you pair an EV with Austin Energy’s Green Choice or Community solar program or solar panels on your roof, you can drive with no emissions. Plus, EVs are quiet, smooth, fast and fun!

YOUR APPLIANCES (HVAC, ELECTRONICS, COMPUTERS, LAPTOP AND TV)

Choosing quality products with Energy Star ratings and products with good warranties can save lots of money.

Brandi Clark Burton aka EcoBrandi is dedicated to

promoting actions that help us be healthy, thriving people and healthy, thriving businesses in healthy, thriving communities on a healthy, thriving planet.

She spends a lot of time outdoors when not growing The Austin Common (her civic engagement-focused media outlet), public speaking, selling solar or taking care of her family.

“How do you thank someone who helps you do the biggest thing in your life?”

See how the most compassionate and comprehensive high-risk pregnancy care helped make Jennie Martin’s dream come true. Learn more by watching “Hope Lives Here” at stdavids.com. The

–Jennie

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Learn more today at Volvo Cars of Austin.

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Focusing on innovations that understand whatʼs outside the car isnʼt enough. There also needs to be better understanding of you, the driver inside. So Volvo is stepping into a new era – for safety and for Volvo Cars – where the ambition isnʼt just to protect your life. It's to help you live your best life.