Krysta Accardi and Lisa Richardson, educators at Odom Elementary School in Austin, are being recognized for their efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship among students. Accardi, a Social Behavior Skills Teacher, and Richardson, the school librarian, co-lead the Green Machine program at Odom Elementary. Their initiatives include introducing wildlife such as chickens to the campus, launching garden clubs, conducting trash audits with students, and leading Eco-Audits.
Richardson is an EcoRise Ambassador, and together with Accardi led efforts that resulted in Odom Elementary achieving certification from the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools program and earning Green Flag status.
Accardi described her motivation: “For me, working in special education, I’ve learned that movement matters. For many of my students, movement isn’t just a break. Movement is how they regulate their emotions, manage energy, and stay engaged. That need for movement naturally turned into small garden projects… Gardening wasn’t just about keeping hands busy anymore. It became about caring for something outside ourselves, improving our environment, and making a visible difference in our school and community.”
Richardson explained her inspiration comes from the students: “As cheesy as it sounds, the students always inspire me. I have been working with the nonprofit EcoRise for several years. Guiding students through EcoRise projects builds up a habit of noticing… We notice how people interact with the space and each other… We talk about our impacts and how we can shift those impacts from being undesirable negatives to engaging positives that activate the park and invite collaboration.”
Both educators emphasize community involvement as key to their success.
“Honestly, it all comes down to community,” said Accardi. “None of this happened because of one big plan or a perfect roadmap. It happened because I was lucky enough to work with a small team that isn’t afraid to dream and isn’t afraid of hard work.”
Richardson credited support from colleagues: “For me, it’s Accardi. Having a supportive administration at Odom Elementary has really allowed us to spread our wings and experiment with things… At the end of the day though it comes back to Accardi.”
They also highlighted how their partnership balances creativity with practical action.
“When one of us is dreaming big,” said Accardi, “the other is figuring out how to make it happen in real life.”
The most rewarding aspect for both has been seeing student growth.
“The biggest reward is knowing we’re giving students more than state testing-related knowledge,” said Accardi. “We’re giving them ownership, dignity, and the belief that they can make things better.”
Richardson added: “I see their passion for environmentalism grow from some vague background issue to something they can recognize and take action on… They leave with concrete knowledge that their input…all matter[s] and have been taken seriously by innumerable adults.”
Despite these successes, time constraints remain a challenge.
“The toughest part has definitely been routines and time,” said Accardi.
“There’s just never enough time to do everything we want,” echoed Richardson.
Both teachers have secured grants such as Bright Green Future Grants from local sources but note persistence is important when applying.
“Apply for everything,” advised Accardi. “Don’t be discouraged when you get rejected.”
Richardson shared her experience: “I‘ve applied for a great many grants… You just have to shoot your shot… Our most successful grants are those that are more than just a thing to buy but something we can build programs around…”
Their approach also aligns with broader goals promoted by Austin officials—fostering diversity (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-and-values), inclusion (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-and-values), community pride (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-and-values), sustainable development (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-and-values), high service standards (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-and-values), efficient management supported by over 16,000 city employees (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-city-managers-office), an annual budget exceeding $5 billion (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-city-managers-office), as well as maintenance of historic sites like Zilker Botanical Garden (https://www.austintexas.gov/page/historic-austin-parks).
Asked if working with young people changed her view on climate change activism Richardson responded: “Oh abso-freaking-lutely… Since kicking off my librarianship…we’ve really been able to enhance our academic understanding…delve further into our microcontributions…”
Accardi agreed: “Students are naturally curious… When you give them tools…and opportunities…they jump in without hesitation…Environmental stewardship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about modeling green values…”
When asked what advice they would offer others interested in similar work:
“While you can do a lot,” said Accardi,”you can’t do it all alone. Find your people even if it’s just one or two.”
“Go to the library! Volunteer at the school down the street…” suggested Richardson.” Listen to kids…”
Accardi concluded: “And don’t be afraid to dream big!”
For resources on sustainability education Richardson recommended visiting local libraries which may offer seed libraries along with book collections—and encouraged using digital tools like Libby for free access.
Odom Elementary continues its sustainability efforts through student-led videos produced under EcoRise projects while contributing toward Austin’s net-zero goals.
