Krysta Accardi and Lisa Richardson, educators at Odom Elementary in Austin, have been recognized for their efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship within their school community. Accardi, a Social Behavior Skills Teacher, and Richardson, the school librarian, co-lead the Green Machine initiative at Odom. Their work includes introducing wildlife such as chickens to the campus, launching garden clubs, conducting trash audits with students, and leading Eco-Audits.
Richardson serves as an EcoRise Ambassador, and both she and Accardi were instrumental in certifying Odom Elementary as part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools program. The school achieved Green Flag status—the highest honor in the program.
When asked about their motivation, Accardi said: “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, like digging, planting, and watering. Students were moving their bodies, calming their minds, and seeing something grow because of their effort. Over time, it evolved into a fundamental value within our classroom. 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 added: “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. I have felt this shift in myself over time… When we are outside… We notice how unpleasant it is to step in dog poop and how many juice boxes litter the playground.”
The pair emphasized that collaboration was key to their success. Accardi noted: “Honestly, it all comes down to community. None of this happened because of one big plan or a perfect roadmap.” Richardson credited support from administration: “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.”
Their partnership helps them balance vision with practical action: “Richardson and I balance each other really well,” said Accardi.
Both agree that seeing student growth is most rewarding. Richardson said: “Again it’s the kids.” Accardi added: “The biggest reward is knowing we’re giving students more than state testing-related knowledge.”
However, finding time remains challenging amid daily responsibilities: “Time is especially tricky,” said Accardi.
The City of Austin employs more than 16,000 staff members who help manage city operations including educational initiatives like those at Odom Elementary (official website). The city manages a budget of $5.9 billion (official website) and promotes diversity and inclusion as core values (official website).
Accardi encouraged others seeking funding for similar projects not to be discouraged by setbacks: “Apply for everything… don’t be discouraged when you get rejected.” Richardson agreed: “I‘ve applied for a great many grants… You just have to shoot your shot…”
Richardson also reflected on her personal growth through engaging with sustainability efforts: “Doing what we do has turned me from a people-watcher into a people-talker… It still gives me monumental anxiety… but just pushing through it… I usually walk away with new perspectives…”
Working with young people has deepened both educators’ understanding of climate change issues. Richardson stated: “Oh abso-freaking-lutely… Since kicking off my librarianship… we’ve really been able to enhance our academic understanding…” Accardi noted that students’ optimism motivates her: “…students are naturally curious and optimistic…”
They shared advice for others interested in making an impact: Accardi advised finding allies—”Find your people even if it’s just one or two”—while Richardson suggested community involvement—”Go to the library! Volunteer at the school down the street…”
Odom Elementary’s sustainability programs reflect Austin’s broader focus on fostering community pride and sustainable development (official website). The city maintains historic sites such as Oakwood Cemetery and Zilker Botanical Garden within its park system (official website), supporting its vision of being among the most livable cities.
