Austin Community College offers numerous clubs for students to expand their social circle and make meaningful contributions, and the Sustainability Club is one of them — focused on environmental sustainability and on raising awareness about how we treat the planet. Many of its members also participate in ACC's Green Team, which runs volunteering opportunities for cleanups, planting, and related work.
The club's existence is straightforward: pollution is increasing and climate change is accelerating, and even small groups taking action contribute to meaningful change. A ripple effect, the members say, that inspires others and amplifies the impact.
According to Austin Wells, a leading member, the group is committed to environmental action through hands-on projects. "Right now, our primary focus is maintaining and expanding the community garden at Highland, as well as organizing campus and community cleanups," Wells said. The club collaborates with ACC's Service-Learning program and works alongside other departments and local organizations. Among its accomplishments are revitalizing the Highland community garden and steadily growing student participation in cleanups.
Challenges remain, particularly around long-term engagement and securing resources. Wells described what he wants the club to grow into: "a thriving, self-sustaining community garden, more eco-friendly infrastructure on campus, and stronger student involvement in sustainability efforts." His message to interested students is plain. "Sustainability is about consistent action, and even small efforts can contribute to meaningful change."
Want to get involved? Sign up through ACC Student Life, or check out the club's upcoming events and Riverbat Exchange.
This profile first appeared in ACCENT, ACC's student news on April 5, 2025.