Spring 2024
Program Updates
Sustaining Way named an inaugural Climate Corps site
As part of historic efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and build a clean energy economy, Sustaining Way is excited to announce its selection into the American Climate Corps, a landmark initiative launched by President Biden. Sustaining Way is one of two host organizations chosen in South Carolina, welcoming applications from individuals passionate about making our communities more resilient and equitable. Over 2,000 positions are now accepting applications nationwide.
“Sustaining Way’s pioneering acceptance into the AmeriCorps Climate Corps, with its focused commitment to environmental justice, embodies a monumental stride in empowering communities and mobilizing forces for the transformative betterment of marginalized communities,” said Executive Director Michael Brown. “Our involvement signals a beacon of light and action for a sustainable future where every individual has a role in crafting a healthier, equitable planet.”
Food distribution events added in Nicholtown
Sustaining Way added a new food distribution opportunity in Nicholtown in April. More than 300 pounds of fresh produce will be available in the community on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.
This program is an extension of a food distribution event in south Spartanburg in partnership with the Spartanburg NAACP. Neighbors can walk or drive to pick up bags of in-season fruits and vegetables in the parking lot behind the old Big Tanner’s Orange. Distribution begins at 10 a.m. and runs until all the food is disbursed.
This distribution assisted more than 150 households within Nicholtown and Greenville County in the first month.
Sustaining Way needs regular volunteers for this event. Please contact Devon Anker at devon@sustainingway.com to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
More than 100 volunteers participated in Sustaining Way’s Hands-On Greenville project
On April 20, Sustaining Way was one of several organizations that joined United Way for Hands-On Greenville. The day engaged more than 2,000 volunteers across Greenville County. Over 100 volunteers joined Sustaining Way at Annie’s House, the Glenn Road Garden, and the New Washington Heights Garden. Here are some highlights from H.O.G. Day!
Now booking summer garden volunteer days
Join us for weekly garden hours! We hold garden work and learn every week at Annie’s House at the following times:
- Tuesday, 3-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Friday 9-11 a.m.
These are excellent opportunities for our amazing staff to answer all your gardening, composting, and sustainability questions. During our garden workday hours, anyone can donate cardboard and food scraps for compost at Annie’s House!
We also hold monthly service days on the third Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. We hope to see you in the garden soon!
Partnerships
H. 5118 heads to conference committee
post-legislative session
Sustaining Way and Executive Director Michael Brown spent many days this spring in Columbia speaking out about H. 5118, a bill that aimed to greenlight costly gas megaprojects in our state, including a massive gas plant along the Edisto River. It also aimed to dismantle key protections for ratepayers, landowners, and the environment within South Carolina’s regulatory and permitting framework. Such actions would result in increased electricity bills, the construction of new pipelines across sensitive areas of the state, and the establishment of large, fossil-fuel-powered facilities, leading South Carolina to a future characterized by high emissions and pollution.
Stopping H.5118 is one of the biggest campaigns that the Conservation Voters of South Carolina have taken on as they lead the charge in speaking out about the untold havoc its passage would wreak on the state.
On the last day of the legislative session this month, the Senate amended H.5118 and turned it into a non-binding policy statement acknowledging South Carolina’s growth and need for more energy. On the floor, Senators were firm in their commitment to insist on this bill version. The bill finally passed the Senate on Wednesday and was sent to the House. Then, on Thursday, with only hours left before the General Assembly adjourned, the House voted to non-concur in the Senate amendments and served it back to the Senate. Unfortunately, the saga continues as the bill heads to a conference committee where the respective bodies will discuss the differences.
Sustaining Way will keep you posted if the bill advances beyond the conference committee.
Become a Sustainer Today!
Become a Sustainer of Sustaining Way! By giving any monthly amount, whether $5 or $500, you will provide essential support for our life-changing programs and consistent income so we can focus our efforts on our mission. These monthly donations make a huge difference to us and can benefit you, such as an on-site produce card for our garden, reusable and sustainable goodies, or even a free energy home visit!
We always appreciate any donations, and similar to monthly sustainer donations, any donation amount helps to back our programs and initiatives. ultimately, our mission is to use education, collaboration, and advocacy to create sustainable, caring, and equitable communities for current and future generations.
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