Sustainable Greenville
Celebrating Quality of Life, Environment and Health in the Upstate
Environment
Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association - Upstate The Upstate Region is located in the northwestern corner of South Carolina. The cities near the boundaries of the region include Gaffney, Union, Clinton, and Abbeville. Other major cites in the region are Anderson, Spartanburg , and Greenville. Monthly meetings are held at the Westend Darkroom located at 640 S Main Street in Greenville. CNPA has an ongoing effort to preserve the environment of the Carolinas through our photography. We sponsor and are involved in many projects that promote protection and appreciation of the environment.
Clothbags 4 Greenville is a blog for Greenvillians who want to change their community. Discover what you can do personally to help make this a greener city. You can also share your cloth bag story with them. These bags can be found at Bi-Lo, Ingles,Publix, Earthfare... Reduce pollution in our fair city and be a beacon for the rest of the world.
The Conestee Foundation, a non-profit conservation organization, was established in 2000 to spearhead the revitalization of the Reedy River properties and surrounding community directly downstream of the City of Greenville. One of the first Foundation actions was the acquisition of Lake Conestee, which has long served vital functions in the health of the Reedy River. The 145 acre Lake Conestee property is comprised of the former lakebed, which is now approximately 90 percent silted in. It contains wetlands, sloughs, bottomland forests, and 1.5 miles of the Reedy River, and provides a natural wonderland of wildlife habitat.
Friends of the Reedy River has made it their mission to improve and protect water quality and habitat along the Reedy River by conserving natural buffers along the river and its tributaries, to protect the river from pollution and sedimentation and champion the concepts and principles of responsible development, and to help us understand how to live and work and play in a watershed.
Foothills Animal Rescue Founded in 1991, they are a state and federally permitted volunteer group dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife encompassing upstate South Carolina to Columbia to the GA state line and Hendersonville, North Carolina. Foothills Animal Rescue is the ONLY local group offering a manned, 24 hour hotline as well as a total commitment to wildlife and exotic animals. They work very closely in conjunction with local D.N.R. officers exclusively.
Green Drinks Greenville is an hour of networking, socializing and learning for anyone concerned with environmental issues and sustainability. Every 2nd Wednesday from 6-7pm, stay after for dinner. Meets at Snapshot Cafe and Art Bar at the corner of Rutherford Rd and Poinsett Hwy. Green Drinks Greenville is a part of Green Drinks International.
Greenville County Bird Club was founded in February, 2000 by a group of people from varied walks of life with one thing in common: a love of birds and a desire to know more about these fascinating and beautiful creatures. We have joined together to provide opportunities for learning about and protecting wild birds and their habitats for future generations. The club hosts an outing to Lake Conestee the third Saturday of every month at 8am.
Greenville Forward has a mission to enhance the quality of life for greater Greenville by engaging citizens in continually updating, promoting, and facilitating a community vision for 2025 and beyond. Vision 2025 dares to imagine a community whose growth is fueled by creativity, ignited by the power of ideas, and fired by the goal of excellence. Vision 2025 is just a glimpse into the future of Greenville. It's a commitment to improving our community to match the changing times around us.
Greenville Tech Recycling Coalition is a diverse collection of faculty, staff and students. The goal of this coalition is to establish continuing resource reduction programs at all campuses of Greenville Technical College in an effort to reduce our ecological imprint on the Earth. It is the mission of the GTC Recycling Coalition to: establish a sustainable recycling program at Greenville Tech, educate faculty, staff, students and the community about the need for recycling and encourage active participation by providing easy access to recycling facilities.
Kampfire Bio-Products is a not for profit BioFuels Co-Op located in Fountain Inn, SC. They are dedicated to producing top quality, sustainable BioDiesel, Home Heating Oil, and Filtered Waste Vegetable Oil (for use in modified grease cars), all made from vegetable oil donated by local establishments. They also have raw, unrefined glycerine available for soap makers. They are currently accepting oil collectors and donors as members. They try to keep things as simple as possible, members receive a ratio of finished product in exchange for donated vegetable oil. Email direct for more info at kampfirebioproducts@yahoo.com.
Mountain Bridge Trout Unlimited Chapter meets at the Sears Shelter at 100 E. Park Avenue in Greenville. Trout Unlimited's mission is to help conserve, protect and restore our nation's coldwater rivers and streams and the great fishing they provide.
Nature Conservancy - Greenville Office The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Greenville office is strengthening its conservation focus in the Southern Blue Ridge region of South Carolina.
The Palmetto Conservation Foundation's mission is to conserve South Carolina's natural and cultural resources, preserve historic buildings and landmarks, and promote outdoor recreation with trails and greenways.
Paris Mountain State Park Friends was formed to utilize the park for educational programs, to help improve the park's physical attributes and to help the park rangers as requested. The organization is intended as a way for the general public to participate in helping the park. Involvement is open to all. Save Our Saluda (SOS) is a newly organized Citizens Action Group whose mission is to protect and preserve the headwaters of the Saluda watershed through concerned citizen action. S.O.S. is dedicated to monitor the aggressive development in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the effects of development that causes degradation to our fragile and diverse ecosystems and pristine rivers. Sierra Club - William Bartram Group The Sierra club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. The William Bartram Group includes Greenville, Spartanburg and Union Counties. There are about a thousand members in the group. The group hosts monthly meetings, outings and continues to fight for the environment here in the Upsstate. The South Carolina Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization committed to the preservation and protection of native plant communities in South Carolina. We work to make this happen by providing programs and activities designed to educate and inform members and the general public about the importance of native plants, support efforts by government agencies to protect habitats and endangered species, encourage the use of native plant materials in public and private landscaping, and promote the commercial availability of native plant materials. The Upstate Chapter meets twice a month, alternating between Central and Greenville TreesGreenville was formed in 2005 to help preserve the quality of life that has attracted many residents and businesses to the upstate. Recognizing that Greenville’s future depends on maintaining the beauty of our land, TreesGreenville embraces its mission to plant, promote, and protect trees for all of us to enjoy where we work, live and play. Upstate Forever promotes sensible growth and the protection of special places in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The membership-based, nonprofit organization covers nine counties (Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Union), and we have three main programs: Land Trust, Sustainable Communities, and Clean Air and Water. US Green Building Council, South Carolina Chapter, Upstate Branch The USGBC's mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmently and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. Wildlife Rehab of Greenville is a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in the 7 counties of the Upstate. Founded in 1993, WRG is funded solely by its members and public donations, which cover the cost of food and veterinary expenses for our wildings. WRG provides educational wildlife information to hundreds of area residents of all ages. Each year their well trained rehabilitators give a second chance to more than 1,200 injured and orphaned animals before releasing them back to the wild.
Food and Agriculture
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) has a mission to promote local and organic agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers.The South Carolina Upstate Chapter includes Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Pickens, Oconee, Greenwood, Union counties. Contact: Brandon Grace, 864-934-2737
The Greater Greenville Master Gardeners is an educational, nonprofit, adult volunteer group that provides non-biased, research-based horticultural information to the community. Greenville Master Gardeners work in partnership with the Clemson University Extension Office as a service arm of Extension Horticulture. Members of the Association are residents of Greenville County who are willing to learn and share gardening knowledge with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture and their work in the community.
Greenville Organic Foods Organization (GOFO) The organization aims to encourage, motivate and educate the public about the consumption of organic food products (free of toxic chemicals) and sustainable agriculture. Its objective is to influence the community on issues of nutrition, health, wellness and the environment through awareness of sustainable and organic agriculture practices as well as healthy eating habits.
Harvest Hope Food Bank - Greater Greenville Chapter serves both Greenville and Laurens County. The mission of Harvest Hope Food Bank is to provide for the needs of hungry people by gathering and sharing quality food with dignity, compassion and education.
Slow Food Greenville is the local chapter of Slow Food USA which envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice – in essence, a food system that is good, clean and fair. The upstate chapter will help identify upstate food systems as well as promote and educate the public on the wealth of food here in the upstate.
Natural Health
The Greenville (upstate) Holistic Health Meetup Group wants to gather together those who are interested in learning about and discussing Alternative Medicine and its advances. They offer people the opportunity to explore and learn about advances in medicine which focus on healing a person of diseases and ailments with comprehensive, holistic approaches. They meet the third monday of each month. Anybody can attend, but must registar ahead of time.
The Iron Disorders Institute is a national health agency and public interest organization. They develop educational materials on the benefits and dangers of iron. Their mission is to reduce pain, suffering and unnecessary death due to disorders of iron through education, awareness and facilitating research.
Zest Quest is a not-for-profit children's health initiative that promotes physical activity, healthy eating habits, and improved health literacy. Zest Quest has helped over 6500 students in the upstate to become more aware of their lifestyle choices through curriculum-based educational and mentorship programs.
Business and Economy
Greenville Independent Business Alliance is a group of locally owned and operated independent businesses that have joined together to promote the cultural and economic benefits of shopping locally. GIBA works to ensure the success of Greenville’s local independent businesses, so that we can continue to contribute to Greenville’s rich character and vibrant quality of life. By preserving what is unique about our city, we can avoid becoming "Anywhere, USA". Buy local whenever possible!
Government
Spare The Air Greenville County's program: Spare The Air. It all Adds Up to Cleaner Air. Carpool whenever possible. Avoid idling your vehicle. Consolidate errands, make one trip. Take your lunch to work. Replace incandescent lights with compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs). Recycle or compost, don't burn it. For air quality forecast: call 1-866-238-4973 or go to http://www.greenvillecounty.org under "County Highlights: Air Quality"
Quality of Life
Carolina Singles Hiking and Adventure Club forms friendships and lasting relationships through hiking adventures and social activities in the Upstate area of South Carolina & beyond. They welcome adults of all ages, whether single, separated, widowed or divorced.
Concerned Citizens For Animals (CCA) is a local, non-profit organization founded in 1980. CCA is dedicated to helping animals and educating the public about their humane treatment. CCA shall not destroy any animal unless it is beyond medical care, and suffering would be the permanent result of medical treatment. CCA shall operate an animal shelter for abandoned, sick, injured or otherwise homeless animals. CCA shall maintain an adoption program to permanently place homeless animals in qualified homes. CCA shall maintain a low-cost spay/neuter program for the community. CCA shall strive to prevent or stop any abuse, neglect, or otherwise inhumane treatment of any animal.
Drinking Liberally in Greenville is an informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. They meet every Thursday at 6:00pm at The Handlebar (304 E Stone Ave) out on the patio to the right of the main entrance, or inside in the "cave" area if the weather is bad.
Dry Ridge Productions presents the Acoustic Seen at the Coffee Underground. Dry Ridge Productions is a nonprofit organization 501(C)(3) made up of an eclectic brew of acoustic music fans working to promote the art of original acoustic music in the upstate of South Carolina. They have been presenting artists since October of 1997. A song-writers open mic starts at 7:30 pm every Wednesday night. Local, regional and national touring artists perform on Friday nights.
The Foothills Trail Conference is a 76-mile woodland path along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Northwestern South Carolina. The Purpose of the Foothills Trail Conference shall be to promote and coordinate for the benefit and use of the general public the proper use, construction and maintenance of a connected trail, to be called the Foothills Trail, running, as far as practicable, over the summits of the mountains and through the wild lands of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Greenville Natural History Association a non-profit volunteer-run group who welcomes newcomers to join them on all hikes. The aim is “to promote the enjoyment of the outdoors, teach outdoor ethics, and encourage the conservation of air, woods, waters and wildlife in general.”
Greenville South.com is a website for and about Greenville, South Carolina, and it has become very popular with people visiting the site from all over the United States and other countries. These are local residents, former residents, people preparing to move here, travelers heading this way to attend events and go shopping, and our military men and women thinking of home. Greenville South.com is an eclectic and adventurous website about Greenville.
Habit For Humanity of Greenville County Shelter from rain, wind and sun is a basic human need. With your help, more deserving families can have decent places to call home. Give families in need shelter, self-respect and the hope of a better life. Now that better life also includes a green certified home. Working with local architects, Habit For Humanity is working on making future homes green.
International Center of the Upstate Their mission is to welcome people of all nations into this region to gain knowledge, establish friendships and share their culture and talents; to provide information, programs and services to benefit and promote residents and international businesses in our region; and to foster cultural diversity and harmony in our growing community. The ICU provides a wide range of programs and services that support and promote the image of the Upstate as an important hub for international investment and trade.
Music in the Woods Music Series 2008 takes place at the amphitheater located in Paris Mountain State Park and is powered by Sunstore Solar Energy. Concerts are free with regular park admission. Concerts run from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Amphitheater.
Roper Mountain Science Center's mission is to educate and inspire learners of all ages to explore and investigate the world of science and technology. From the planetarium to the living history farm to the hall of science, RMSC has something for everyone. With events throughout each month, there is something always to do.
Speak For Animals SFA's mission is to enhance the lives of animals in South Carolina and beyond by, speaking out through humane education when an animal is being mistreated, educating the community that companion animals require not only the necessities of life, but also respect, love and affection, working within the community to facilitate change in the laws to provide a better life for animals and working with people to provide a better life for their companion animals.
The Upcountry History Museum is a new facility in 2007 that promotes historical preservation, research and education for the 15 counties in the northwest corner of South Carolina (Upcountry South Carolina). We are an innovative, interactive 50,000 square-foot facility on Heritage Green, the region's art and culture center located in Downtown Greenville, SC. Their mission is to promote, present and preserve the history of Upcountry South Carolina through education, research and service.
