Bee Campus USA

Sustainability at USC Upstate

Green Initiatives

Aim to be environmentally sustainable at your next event!. By making sustainable choices when planning events, we can all Think Green, Live Green at Upstate.

The first certified silver Green Event is the SL/CE Spring Showcase on April 7th.

Green Event Certification Checklist

2022 - 2023 USC Upstate is now the second Bee Campus in South Carolina.

See the he Pollinator Habitat, which can be accessed through a connector on the Science Trail. Parking for the Science Trail is located at 130 Burroughs Lane Spartanburg, SC 29303 on the USC Upstate campus.

Certified Pollinator Habitat

A collaboration between USC Upstate and Keep One Spartanburg Beautiful allows individuals, schools, businesses, churches, and community organizations to certify pollinator habitats that meet established criteria.

Check out the requirements and apply today!

Spring 2023 Gold Certified Events

SL/CE Spring Showcase –
CoEHPH Community Health Interns Community Presentations
Sustainable Upstate Certificate Training
SL/CE Celebration of Service
SC Sports Field Management Association Field Day

Engagement

April 14

Climb UP

Take the Stairs Challenge is for all students, staff, and faculty to promote using the stairs and being active during workdays (Monday-Friday). The top participants at the end of the challenge will receive USC Upstate socks! Attached is a paper tracker and remember to enter your stairs each week here:

Stair Climbing Challenge Weekly Tracker

April 13 - 25

Sustainability Questionnaire

This assessment will be sent to all students, staff, and faculty to evaluate campus sustainability culture, literacy, actions, and initiatives. Participants are eligible for a raffle of YETI bottles! Check your email for a link to the questionnaire on April 13^th.

Open Questionnaire

April 19

What will I learn?

Sustainable Upstate Certificate

Become a Green Ambassador and learn about Think Green, Live Green certifications. Staff and Faculty are encouraged to participate in the Training & Development opportunity to become a Green Ambassador. The engaging and interactive event is 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the CLC and includes lunch.

More about the Sustainable Upstate Certificate

More information about the Event

Participants will be Green Ambassadors upon completion of the certificate. Additional certifications are available for Green Office and Green Department. Green Events will also be recognized with the first Green Event planned by SL/CE for the Spring Showcase on April 7.

April 20

USC Upstate Earth Day

Download Flyer

Activities include: The arboretum will be buzzing with sustainability-related activities between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., including free pizza and prize giveaways! There are approximately 15 booths/tables with community organizations that support nature, environment, and sustainability. An evening event from 5 p.m. -8:30 p.m. will also be in the arboretum with 6pm showing of Coastal Seas, sunset yoga at 6:30pm, and an outdoor screening of No Man’s Land Film Festival beginning at 7 p.m.

Let us know you are coming!

RSVP for Earthy Day 2023

June

World Environment Day Unplug Challenge

USC Upstate will be trying to collect 500lbs of acceptable plastics June 12 – December 12.

Trex® is proud to sponsor local recycling programs in universities and communities throughout the country. If your team can collect more than 500 pounds of plastic refuse in a six-month span (about 40,500 plastic bags), we will donate a high-performance composite bench to your school or community.

the NexTrex plastic film recycling bins have arrived! We will start collecting film next week!

September

Pollinator Appreciation Week

Did you know USC Upstate is a Bee Campus? We were the second Bee Campus in South Carolina!

October

Campus Sustainability Month

Join us for a month-long celebration of sustainability-focused programming and eco-challenges!

Academics

Summer Bootcamp

Experiential Learning in General Education (SE in GE)

Natural Areas & Landscaping

Pollinator Habitat Certification partnership with Keep One Spartanburg Beautiful.

This certification program is meant to inspire members of our community to create or improve their own pollinator habitat, and to broaden awareness of the elements necessary for a beneficial and healthy pollinator garden.

Begin your Habitat Assessment: Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks.

Get the Cirtification: Pollinator Habitat Certification Application

Community Garden Contract

USC Upstate Community Garden

Who we are:

We are enthusiastic, accepting, diverse members of the USC Upstate community who enjoy the garden. Our members range in experience from none at all to Master Gardeners and have majors across all of the USCU colleges. Each year we donate produce to community outreach organizations to provide food to those in need.

What you get:

A free 4’x 8’ raised garden bed space to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers!
Tools, water, soil, and some plants are provided.
Time be outside with students and community member. Share ideas, network, and make friends!
Something to add to your resume! Many employers and schools value community outreach activities and personal wellness. Become an officer and add leadership experience.

What we do:

Schedule meetings to socialize and work in the gardens. We plant in Fall and Spring for year-round harvests.
Plan and attend seminar meetings to enhance our gardening and use of the foods we grow.

For plot assignment please contact Melissa Storm, Faculty Advisor of the USC Upstate Community Garden