From solar benches to seed libraries, USC Upstate is marking Earth Day 2025 with big strides in sustainability and a day full of community celebration.
The university has been awarded multiple grants to boost its sustainability initiatives, including food waste reduction, urban gardening, and increased recycling efforts. This year, USC Upstate secured its second Collegiate Recycling Grant from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, ensuring continued participation in the Campus Race to Zero Waste—a national competition promoting responsible waste management on college campuses.
Last year alone, the university collected 15,000 pounds of electronic waste, partnering with Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful to properly recycle everything from laptops to outdated chargers.
A key highlight of this year’s efforts is the campus food forest, funded through a grant from the South Carolina Forestry Commission. This living laboratory and food source features more than 300 plants—nearly 200 varieties—including fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vegetables, and herbs. Designed to nourish the Spartan Pantry and local community initiatives, the forest also educates students and the public on agroforestry practices and biodiversity.
“This is what we’ve been working on since September, and despite setbacks like Hurricane Helene, we’ve shown incredible resilience,” said Amanda Karls, director of institutional effectiveness and compliance. “We weren’t the first round of grant recipients, but we’re proud to be the second. This has been a labor of love—and leadership.”
Dr. Bennie Harris, chancellor of USC Upstate, praised the initiative’s broader impact: “This isn’t just about plants—it’s about health, education, and modeling a better future. Amanda and Nick brought a vision to life that will feed our students, foster learning, and connect our community.”
Dena Whitesides, urban forester with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, applauded the university’s efforts during the Earth Day ribbon-cutting. “Food forests support biodiversity and create inclusive spaces where people come together. USC Upstate has truly taken this project to heart and is modeling what’s possible for other universities across the state.”
The Earth Day celebration was more than a ceremonial event—it was a joyful gathering for students, faculty, staff, and the public. Attendees participated in rubber duck races, planted seeds to take home, practiced outdoor yoga with USC Upstate yoga instructor Yvonne Shaw, flew kites, and enjoyed free local pizza. The university also showcased its seed library, encouraging guests to start their own gardens, whether on a patio or in a backyard.
With these initiatives and more on the horizon, USC Upstate continues its commitment to a greener future—rooted in education, resilience, and community spirit.
More photos from the event can be found on our Flickr albums.