In this ETV Classic, we find ourselves on the campus of Furman University to learn and be inspired by their award-winning efforts to promote sustainability on the campus, as well as in the greater Greenville area.
South Carolina Naturalist, Rudy Mancke applauded Furman University’s unique coordinated approach to sustainability, and we tour the first Southern Living eco-house, and learn more about Greenbelt housing on campus.
There is a visit to an on-campus Buddhist temple that was given to Furman. The private family-owned temple was taken apart, transported from Japan. and reassembled close to a nearby water feature on campus. We learn about the concept of dependent origination.
In addition to on-campus participation in green activities, Furman students engage in outreach to their community to help weatherize houses, and to reduce fuel consumption and energy costs for low-income families.
The thirteen-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail connects the campus to the city of Greenville, and at the time of the documentary, you could visit the Randy Blackwell Farm Stand, where the students marketed organic vegetables and herbs to the public.
As the documentary concluded, Rudy noted that sustainability reminds you that you are part of the system, and that your life depends upon that system.
Side Notes
- Rudy Mancke | S. C. Hall of Fame
- NatureScene Originals (1978-1982)
- Furman University's Greenbelt Community | Engage
- Swamp Rabbit Trail.
- Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education
- The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities - Furman University
