Public Services Activities

scientist studying sorghum

More than just syrup

South Carolina uses nearly 2.5 times more energy than it produces, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration 2005 data. While the state does not have oil, natural gas or coal resources, biofuels from crops show promise as renewable energy sources that can be produced here.  Grass genomicist Alex Feltus is analyzing 400 varieties of sorghum, seeking the ones most easily converted into fuels.

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students teaching recycling

4-H'ers teach recycling

Landfills are filling up fast because too many items that could be recycled are thrown away instead. One estimate is that only 30% of discarded materials are recycled.  This throw-away mentality threatens to reduce both natural resources and our quality of life.  To raise awareness of the issue, Cherokee County 4-H, in conjunction with the county Recycling Center, conducted a “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Campaign” in five schools last year.

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students learning about soil

Teaching KATE goes national

Teaching KATE (Kids About The Environment) has been endorsed by the National Forum on Children and Nature as one of 30 creative demonstration projects across the nation that reconnect kids with nature.  More frequently than ever before, children are developing chronic health conditions, including obesity and depression. There is growing evidence that the decline in children’s health is, in part, related to a disconnection from nature and active time outdoors.

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bulls in corral

Lab keeps SC food safe

Global economic uncertainty will create challenges for U.S. beef and pork exports in many countries, but the main concern for foreign consumers is meat safety.  Clemson’s Livestock-Poultry Health unit is responsible for ensuring livestock and poultry health and the safety of meat and poultry products in South Carolina. Inspectors visit livestock farms, auction houses and meat processing plants to ensure animals are healthy and meat products are safe.

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What is PSA?

“As a land-grant university, Clemson is part of a national system created by the U.S. Congress to improve the quality of life for citizens in every state through teaching, research and outreach.

While faculty members teach Clemson students, the university’s statewide network of Public Service Activities (PSA) conducts research and outreach programs to improve the quality of life for citizens in South Carolina.”

Dr. John Kelly
VP for Public Service & Agriculture 

Soil, forages, and compost testing; Agricultural Services Laboratory

SC Cooperative Extension Service

Impacts Magazine

Books, DVD, other PSA & Extension publications; PSA Bulletin Room

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