Since a pellet plant operated by the British company Drax opened in 2016, the residents of the small town of Gloster, Mississippi—who are predominantly Black and live in poverty—have suffered the consequences of air pollution. In 2021, the facility was fined $2.5 million for exceeding the legally permitted levels of air pollutants associated with cancer, respiratory difficulties, and other health issues. Witnessing her health deteriorate due to the pollution, resident Carmella Wren-Causey worried about the future of the local youth amid the environmental and social challenges they face in town. In response, she founded Sav-R Youth Sav-R Future in 2010 to educate young people about environmental justice and address the lack of activities and opportunities for children in Gloster. By promoting educational and recreational activities, the organization aims to build a brighter future for its young residents.
Gloster resident and Sav-R Youth Sav-R Future founder Carmella Wren-Causey speaks about biomass at an event in Jackson, Mississippi. Photo: Sav-R Youth, Sav-R Future
Sav-R Youth Sav-R Future is a small grassroots initiative with a team comprising 10 local volunteers and a five-member board, reflecting the predominantly Black demographics of Gloster. The organization primarily serves at-risk youth aged 9 to 16, focusing on those who lack recreational and educational opportunities. As part of their initiatives, they have been promoting arts and crafts workshops in local parks, such as jewelry making and beading, and taking children and adolescents to attend talks on climate and environmental justice. In the future, they plan to establish a fishing club to educate participants about climate change and the environment, and to purchase a van to facilitate transportation for children to activities. By providing structured activities, Sav-R Youth Sav-R Future aims to keep young people engaged, ultimately fostering a healthier and more informed community.
A fishing activity with kids in Gloster. Photo: Sav-R Youth, Sav-R Future