When Brotherhood Meets Purpose
From left, GreenVibe World members Zachary Smith, Walker Sauls, Andrew Sauls, and Sinjen Smith sit on a dumpster filled with brush following a Truckee River area cleanup
GreenVibe World sparks change in Reno.
What happens when two sets of like-minded, fit, and driven brothers cross paths in Reno? You get clean rivers, fresh produce, and a mentorship program that’s improving the next generation.
GreenVibe World is the brainchild of Walker Sauls, who, in 2017, wanted to champion environmental stewardship and education. Fast-forward to a Reno coffee bar in 2020, where Walker and his brother, Andrew, by chance, met brothers Sinjen and Zachary Smith. Over conversation and a subsequent hike, their shared passion for protecting the Truckee Meadows turned into something much bigger.
Reclaiming Waterways
Through the efforts of these dedicated brothers and a multitude of volunteers, GreenVibe World, an environmental nonprofit, has to date removed more than 100,000 pounds of pollution from the Truckee River watershed.
“We are only the catalyst that allows the community to come together for positive change,” Andrew Sauls says. “The real credit goes to a supportive board of directors and volunteers who show up on Saturday mornings to clean up a river and are committed to protecting and restoring our waterways.”
Vibes for Positive Impact
Building upon its mission, these ambitious men teamed up with managers of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Sparks Learning Garden to cultivate pesticide-free produce. Fresh vegetables and fruits are donated to Reno’s Ronald McDonald House, offering nourishing, homegrown meals to families in need.
In 2024, GreenVibe World launched its Stewards Program, partnering with local parole organizations to offer mentorship and guidance to at-risk youth.
“We helped our first graduate complete his community service requirements and secure a job, and he was accepted into the United States Marine Corps,” Andrew says.
“It’s gratifying that a humble grassroots beginning has blossomed into something so valuable for our community,” he continues. “Since launching this pilot program, we’ve worked with a total of seven young adults and are excited to see their opportunities grow.”
On the horizon for GreenVibe World is more collaboration with local agencies, such as the Truckee River Flood Management Authority.
“Its support has expanded our ability to clean up and restore large portions of land bordering the Truckee River,” Sinjen says, adding a comment on the nonprofit’s philosophy. “At the end of the day, it does take a village. Every volunteer is paramount to the success of river cleanups, garden projects, and mentoring youth. We’re committed to empowering our community for a better, cleaner tomorrow.”
GreenVibe World
Greenvibeworld.org
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