The Toyota Green Initiative (TGI) celebrated five years of partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during the Toyota Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship in Houston this past weekend.
Launched by Toyota in 2009, the Toyota Green Initiative (TGI) is an environmental stewardship platform that educates HBCU students, alumni and their surrounding community on the benefits of sustainable living. This year, the program aimed to ignite conversations beyond college campuses and further its reach to larger scale lifestyle and cultural events with a heavy millennial presence. TGI partners with a collection of celebrities and environmental experts, who speak about relevant ways to go green, participate in panel discussions and host workshops at TGI sponsored HBCU sports events. This year, TGI welcomed Houston native and fitness expert Ron “Boss” Everline, as one of the newest members of the TGI Coalition.
Everline began his career with aspirations to play in the NFL. After years of trial and training, he realized his passion for changing lives was far greater. Having made personal fitness and training his professional focal point, Everline has changed the lives of many to maintain sustainable lifestyles through nutrition and fitness with his brand “Just Train.”
Through his success, Everline has reached a point in which he is now expanding his brand not only through his clients and career, but children too. “Just Train Kids” focuses on combating issues that youth face today such as childhood obesity, chronic illnesses and bullying. Everline’s motto for “Just Train Kids” is “Inspired by Kids for Kids,” and motivating children on how to be fit and healthy together.
Everline and the TGI Coalition, which included actor Lance Gross, participated in a variety of activities throughout the SWAC championship weekend, including a day of service at the Jim and Barbara Morefield Boys and Girls Club on Friday, December 4. Volunteers planted trees and a community garden to help make the club more eco-friendly. SWAC fans also had the opportunity to meet the TGI Coalition at an eco-inspired footprint located at the NRG Stadium, and got connected to sustainable ideas and solutions while they enjoyed the championship festivities.
TGI recognizes that good health is as an integral part of sustainable living. Paired with Everline’s expertise and energy, TGI was able to educate, equip and empower SWAC attendees to live green starting with a healthy body. For further details on TGI, be sure to follow @ToyotaShowcase on Twitter and join the conversation using the hashtag #toyotagreen.