Maurice Carter & Nancy Schulz: Leading the Sustainability Movement in Newton County - Episode 26
In Episode 26 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with two passionate advocates for the environment and sustainability in Newton County, Maurice Carter and Nancy Schulz. Both have dedicated their time and energy to making Newton County a greener and more sustainable place for future generations.
Maurice Carter, co-founder of Sustainable Newton, has been a leader in the grassroots movement since its inception in 2018. A former president of the organization, Maurice returned to lead the board in 2025, bringing with him years of experience in community building, activism, and digital marketing. Maurice’s journey to Newton County began in 1982 when he married his wife, Kim Capes Carter, and they moved to Covington in 2004. Kim would go on to serve as the city’s mayor from 2008 to 2011. His dedication to creating a better future for his community shines through in his work with Sustainable Newton and various other local organizations.
Nancy Schulz, a long-term resident of Newton County, has spent decades serving her community. A retired nurse practitioner, Nancy’s passion for the environment led her to serve as past president and chair of the Waste Diversion Committee for Sustainable Newton. She also served three terms as a Newton County Commissioner and continues her work with the Newton County Tomorrow executive board. For Nancy, it’s all about creating a world where her grandchildren, Emerson and Jonah, can thrive.
In this episode, Maurice and Nancy share what inspired them to dive into the world of sustainability and climate change, the importance of community engagement in tackling these urgent issues, and the efforts Sustainable Newton is making to educate and inspire action in Newton County. They dive into the impact local businesses and governments can have on sustainability and share how they’re partnering with these entities to drive real change.
What You’ll Learn:
The personal stories behind Maurice and Nancy’s involvement with Sustainable Newton and climate change activism
Why climate change is an urgent issue and why everyone should care
How Sustainable Newton engages citizens, businesses, and local governments to create lasting impact
The most impactful initiatives and events that have inspired change in the community
How individuals can get involved and make a difference right here in Newton County
Maurice and Nancy discuss how climate change can feel distant to many people and how they break down the issue into terms everyone can understand. They also touch on the skepticism that still exists around climate change and how they approach these conversations with empathy and facts.
With a look ahead to the organization’s upcoming goals and initiatives, Maurice and Nancy inspire hope for the future while emphasizing the importance of collective action. They encourage everyone to get involved, whether by volunteering, supporting local sustainability projects, or simply adopting greener habits in daily life.
Get Involved with Sustainable Newton:
Sustainable Newton is making strides toward a more sustainable Newton County, and they need your help! Find out how you can contribute to the cause by visiting their website or following them on social media:
· Website - https://www.sustainablenewton.org/
· Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SNGEORGIA
· Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sustainablenewton
· Threads - https://www.threads.net/@sustainablenewton
· X - https://x.com/SustainableNew6
· YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sustainablenewton
· LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-newton
· Email - mailto:info@sustainablenewton.org
You can make a difference by starting small in your own life, joining local efforts, and learning more about Sustainable Newton’s mission and projects. Every step matters.
Support The Town Square Podcast:
The Town Square Podcast runs on donations and gifts from our community. If you’ve enjoyed the conversation and want to see more episodes like this, consider making a one-time gift or a small recurring donation. Just $2 or $5 a month can help us continue bringing you conversations from the messy middle—where unity, not uniformity, is the goal.
Click here to donate: Support The Town Square Podcast
We hope you enjoyed this insightful episode! Please don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Join us on The Town Square Podcast for more meaningful conversations that bridge the gap between issues and solutions in our community!
