River Revival: SMA America Employees Unite for Yuba River Cleanup

At SMA America, sustainability is more than just a guiding principle—it’s a commitment that drives actions, both as a company and as individuals. This September, a group of dedicated teammates took part in the Annual Yuba River Cleanup, working alongside community members to help preserve the beauty and health of this vital waterway. With sustainability being one of the five key pillars guiding SMA America, the team is proud to contribute to this impactful event and help make a tangible difference. This was particularly special in Grass Valley, home to SMA America’s first office.  

Protecting the Yuba River: A Vital Local Initiative

The Yuba River Cleanup, organized by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), is a yearly event that gathers volunteers to restore the natural beauty of the Yuba River and its surrounding areas. The cleanup brings together hundreds of community members, environmental enthusiasts, and organizations who share the goal of protecting one of California’s most cherished rivers. The Yuba River is not just a beautiful place for recreation; it’s also a critical habitat for wildlife and a key water source for Nevada County. 

Team Effort: SMA Joins the Community for Cleanup

This year, SMA America teammates who live near Nevada County joined forces with over a thousand volunteers for this initiative. 

Together, the collective efforts removed trash, recyclables and other debris that threatens the river’s ecosystem. It was a day filled with hard work, camaraderie and a shared dedication to sustainability. 

More Than Technology: A Commitment to Sustainability

“Solar technology is aimed at making clean energy accessible and efficient, but we also know that protecting the planet requires more than technological advancement,” said Hasan Taylor, senior applications engineer at SMA America. “It calls for active participation and a willingness to get our hands dirty—sometimes quite literally—to protect the natural environment.” 

Hands-On Action: SMA Employees Make an Impact

Armed with gloves, trash bags, and a lot of enthusiasm, the SMA volunteers worked at various sites along the river, collecting plastic bottles, discarded fishing gear, food wrappers, and even large items like broken furniture and discarded gold panning materials. This hands-on effort was a powerful reminder that sustainability starts with the choices we make every day, including how we care for our local environment. 

The Yuba River: A Critical Ecosystem Worth Protecting

The Yuba River is a vital part of the local ecosystem, providing clean water, supporting diverse plant and animal life, and offering a place for recreation and relaxation for residents and visitors. Unfortunately, like many natural areas, the Yuba River is vulnerable to the impact of human activity. Litter and pollution threaten water quality and wildlife, making community-driven cleanups essential for preserving the river’s health. 

Community Commitment: A Collective Effort for Change

“Seeing the amount of trash we collected in just a few hours was a stark reminder of why cleanups like this are so important,” said Emily Peterson, contact center manager with SMA America. “But it was also incredibly uplifting to see how many people care about keeping the Yuba River clean.”  

For more details on SMA’s sustainability efforts click here.  

Looking Ahead: SMA’s Dedication to Sustainability

As the organization looks to the future, SMA will continue to support initiatives that align with sustainability goals, empowering both employees and communities to act for a better world.