a beginner's checklist to understanding and supporting environmental justice

published 6.14.23 (originally published 5.31.23 as a LinkedIn article)

As our world becomes increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change, it's important to remember that environmental issues are not experienced equally by everyone. Marginalized communities, such as low-income communities, communities of color, and persons with disabilities often bear the brunt of environmental damage and have limited access to resources to address these issues. 

This is where environmental justice comes in.

Environmental justice is about ensuring that all people have the right to a healthy environment, regardless of their race, income, or other factors. It's about recognizing that environmental issues are interconnected with social justice issues, and that we need to address all to create a more equitable world. 

Where can you begin?

If you're new to the concept of environmental justice, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why I've created a checklist to sort of help guide you in your journey. Whether you're looking to educate yourself, support organizations, advocate for change, reduce your own environmental footprint, or amplify voices, there are steps you can take to begin to make a difference.

Educate Yourself

Educate yourself about environmental justice and the issues facing marginalized communities. This can involve reading this article, reading books, watching documentaries, or following environmental justice organizations on social media. 

Not sure of any? Start here: 

• "Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, And Environmental Quality" by Dr. Robert D. Bullard

• “Clean and White” by Carl A. Zimring

• “There's Something in the Water" (2019) - a documentary about the environmental racism and contamination faced by Black and Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia, Canada

• “Mossville: When Great Trees Fall” (2019) - a documentary about a historic African American community in Louisiana that is being threatened by industrial pollution and environmental racism

Now these are just a few documentaries, and books to get you started. I urge you to seek out additional resources to learn more about environmental justice issues and marginalized communities. 

Support Environmental Justice Organizations

Support organizations that are working to address environmental justice issues. This can involve making donations, attending events and meetings, volunteering your time, or sharing their work on social media and helping to amplify their voices plus initiatives. I encourage you to actively support and engage with grassroots movements led by marginalized communities, as these movements possess a profound understanding of the issues at hand and can provide effective solutions and strategies for driving meaningful change. Some of those organizations include: 

• Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform

• The Indigenous Environmental Network

• The Sierra Club Environmental Justice Program

• Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience (CEER)

• National Black Environmental Justice Network

• Deep South Center for Environmental Justice

Advocate for Change

Advocate for policy changes that promote environmental justice. This can involve contacting your elected representatives, signing petitions, or joining campaigns led by environmental justice organizations. Some disparities to advocate for include: 

• access to clean air and water

• equitable distribution of environmental resources and benefits

• addressing environmental pollution and toxic exposure in marginalized communities

• promoting sustainable and affordable housing options

• ensuring access to green spaces and healthy food options

• addressing transportation inequalities

• combating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations

I encourage you to learn more about:

• ‘Cancer Alley’ in Louisiana

• The ‘cancer cluster’ in 5th Ward, Houston

• Asthma Alley in Mott Haven, New York

Vote

Vote for political candidates who prioritize environmental justice and have a strong record on environmental issues., especially issues that help marginalized populations. In addition to considering a candidate's record on environmental issues, you can also research their stances on other social justice issues like racial justice, economic justice, and gender equality. This will give you a better understanding of how they approach environmental justice issues in a broader context.

Reduce Your Environmental Footprint

Take steps to reduce your own environmental footprint by conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices. Your efforts can help lessen environmental harm and contribute to a more equitable distribution of resources. 

What does that look like?

• Donate or repurpose items instead of throwing them away

• Choose environmentally-friendly transportation options like walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transit

• Install solar panels or invest in community solar initiatives (if feasible)

• Advocate for sustainable practices in your workplace or neighborhood

Support Businesses

Support businesses that prioritize environmental justice and sustainability. This can involve shopping at farmers markets, supporting fair trade and environmentally responsible products, or investing in community-based enterprises. Also when I say this, I want you to support businesses started by, or in support of people in marginalized communities. This can help to create economic opportunities and address systemic inequalities.

Raise Awareness

Use your voice to raise awareness about environmental justice issues and the need for action while also centering the voices of those who are most impacted by these issues. This may involve sharing information with friends and family, using social media to promote environmental justice campaigns and initiatives, and/or organizing community events and rallies that share stories and perspectives from people of color, low-income communities, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

Amplify voices

Speak up for those who voices that may not be loud enough to be heard. They have gotten hoarse, and tired but they continue to speak and we all can use that assistance.

Check your privilege

Your experiences and perspectives may be limited by a lot of social factors and you should consider how that privilege may affect your understanding of certain issues. People are sharing their lived experiences in advocating for change from a different perspective than you. Be mindful of how your comments, and or/suggestions may often be out of touch with the reality of others. Instead listen, learn, and help amplify the experiences of others.

As you embark on your journey to understand and support environmental justice,remember that it is a powerful movement centered around uplifting those most impacted by environmental issues and empowering them to drive meaningful change. It requires acknowledging and checking your privilege, and most importantly, actively listening to the voices of those who have long been at the forefront of this fight. By joining forces with these tireless advocates and working collaboratively, we can cultivate a more just and sustainable world, where every individual, irrespective of their background, enjoys the right to a healthy and thriving environment. Together, let us continue to champion environmental justice and build a future where equity and sustainability intersect harmoniously.

How did you like this article? I value your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope it has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration to contribute towards environmental justice in your own life and community.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Join the conversation!

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by Obiageli Onuba
Engagement Specialist