Moving Forward

Throughout these past few weeks, we have been engaged in learning about environmental racism and injustice. We learned about where it comes from, where it is, how it manifests, and who is affected by it. 

What I have learned about environmental racism and injustice is that is a tool used to contaminate communities who otherwise will be defenseless. Big Business attacks minorities especially because they are perceived as weak and passive citizens who will not fight back against the poisoning of their communities, because they fear that it might jeopardize jobs and their economic survival. What I take away from this research is that this injustice is an injustice that has been going on for many years. This is an injustice that we have been trained to turn a blind eye to. This is more than just research to me, it's activism. Throughout these six weeks I have learned so much about environmental racism, and I feel it's my duty to educate and inform the masses. 

Since environmental racism is a systemic, bigoted practice, what has been the most important and urgent thing to me is identifying it, and calling out for action. Big Businesses are still getting away with intoxicating marginalized people’s lands all because they think they can silence them. 
What if we all took action and joined our neighbors (anyone who we share this planet with is a neighbor) in the fight against pollution in minority communities.

Here is my working list for what can be done to combat environmental injustice.

1. Talk about this. Tell people about environmental injustice. Let them know it exists, and spread knowledge and awareness.
2. Take action. Either at protests like the People's Climate March, as pictured below. Get the word out there.
3. Vote for politicians that are determined to end environmental degradation everywhere. (Spoiler alert: there aren't that many, but take this step further and call them and ask what they are doing about pollution on the South Side.)
4. Talk to people who are directly experiencing this. Listen to their stories. See what you can do to help. Fight with them.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Do you live a privileged life? How clean is your tap water? Do you have parks in your neighborhood? What is the air you breathe like? Think about why.
6. Be aware of all surroundings. Are there opportunities for clean, sustainable living everywhere you go? (Spoiler alert again: probably not.) But identify why.

Though my blogging about environmental racism and injustice has come to an end, blogging about this had brewed up a new boil in my blood. I am ready to take action and fight. Will you join me?