HELP CENTER

WHAT?

Environmental Justice 101  - article by Marshall Shepard 

Environmental Justice: according to the US EPA, environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people…with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.” While that is a mouthful, it really boils down to this: All people have a right to a clean environment, and all people have a right to accessible natural resources. When human populations (either because of their socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, culture, etc.) are subjected to a disproportionate exposure to toxins or limited access to needed resources, we consider this an issue of environmental justice.

Environmental Justice Explained - youtube video by Grist  

Environmental justice embraces the principle that all people and communities have a right to equal protection and equal enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Individuals who physically live on the “wrong side of the tracks” are subjected to elevated environmental health threats and more than their fair share of preventable diseases. Reducing environmental, health, economic and racial disparities is a major priority of the Environmental Justice Movement

The Quest for EJ and the Politics of Place and Race article by Dr. Robert Bullard 

Origins of Environmental Justice – Born in the USA. Environmental justice originated in protests in the 1980s by community groups in the USA against the repeated siting of polluting factories and waste sites in predominantly black neighborhoods and indigenous peoples' reservations. Civil rights protestors highlighted the disproportionate burden of negative environmental impacts these caused for the most vulnerable sectors of society. In 1994 the issue reached the White House when President Clinton issued Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. This order reinforced the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by requiring federal regulatory agencies to make environmental justice a part of all they do’ (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2003).

SO WHAT

The Long Shadow: Families in Elyria-Swansea Struggle with Asthma Amid Historic I-70 Construction- article by Denver Post 

This article evaluates the a study in 2014 by the city that showed that Elyria-Swansea and Globeville experience “a higher incidence of chronic health issues like asthma and heart disease. The area has been described as the “most polluted” zip code in the country. Though that superlative is a little problematic, the neighborhoods have plenty to contend with. Two busy interstates looming over the neighborhoods are often thought to be behind it. Industrial facilities like the nearby Suncor tar sands refinery has also concerned community advocates.

Denverites Likely Encounter the Worst Air Quality Inside their Own Homes- article by Kevin Beaty 

A new study from researchers at Denver’s National Jewish Health surveying north Denver’s air quality shows residents are often exposed to pretty good air, even though the area is often thought to be inundated with emissions from the nearby highways looming above. The study did find, however, that their worst exposures were often inside their homes.

Ambient Air Pollution and Asthma-Related Outcomes in Children of Color of the USA- article by Anthony Nardone, Andreas M. Neophytou, John Balmes, and Neeta Thakur

This article shows how researchers looked at studies published between 2013 and 2017 on asthma in urban environments, asthma among children of color, and the pervasiveness of ambient air pollution exposure among children living in urban environments. They found that children living in inner-city urban areas in which more than half of the population identifies as a “person of color” are exposed to air pollution more or less everywhere: at home, outside at play, and at school.

Air Pollution, Asthma, and Children of Color- article by Amanda Naparwa 

This article highlights what  researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, San Francisco,found as a key reason for the disparity of asthma in children of color. Their findings suggest the disproportionate exposure of children of color to ambient (outdoor) air pollution beginnings in utero. 

Study finds a race gap in air pollution — whites largely cause it; blacks and Hispanics breathe it- article by Doyle Rice 

This article discusses how on average, non-Hispanic whites experience a “pollution advantage”: They experience ∼17% less air pollution exposure than is caused by their consumption. Blacks and Hispanics on average bear a “pollution burden” of 56% and 63% excess exposure, respectively, relative to the exposure caused by their consumption. The total disparity is caused as much by how much people consume as by how much pollution they breathe. 

NOW WHAT?

We Can’t Truly Protect the Environment Unless We Tackle Social Justice Issues, Too- article by Amal Ahmed

This text offers meaningful and lasting connections between children and nature, through time in nature and a supportive adult.  He offers suggestions for nature exploration and ideas for adult mentors (teachers, parents, caregivers) in various scenarios, for different ages of children, and combat challenges and obstacles connected to nature-focused education.

Project Learning Tree: PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide- book and curricular program

PLT is an environmental education program that utilizes hands-on and interdisciplinary activities to promote engagement with the local community.  The program uses the lens of trees to provide over 90 lesson plans that teachers can adapt to their local place. PLT often hosts workshops for teachers to familiarize with the curriculum tools. 

Advice for White environmentalists and nature educators- article by Sprinavasa Brown

Sprinavasa Brown is the co-founder and executive director of Camp ELSO. She also serves on Metro’s Public Engagement Review Committee and the Parks and Nature Equity Advisory Committee. She gives insight on what ways to take action on environmental racism 

How Green Groups Became So White and What to Do About It- article by Diane Toomy

This article is an interview with the famous environmentalist Dorceta Taylor. Dr. Taylor gives insight and advice at what organizations can do to address the diversity gap.

IDEAS for Action  website 

This group is a follow up community for the Inclusive Denver: Equity and Accessibility Summit for Action. I.D.E.A.S for Action. is a gathering for thought-provoking discussions and solutions-based recommendations for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Denver Nonprofits. I.D.E.A.S for Action brings together leaders and key stakeholders and features a mix of planned and open space conference sessions intended to help Metro Denver organizations build diverse workplaces and increase community impact.