Environmental justice aims to tackle the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards on marginalized communities and strives to achieve equitable outcomes for all. Addressing environmental justice issues is crucial for ensuring that all communities, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, have fair treatment and meaningful involvement in environmental matters.

This article will guide you on how to identify and address environmental justice issues in your community by focusing on community organizing, policy advocacy, and building alliances with local organizations.

Defining Environmental Justice

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as: “The just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment.”

Unfortunately, the reality for many marginalized communities is that they wind up bearing the brunt of adverse human health and environmental risks. According to the American Public Health Association:

“Environmental justice (EJ) communities are composed of marginalized racial/ethnic, low-income, rural, immigrant/refugee, and Indigenous populations that live in areas disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards and unhealthy land uses. [These communities] are underserved by public and private entities that create and enforce environmental hazards and are underrepresented in decision-making processes. In addition, they are inconsistently defined and often identified via spatial mapping tools or on the basis of other socioeconomic information.”

Environmental Justice History and Significance

The environmental justice movement traces back to the late 1970s in Warren County, North Carolina. According to an article from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), this moment in history became a pivotal point for environmental activism.

North Carolina’s plan to dispose of toxic PCBs in Warren County—a predominantly Black and low-income area—sparked widespread outrage. Despite the community’s concerns and the involvement of Civil Rights leaders, the state proceeded with the disposal plan.

In response, residents organized protests, blocking the trucks headed for the landfill. The demonstrations, which lasted for six weeks, resulted in over 500 arrests, marking a significant moment in U.S. history as the first major arrests related to the siting of a landfill.

Although the community ultimately lost its battle against Warren County, its legacy lives on in today’s environmental justice movements, inspiring countless others to fight for their right to a safe and healthy environment.

How to Address Environmental Justice Issues in Your Community

Achieving environmental justice requires a unified and organized effort with those who share your concerns and values. Here are some key strategies to address environmental justice issues in your community:

Community Organizing

Community organizing involves mobilizing residents to collectively address environmental injustices. It empowers individuals to act, voice their concerns, and demand change. Here are some steps to organize your community:

• Educate residents: Start by educating your community about environmental justice issues. Hold informational meetings, distribute flyers, and use social media to spread awareness.

• Create platforms for dialogue: Establish forums where residents can share their concerns and ideas. This could be in the form of town hall meetings, community workshops, or online discussion groups.

• Foster solidarity: Build a sense of unity by organizing community events and activities. This helps strengthen relationships and create a collective identity focused on environmental justice.

Policy Advocacy

Policy advocacy focuses on influencing public policies to protect vulnerable communities from environmental harm. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Engage with policymakers: Contact local representatives and express your concerns about environmental justice issues. Attend city council meetings and participate in public comment periods.

• Lobby for stronger regulations: Advocate for the implementation and enforcement of environmental regulations that protect marginalized communities. Collaborate with local advocacy groups to amplify your voice.

• Promote environmental justice policies: Support policies that promote fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all communities in environmental decision-making processes.

Building Alliances with Local Organizations

Building alliances with local organizations can amplify your efforts to address environmental justice issues. Here’s how to create effective partnerships:

• Identify potential partners: Look for local environmental groups, health organizations, and community-based nonprofits that share your goals.

• Collaborate on projects: Work together on initiatives that address environmental justice issues. This could involve joint campaigns, educational programs, or community clean-up events.

• Share resources and expertise: Pool resources and share expertise to strengthen your advocacy efforts. This collaborative approach can lead to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Communities Combatting Environmental Justice Issues

Organizations such as the DSCEJ, GreenRoots, and the DRCC demonstrate the power of grassroots movements in achieving environmental justice. Through their efforts and initiatives, we see how communities can rally together to make significant change.

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ)

The DSCEJ promotes the rights of all people to be free from environmental harm, particularly communities of color along the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor and the broader Gulf Coast Region.

This independent nonprofit organization addresses the unique challenges of climate change facing communities of color and poor communities in the South by supporting innovative projects in research, education, capacity-building, and public advocacy. It also provides training for communities, workers, and students to achieve environmental justice.

A notable DSCEJ initiative includes a Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) called CIRC (Community Investment Recovery Center), which supports rural and underserved communities in securing essential grants to enhance resilience and environmental justice. DSCEJ’s work has led to significant progress, including a $13 million EPA grant to improve accessibility for communities facing environmental justice concerns.

Other significant DSCEJ projects include the Justice40 Initiative and the Gulf Water Justice Strategic Planning Project, furthering its impact on environmental equity in the region.

GreenRoots

For over 30 years, GreenRoots has taken great strides in achieving environmental justice through community engagement, youth leadership programs, and innovative projects and campaigns. Its initiatives and projects span across a wide range of environmental justice issues, including climate justice and resiliency, waterfront access and revitalization, food justice, energy democracy, and more.

One of its many initiatives includes its C-HEAT Initiative—a collaborative research project with Boston University School of Public Health to monitor and analyze heat exposure in Chelsea and East Boston. The findings outlined in C-HEAT’s annual reports equip residents and officials with essential information to identify and protect vulnerable populations in their areas.

From urban salt marsh restoration to new community centers and parks to improved water quality and climate issue initiatives, GreenRoots is a prime example of engaging and empowering communities to overcome environmental issues.

The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC)

The Duwamish River Community Coalitions (DRCC) advocates for environmental justice in South Seattle’s Duwamish Valley, an area heavily impacted by pollution due to nearby highways, lack of green space, and nearly a century of industrial activity.

Representing a coalition of community members, tribal groups, and local businesses, DRCC focuses on addressing the environmental health risks and inequities posed by the area, including the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site.

The organization empowers residents of South Park and Georgetown, some of Seattle’s most diverse and low-income neighborhoods, by ensuring their voices are heard in decisions affecting their environment through initiatives like Justice40rward and the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps.

Conclusion

Addressing environmental justice issues is vital for creating equitable and healthy communities. By focusing on community organizing, policy advocacy, and building alliances with local organizations, individuals can play a significant role in combating environmental injustices.

For those looking to deepen their impact, Antioch University offers a Master of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and networks to advance effective action at the community, state, national, or international level.

Offered at Antioch’s New England campus, this degree is available both online and in person, making it accessible for those committed to forging real social justice and sustainability progress.