The Unseen Crisis of Environmental Racism

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"Environmental racism refers to those institutional rules, regulations, and policies or government or coporate decisions that deliberately target certain communities for least desirable land uses, resulting in the disproportionate exposure of toxic hazardous waste on communitites based upon certain prescribes biologial characteristics." - James H. Cone, "Whose Earth is it Anyway?"

when we talk about racism, we often think of civil rigths, economic disparities, or social justice. But what about the very ground we walk on, The air we breathe, and the water we drink? Environmental racism - where toxic waste and pollution disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and low-income communities - is a crisis that goes largely unaddressed.

Despite the widespread impact of environmental racism, it is rarely a topic of concern for activits, religious leaders, or even enviornmentalists. Yet, it's an issue that affects not only human rights, but also public health, economic stabiity, and even faith-based ethics.

My Journey with Environmental Awareness

My passion for sustainability started early. In second grade, my school introduced the "Green Team", a group of volunteer students who helped sort trash into the correct bins. By third grade I eargerly joined, sparking a lifelong interest in environmental issues.

Now, as an apparel major, I see firsthand how my industry contributes to environmental racism and degredation of our beloved world. Fashion isn't just about trends - it's a global system with deep-rooted environmental and ethical concerns.

How the Fashion Industry Fuels Environmental Racism

The apparel industry is a major polluter that disporportionately harms communities of color both in the U.S. and globally:

• Toxic Dye waste - Clothing production pollutes drinking water, often in low-income and marginalized communities.

• Textile landfills - Fast fashion produces millions of tons of waste that releases harmful gases into the environment. Theis massive piles of clothing/landfills are usually located over seas in developing/undeveloped countries.

• cotton farming - Cotton is often grown in BIPOC communities, where the production of the fiber contaminates water, air, and soil, leading to serious health issues for the nearby residents, such as asthma.

Environmental racism isn't just about pollution - it's about racial discrimination, economic inequality, and even faith.

Fighting for Justice: What Can We Do?

As the theologian James Cone argued in his writing "Earth and Word", "If toxic waste is not safe enough to be dumped in the United States, it is not safe to be dumped in Ghana, Liberia, Somalia, nor anywhere else in the world... hazardous materials are not fit to be disposed in the suburbs, they are certainly not fit to be disposed of in cities." If hazardous waste isn't safe enough for the U.S. suburbs it's not safe for cities or developing countries either.

We have a responsibility to fight for justice - not just in our own neighrbohoods but across the globe. So what can we do?

1. Support Sustainable & Ethical Brands - Shop from companies that prioritize ethical sourcing and fair wages.

2. Advocate for Policy Change - Contact lawmakers, support enviornmental justice organizations, and vote for policies that protect vulnerable communities.

3. Reduce your Waste & Consumption - Avoid fast fashion, upcycle clothing, and encourage sustainable alternatives.

4. Educate & Raise Awareness - Share information on social media, organize events, or write about environmental racism to keep the conversation going.

5. Get Involved Locally - Volunteer with enviornmental groups that focus on marginalized communities, such as enviornmental organizations

The fight against racism starts with awareness but must lead to action. How will you take a stand?

Bibliography:

Cone, James H. Whose Earth is it Anyway. Cross Currents, 2000.