Change Your World Week Winter 2023 (Archived)

In 2014, the city of Flint, MI, changed its water source to the Flint River to save money. However, it did not use proper treatment processes for the water supply. This exposed the city’s 100,000 residents — most of whom were Black — to bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Legionella and contaminants such as lead, which is a neurotoxin. The poor water quality caused the water to be foul smelling and discolored. Even though people were experiencing hair loss and skin conditions, the city did not take action for 18 months. During this time, 12 people died from Legionnaires’ disease.

A 2021 report highlights concerns about industrializing the stretch of land between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, dubbed “Cancer Alley,” in the southern state of Louisiana. The report suggests that pollutants from current developments are putting local people, most of whom are Black, at risk of cancer and respiratory conditions, among other illnesses. This suggests that federal environmental regulations are not protecting the residents.

Supporting environmental justice organizations is an important tool in creating a more equitable society. There are many ways to show your support; donating, volunteering, and amplifying an organization's mission are all easy ways to get involved. There are many community-based, environmental justice groups. Environmental Justice Atlas, a website that maps environmental racism and social conflict, can help you find environmental justice organizations based in your community or region. We've also made a list of a few organizations that environmentalists and public health advocates can support. You can check out what they are doing and learn more about environmental justice initiatives in your communities. There are many more, so this is just a start.

Congenital disabilities from toxic waste

Respiratory disease from polluted air

Poor quality of life

Loss of social mobility as residents are unable to sell properties in the affected area

Unemployment as other industries stay away

Environmental destruction and loss of wildlife, as marginalized people’s concerns are often more readily dismissed