Eng 2010 Blog Post #2

Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice, what is it? Also known as EJ, is the principle that people of all different racial backgrounds should have access to equal protection from the environment.  Every human being should have equal access to a quality of life where economic equality, healthcare, and shelter are sustainable.  In other terms, environmental justice is putting efforts toward eliminating privilege and exploiting someone's health and the use of societal resources.  

 One of the main aspects that inhibit EJ is the media.  As many people know, the media has a strong impact on issues in the U.S. today.  And the mass media is owned by large corporations.  It makes sense why media reports rarely make the connection on the definition of environment that includes issues of civil rights, housing, employment, or quality of life.  Some media and advertisements on the issue of EJ tend to divert our attention to blaming the behavior of individuals rather than institutional failures.  

Environmental injustices can affect the fabric of our social lives.  For example, a family might have no choice but to live where no one wants to live (like next to a waste plant) because of housing discrimination and/ or poverty.  Living in these conditions can have an impact on someone's health, like increased instances of cancer and an elevated risk of asthma.  

The topic of environmental justice is important to know because many people are oblivious to it, given environmental privilege.  EJ is important because its principles affirm political rights, demand mutual respect and justice for all peoples, call for universal protection from environmental dangers, and many more.  It's also not just pollution.  Communities of color don't get a fair share of green areas, good schools, safe neighborhoods, or clean resources.  In other words, environmental justice ensures healthy, sustainable, livable communities are advocated for.  And that ensures tax dollars are spent on those who are in need, rather than spent on where power lies.  If collectively, we strive towards ending classism, and environmental discrimination, we get closer to making sure communities are well sustained and deemed livable.  Doing this takes time, but can be achieved if we realize its importance.