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Green Tips: The Environment on the Big and Small Screens

Social distancing at home doesn’t mean that you have to lose your connection to the environment. You might even find yourself with some extra time on your hands. Many Americans are turning to movies and TV to stay busy and entertained during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we put together a list of environmentally themed movies that will inspire you to make every day Earth Day. Stay engaged by checking out these flicks:

FernGully: The Last Rainforest
1992 • Animation/Fantasy • 1h 16m • Rated G

Crysta is a tiny fairy who lives in a rainforest called FernGully and has never seen a human before. When a logging company makes its way through the forest, she meets her first human being, Zak, and accidentally shrinks him! Through his adventures alongside Crysta, he comes to see the beauty of the rainforest and all its inhabitants. Wishing to stop the destruction and help save the forest, Zak, Crysta, and the animals of the rainforest team up together to take down the logging company.

Where to watch: Rent it on Google Play or stream on Hulu.

Avatar
2009 • Sci-fi/Action • 2h 42m • Rated PG-13

On the planet of Pandora live the Na’vi, a highly evolved, intelligent group of beings that live in harmony with nature. Although Pandora’s environment is poisonous, Na’vi hybrids called Avatars are able to freely move around the planet through linked consciousness with humans. Jake Sully, a paralyzed ex-Marine residing on Pandora, becomes mobile again thanks to an Avatar. The two become close and he comes to see the destruction of Pandora by humans. Determined to do something about it, he joins the fight with the other Na’vi to save the planet.

Where to watch: Rent it on Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Prime, or stream on Disney+.

Koyaanisqatsi
1982 • Documentary/Experimental • 1h 27m • Not Rated

The title Koyaanisqatsi comes from the Hopi word meaning “life out of balance.” This documentary displays how humanity has grown apart from nature. Take note: this experimental film lacks narration and dialogue, telling its story through imagery and music (scored by Phillip Glass). The footage features natural landscapes and elemental forces, giving way to scenes of modern civilization and technology. It might seem a bit abstract at first, but give it a chance—it’s sure to mesmerize you!

Where to watch: Rent it on iTunes or Amazon Prime.

Erin Brockovich
2000 • Drama • 2h 12m • Rated R

Based on the true story of how Erin Brockovich, a single mother of three working in a legal office, takes down a California power company for polluting a city’s water supply. After coming across the medical records of a local woman who was treated by PG&E doctors, Brockovich discovers many others who have similar illnesses. As she begins to put the pieces together, she’s led to uncover the cause of the community’s health problems and a shocking, decades-long corporate cover-up.

Where to watch: Rent on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime, or stream on Hulu.

Saving Jamaica Bay

2016 • Documentary • 1h 16m • Not Rated

Saving Jamaica Bay tells the story of how one community fought government inaction and overcame Hurricane Sandy to clean up and restore the largest open space in New York City, which had become a dumping ground for garbage, sewage and bullet-riddled mobsters. Narrated by Academy-Award winning actress Susan Sarandon, the 77-minute documentary underscores the importance of citizen action and the role of urban nature in protecting our cities from the effects of climate change.

Where to watch: Through May 1, 2020, New Yorkers can watch this documentary for free at www.jbrpc.org/video or vimeo.com/403735894. Educators can also arrange for videoconferences with the filmmakers and Jamaica Bay advocates by contacting the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at info@jbrpc.org.

Blue Planet I & Blue Planet II
2001 • 2017 • Documentary • Rated TV-PG

This binge-worthy series, narrated by David Attenborough, documents the beauty and complexities of the expansive marine environment of our planet. Two-thirds of the world’s surface is covered with water, and scientists continue to learn new information about Earth’s marine environment every day. In this series, you’ll travel across the globe to learn about the denizens of the water, from the gigantic blue whale to microscopic coral polyps. We certainly recommend this show if you’re itching for adventure right now! Escape in the breathtaking imagery of our beautiful planet that this documentary provides.

Where to watch: Stream on BBC America.

Green Tips: Sustainable Pet Care

National Pet Day is April 11th, and we’re recognizing the day by rounding up a few ways for you to make your pet care more sustainable. According to the American Pet Products Association, 67% of U.S. households own a pet. Just like humans, animals have needs that can impact the environment.

Packaging

Most products for pets come in plastic packaging, which accounts for nearly half of all plastic-related pollution worldwide. When looking for ways to reduce the ecological impact of our pet care routines, start by choosing products with minimalist, reusable, or recyclable packaging, like those supplied by The Honest Kitchen. Also, to minimize packaging, consider buying food in bulk.

Accessories

Pets often require accessories like leashes, collars, beds, and toys. Some of these products are made from materials that contain harmful chemicals, like BPA or phthalates, which are often used in plastic products. When greening your pet care routine, look for products made from “BPA-free” or “nontoxic” materials. There are plenty of pet brands to choose from that are committed to sustainability. If you want to go even further to reduce your pets ecological footprint, you can always make your own pet toys by upcycling household items! Remember to always check for choking hazards before giving your pet a new toy.

Organic Food

Just as we try to choose healthy and nutritious food for our bodies, we should be mindful of what we feed our pets, too. While it can be more expensive, organic pet food isn’t produced using pesticides, which can pollute our soil and waterways. Chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have also been connected with adverse health outcomes to those exposed. Organic and non-GMO pet food can help keep your pets and our environment healthy.

It’s also important to avoid corn-heavy foods, which can lead to obesity. More than half the dogs and cats in the U.S. suffer from obesity, which can lead to other health issues such as cancer and diabetes. Choosing all-natural and grain-free options for our pets can help them get the nutrition they need without fillers. The healthier that your pet is today, the less vet visits and bills you’ll have down the line!

Compostable Bags & Waste

If you use bags to clean up after you pet, consider compostable ones instead. You may also be able to flush your pet’s waste in water-soluble bags, but first make sure that your sewage system can handle these products. If you have the means, composting pet waste can help reduce the burden and divert waste from septic and wastewater treatment systems. You can do this in your backyard and use the compost to promote healthy soils.

Hygiene Products

Pet hygiene products are no different from ours in that they are often packed with harmful parabens that can affect both humans and animals. When washed down drains, these toxins enter waterways. If you use cat litter for your pet, look for alternatives to clay-based litter. The natural clays found in cat litter are great for absorbing liquid, but the way that they are sourced (through mining) wreak havoc on the environment. Mining causes deforestation, displaces wildlife, and can contaminate groundwater. Fortunately, there are alternatives to clay-based litter. Companies like Yesterday’s News sell litter made from non-toxic recycled newspapers. Other options are listed here.

We encourage pet owners to take stock of the pet products and practices that may be harmful to our environment. Making simple switches can benefit both your pet and the planet!

Green Tips: Calculating Your Carbon Footprint

As climate change continues to become more pronounced, it is increasingly important for the public to cut energy usage and make more environmentally conscious lifestyle decisions. Many facets of our modern lifestyle require energy, and these activities contribute to our collective greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This week, we’re showing you how to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that your activities emit in a year so you can learn where you stand and where there’s room to cut back.

Calculate Your Annual Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is the measurement of fossil fuel-sourced carbon dioxide emissions that one emits through various activities. Many things influence these outputs, including where you live, what you eat, and how you travel. Since people have different lifestyles, carbon footprints vary from person to person.

Alexandra Shimo-Barry’s The Environment Equation shows how to quickly calculate your carbon footprint using the following method:

Multiply your monthly electricity bill by 105
Multiply your monthly gas bill by 105
Multiply your monthly oil bill by 113
Multiply total yearly mileage driven by .79
Multiply the number of flights for the year–4 hours or less–by 1,100
Multiply the number of flights for the year–4 hours or more–by 4,400
If you don’t recycle paper add 184. If yes, add 0.
If you don’t recycle aluminum and tin add 166. If yes, add 0.

Sum numbers 1 through 8 to calculate the pounds of CO2 that you emit in a given year. To calculate your carbon footprint in metric tons, take the previous total and divide it by 2,205. It may be hard to visualize what one metric ton of an invisible gas looks like, so here’s a visual.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls for GHG emissions to be significantly reduced in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Human activity has already contributed to a global temperature increase of 1°C. The IPCC warns that emitting an additional 420 gigatons (420 million metric tons) can warm the planet to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Based on current trends, it’s possible that 420 million metric tons will be emitted by 2046. While large-scale action is required by global leaders to prevent another 0.5°C increase, we can do our part everyday to reduce our carbon footprint.

Carbon Emissions from Your Diet

You may have noticed that your calculated carbon footprint may be less than the average American, which clocks in at 14.95 metric tons. But the method above does not account for the carbon output of what you eat, which can significantly add to your carbon footprint. The IPCC recommends decreasing the consumption of animal products, which contributes more than half of food-related emissions worldwide due to methane gas released by animals and clearing land for pastures. Use this food calculator to calculate your food-related carbon footprint.

Assess your Impact

Calculating your carbon footprint can help you assess which of your lifestyle choices and habits have the biggest climate impact. Once you know where you stand, you can make changes to reduce your emissions. Check out some of our other Green Tips to help get you started:

More Footprint Calculators

Green Tips: Spring Cleaning

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has swept the globe, leaving many people isolated in their homes indefinitely. Spending the whole day without much social interaction or physical activity can become incredibly challenging. Adding to that stress, you might worry that a surface in your home is harboring coronavirus if your space hasn’t been cleaned recently, or even if it feels cluttered. That’s why we’re focusing this week’s Green Tips on freshening up your home to make it a more livable and comfortable space.

Keeping a Clean Home

To first address coronavirus, it is strongly recommended by the Center for Disease Control to not only clean, but also disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in your home, including electronics, countertops, light switches, and door handles. Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, but disinfecting with chemicals after cleaning is the best way to effectively kill germs. The CDC suggests using diluted household bleach solutions, solutions containing at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants for disinfecting. To find out more on what you can do to stay safe and healthy, please go to the CDC’s coronavirus webpage.

Staying Safe

While using bleach and household disinfectants that often contain potentially irritating or harmful chemicals, we recommend wearing protective gloves and avoiding contact with your eyes and skin. You should also use these products in well-ventilated rooms.

Tidying Up

As many of us work from home, now is also a good time to declutter. By weeding out things you don’t need, you can free up space and make your home more comfortable to live in. Here are a few ways to do this:

If you have old t-shirts or other unwearable clothing, consider turning them into cleaning rags. Instead of wasting endless amounts of paper towels, repurpose cloth that you already have, and throw it in the washing machine to reuse it.
For other unwanted items or clothing that you don’t have a use for anymore, try upcycling them. There are tons of ways to turn things you might have thrown away into new items. To get some ideas of things to upcycle, view our tips here.
For items you can’t reuse, do your best to recycle them. There are many ways to donate items, including bringing them to drop-off locations or giving them away to online thrift stores such as ThredUp. Given the widespread order from Governor Cuomo to stay home, you may want to simply make a pile of things to donate later.

On behalf of the NYLCVEF team, we hope you are staying safe and healthy (and washing your hands a lot). Please note that these are not official guidelines for protecting yourself against the COVID-19 virus. Always follow the CDC’s guidelines.

Women’s Voices for the Earth is hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 26 at 2 PM EST to discuss safe cleaning and hygiene in the times of COVID-19; we know many people want to keep their families safe from the virus, but they also want to keep them safe from toxic chemicals.

This webinar is designed to answer questions around disinfectants and sanitizers, discuss safer and effective options, health concerns, the science behind hand-washing & more. The webinar is led by Director of Science and Research, Alexandra Scranton.

Here is a direct link to the webinar registration

Green Tips: Celebrating World Water Day

March 22nd is World Water Day. In 2020, the UN is using the day to highlight water and climate change. In recognition of this global observance, we want to share some ways that you can help conserve and protect our water resources.

Water sustains all life on Earth, yet freshwater is incredibly limited in supply and accessibility in many parts of the world. A staggering 97% of all the water on Earth is salt water, and of the freshwater resources that are not held in glaciers or in the ground, only 1% is readily available for use. As a result, many regions of the world are without reliable access to clean water. In New York, we are lucky to have access to clean water and must conserve this precious resource.

Ways to Conserve

There are numerous ways to conserve water, most of which only require small adjustments to your routine.

Avoid leaving the water running while brushing your teeth.
Try to reduce your time in the shower. Create a shower playlist to keep track of time. Did you know that an average shower of 8 minutes can use over 17 gallons of water?
Invest in a reusable water bottle. To manufacture one plastic water bottle, it takes roughly 1.5 gallons of water—more than what’s typically in the bottle!
Do laundry only when you have a full load.
If you have a dishwasher, only run it when it’s full. If you wash dishes by hand, soap up dirty dishes without running the water and then rinse them all at once.
Fix any water leaks in your home, including leaky toilets, which can waste over 22,000 gallons of water per year. To learn more about how to prevent leaks in and around your home or business, check out the EPA WaterSense website.
Consider the amount of meat you’re consuming. Producing just one pound of meat uses 2,400 gallons of water. To see how much water is needed to produce other food products, check out this resource.
Turn off your sprinkler system when it rains to prevent excessively watering your lawn or garden.

Raise Awareness

Social media is a great tool to help spread information quickly and effectively. The World Water Day website has plenty of resources to help get started.
Talk to your friends and family about why it’s important to conserve water and how many areas around the world lack access to clean water. There are also many links between water and climate change. For example, extreme weather events can increase water scarcity and lead to pollution issues.

Celebrate

Recognize World Water Day with some of these activities:

Challenge yourself to use the least amount of water possible in a day. Evaluate at the end of the day which lifestyle change you can implement and commit to moving forward.
Take a trip to a lake, stream, pond, or shoreline to connect with our water resources!
Explore the amazing properties of water with some fun water-based science experiments!
Donate to an organization that works to solve water-related issues.
Infuse water with fruits and vegetables to distinguish your glass of water on this special day. Kids will love it, too!

Green Tips: Organizing a Zero-Waste Event

Held on March 5, 2020, NYLCVEF’s Westchester Clean Energy Summit was a zero-waste event! We learned a lot from this experience and want to share steps that you can take to make your next party, gathering, or business meeting a zero-waste event.

Events of any scale typically produce a significant amount of waste, including uneaten food and disposable, single-use materials, but most of it can be eliminated with proper planning. This may seem like a tricky task, but with our tips, we hope you will consider taking on the challenge!

Know the Impact

Every day, our garbage, or municipal solid waste (MSW), is transported to landfills across the country. As it sits in landfills, MSW emits dangerous amounts of methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. On average, Americans produce 4.51 pounds of waste every day, and what does not find its way to a landfill contributes to litter pollution and waterway contamination. By hosting a zero-waste event, you can help challenge wasteful habits and introduce peers to a new standard of sustainability.

Event Prep

To host a successful zero-waste event, you will need to plan ahead. Here are some key things to remember when organizing your event:

Send an electronic invitation instead of using paper invitations. Be sure to mention in the invitation that the event is zero-waste.
Coordinate with your venue. Inform them that minimizing waste is a priority. Ask about reusable options.
Food waste contributes to 60% of the total waste generated by events. Minimizing food waste is one of the most important priorities for a zero-waste event.
- Urge guests to register or RSVP as early as possible so that you can plan food for an accurate number of people.
- If hosting a small-scale event, designate a receptacle for food waste. Make sure you have a place to bring the food waste once the event is over.
- If you’re organizing a large event at a venue that does not collect compost, you may need to hire a food waste hauler to pick up the compost.
Make clear signage for all of the bins. Recruit volunteers to instruct guests where to dispose of their food waste or recyclables. This will prevent any bins from being contaminated with the wrong materials.
Plan your menu. You are likely going to do this anyway. Avoid store bought foods with excess packaging.
Ensure you have enough reusable cutlery, cups, and plates, or ask guests to bring their own. If you must use disposable, consider purchasing compostable items.
Use reusable or up-cycled decorations. If purchasing decorations, consider whether you can use them again for events in the future.
Avoid printing paper materials. Consider replacing using a digital platform. It may require asking participants to bring their own devices. If paper materials are necessary, make sure discarded handouts get recycled.

Participation

Take advantage of the opportunity to educate guests during your event. Share the reasons why you are hosting a zero-waste event. You may inspire your guests to do the same. Zero-waste events are a great way to show how being sustainable can be fun and easy. Good luck!

Green Tips: Finding the Right Plants For Your Home

Adding plants to your home can beautify your space, improve indoor air quality, and produce a supply of tasty ingredients. When choosing plants, it’s important to be mindful of their needs, including sunlight, water, temperature, and soil. Make note of the sun exposure, temperature, and moisture levels in the rooms of your home so you know which plants are right for your space. To get you started in the process, we’ve compiled a list of a few common house plants and key things to know about them:

The snake plant is perfect for homes with plenty of sunlight. While this plant prefers lots of sun, it can tolerate limited sunlight exposure during winter months. This plant is relatively low-maintenance as it only needs to be watered once every two weeks. The snake plant is a good choice for those who suffer from airborne allergens because of its ability to absorb volatile organic compounds.
For those who worry about keeping a plant alive and thriving, we suggest the low-maintenance Chinese evergreen. While this kind of plant can tolerate low light, it does require a warmer climate (at least 60°F). The Chinese evergreen varies in appearance, displaying different patterns on its leaves, and may produce small flowers and berries once it reaches maturity. While over-watering is one of the most common reasons plants don’t survive indoors, this plant actually grows well with moist soil. Just make sure to water it less during the winter. The Chinese evergreen is also one of the most effective plants at removing toxins from the air, according to NASA’s Clean Air Study.
The areca palm is another highly effective air purifying plant. This palm can grow to be between six and seven feet tall, and certainly draws attention in a room. The plant can be expensive to buy at full maturity, so it’s best to buy when it’s younger. If you are looking to care for a plant and watch it grow over the long haul, the areca palm may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that it does need plenty of care: watering so that the soil is slightly moist at all times; repotting every two to three years; and ensuring it has enough bright, indirect sunlight.
If you’re looking for a splash of color in your home, we suggest raising orchids. They are quite adaptable and grow well in a climate like New York, which can exhibit frequent air temperature fluctuation. Orchids will thrive in any area of the home with bright, indirect sunlight. We recommend placing orchids in a bathroom with a window because they do well in high-moisture places. Make sure you plant your orchid in a well-draining pot or container.
Plants are valuable beyond just beautifying your space. Consider growing an aloe vera plant for a consistent supply of aloe vera. The gel inside the leaves of an aloe vera plant has multiple benefits, such as soothing the skin (especially after sun exposure) and improving digestive health. This plant is a succulent, which means it can be watered as infrequently as once a month, and should be grown in well-draining soil. The best place to grow an aloe vera plant is in direct sunlight.
Lastly, you may be interested in starting an herb garden. Having fresh herbs within reach while cooking can help spruce up meals and save money! Herbs do well in direct sunlight, are typically small, and can be grown easily on a windowsill. If you are interested in exploring hydroponic gardening, herbs have been known to do well in these systems.

We hope you have fun venturing into the world of house plants!

Green Tips: Going Green in the Workplace

Going green can be done in all areas of life—even the workplace. For most people, one-third of our time is spent at work. In that case, creating eco-friendly habits in the workplace is an important step toward lowering one’s environmental impact. Here are our tips for creating more eco-friendly practices at work:

Paper Use

Offices are hubs for paper use and printing. The average employee working in an office uses 10,000 sheets of paper a year. To decrease the amount of printing, share documents with the people you do work with via email, and if you must print, make it double-sided. Increase the lifespan of that printed paper before sending it to the recycling bin by using it as scrap paper to jot down notes. Ensure your office has a paper recycling bin, and that the paper is getting recycled. If your office is in a shared building, contact your building management for more information about recycling practices.
Not all paper is created equal. Commonly, paper pulp is brightened using chlorine, which creates a waste byproduct called dioxin. Dioxin is a highly toxic chemical that has been shown to cause cancer and reproductive issues. Look for paper that is labeled totally chlorine-free (TCF) or process chlorine-free (PCF), which means the paper mill did not use chlorine in the papermaking process.

Reusable vs. Disposable Containers

Whenever possible, choose reusable options instead of disposable. If your workplace has a kitchen area, invest in silverware, and reusable cups, mugs, plates, bowls, etc. Washing dishes and cutlery is worth reducing the waste generated in your office.
Bringing lunch from home in reusable containers also helps decrease the waste generated from single-use packaging in take-out meals. If purchasing delivery or take-out food, ask the establishment to skip the cutlery and use silverware from your office. Some food establishments have programs in which you can bring your own reusable mug, cup, or container (and may even provide a discount for participating). If you’re not aware of opportunities to reduce single-use products, always ask. Most of the time, businesses are willing to work with you.

Around the Office

Spending one-third of your life at work means there’s less time spent out in nature (at least if you work in an office). Don’t fret: bring nature indoors by adding plants to your office space! A greener work environment can boost creativity by 15%, which is even more reason to add plants to your space.
When office furniture is nearing the end of its life, consider donating it instead of throwing it in the trash.

Unplug

Idle electronics across the country consume the power output of 12 power plants annually. Unplugging your devices before leaving the office will help lower greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production, which accounts for 37% of emissions in the United States. Rather than unplugging multiple wires, plug all your devices into a power strip, and remove the power strip from its energy source before heading out.

Lights

There are many ways to make greener choices in regards to office lighting. If it’s a sunny day, open the blinds and use natural light. Consider installing motion sensor lights that turn on with movement. One simple solution is to install energy-efficient light bulbs such as CFLs or LEDs that use 80% less energy than traditional lighting.

We hope these tips inspire you to bring sustainable practices to your office!

Green Tips: Understanding Environmental Justice

Air and water pollution, and the increasing effects of climate change, plague all parts of the United States, but disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities. Low-income groups and people of color are working and living in the nation’s most polluted environments. These injustices have long been ignored by policymakers, with little action taken to relieve communities of the harmful environmental conditions they are living in. The environmental justice movement, which emerged in the 1980s, has led the fight to increase attention and action to these pressing issues.

In recognition of Black History Month, we’re sharing information to foster understanding of the concepts that undergird the environmental justice movement, as well as the prominent black thought leaders who have led and are leading the movement. Looking at some of these achievements reminds us of the many ways individuals can make positive change and inspire others to do the same.

What is Environmental Justice?

Government documents have proved that minority neighborhoods were exclusively selected as spots for toxic waste and pollution, meaning that discriminatory practices were the reason for public health issues in communities of color across the United States. While siting fossil fuel power plants, heavy manufacturing, and waste facilities in communities of color and low-income communities is still an issue, it is thankfully less common than it used to be. However, the legacy of environmental racism means that these communities still face worse health outcomes than whiter and wealthier communities.

The traditionally white-led environmental movement that started in the 19th century and bloomed in the 1960s was not focused on environmental justice. Through the leadership of many brave men and women on the front lines of these issues, the national environmental movement has finally begun to acknowledge environmental racism and injustice. To understand how the environmental justice movement began, we are highlighting three key visionaries from the field; however, we understand this list is not exhaustive.

Dr. Robert Bullard

Dr. Robert Bullard is known as the father of the environmental justice movement, with his long history of fighting for safe environmental conditions in underserved communities. Bullard worked on the landmark case, Bean v. Southwestern Waste Management Inc. (1979), in which an African American community in Houston rallied against the establishment of a landfill in their neighborhood. Through his research, Bullard discovered that African American neighborhoods in Houston were disproportionately chosen for toxic waste sites. This experience prompted Bullard to begin his activism against environmental racism. He continued to win cases such as Citizens Against Nuclear Trash (CANT) v. Louisiana Energy Services (LES) which resulted in the protection of thousands of Americans. Today, Dr. Bullard has been recognized through numerous awards for his work and leadership.

Rev. Benjamin Chavis

Remembered as one of the first leaders of the environmental justice movement, Rev. Benjamin Chavis helped galvanize communities and spread awareness of discriminatory toxic waste management. Due to his efforts, the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice published a report detailing how race was the principal predictor of hazardous waste site locations. It also found that the decisions for placing these waste facilities in communities of color were intentional acts made through government land-use policies. This study was critical in bringing environmental justice issues to the forefront, and beginning a national movement to address these injustices. Rev. Chavis has continued to advocate for these causes to make sure that everyone can enjoy a safe environment.

Mari Copeny

Mari Copeny is best known in her hometown and across the United States, as “Little Miss Flint”. This title honors her efforts to advocate for and bring nationwide attention to the public health crisis in Flint, Michigan in 2016. At 8 years old, Mari was frustrated with the lack of government action to decontaminate Flint’s water supply and decided to write a letter to President Obama. Not only did the President respond, but he also agreed to visit Flint to understand the extent of the issue and meet Mari himself. That meeting with President Obama was only the beginning of her achievements. Today, at 12 years old, she continues to fundraise and donate resources for those without access to clean drinking water.

What can you do?

Even with the substantial progress that advocacy groups and organizations have made, environmental injustice is still prevalent in the United States today. The first step you can take to help make a change is to learn about the issues from the affected communities themselves. Additionally, by becoming knowledgeable about these important issues, you can help spread awareness to friends and family. Increased awareness and support can help drive the environmental justice movement even further. Finding an environmental justice-focused organization in your region is another great way to get involved with local issues. Try subscribing to a few organizations’ newsletters to receive regular updates. Volunteering your time or making a charitable donation are also meaningful ways to help the environmental justice movement. Lastly, staying up-to-date on key legislation that impacts overburdened communities matters, as you can use your voice to advocate for urgent issues to your elected officials. You can make an impact.

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