Environmental Injustice: Who, What, Where?

http://www.ejnet.org/ej/bullard.html

The topic of environmentalism and “going green” is a highly controversial (and trendy) subject in today’s world. I myself have always been somewhat of an amateur tree-hugger— always recycling, never littering, and trying my best never to waste paper. But these aspects of environmental protection fall under a broader and more relevant category: environmental justice.

In the article, “Environmental Justice: an Interview with Robert Bullard,” environmental justice is explained in simple terms. It seems silly to think of the environment, something which is so enveloping and prevalent in our everyday lives, as being unjust. However, our modern technologies and lifestyle have driven us away from the respect and concern our ancestors had for the earth. Reading what Bullard has to say about the causes of environmental injustice, such as placement of landfills and chemical plants, intrigues me because of his attention to both sides of the story. He addresses the most commonly presented injustice (environmental racism) with great insight, saying that racism isn’t the only factor in most of these cases, if it is a factor at all. I personally agree with Bullard on this topic, because I believe the issue has strayed from racism and become a case of classism. In many communities, the two go hand in hand. This interview causes me to reflect on what other situations in our everyday lives are examples of environmental injustice. This interview was conducted in 1999, and although many of the issues are still prevalent today, so many more have arisen.

I especially appreciate Bullard’s attention to the other aspects of environmental injustice, because if the placement of landfills is the only facet we focus on, so many stones will be left unturned. Why, then, is so much emphasis placed on the racial aspect of environmental injustice, when reservations, filthy urban playgrounds and contaminated lakes and streams affect all citizens? Where are our lawmakers during all of this? Is there anything the government can do that would be better for the environment without stunting urban progress?