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Let's Work to Solve Waste Site Pollution

Many of the issues we draw attention to match the recent legislation proposed by US House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), called the Green New Deal. This legislation, now a movement, seeks to create a better and cleaner world. Whether it’s through emissions reduction, green education, or new job equity, the Green New Deal shares very close connections with the issues faced in Baltimore. One initiative involved would be the creation of reduced/zero waste federal facilities, and this includes municipal waste sites. Similarly, financial immobility of communities around polluted sites prevents anyone from raising land value or removing themselves from the risks of pollution. Getting involved with the Green New Deal is a substantial step in solving the pollution and inequity in Baltimore. The support for the Green New Deal must come from local communities clearly voicing their needs, as well as amplifying the needs of similar communities. Without the grassroots effort, no meaningful or helpful change can come. It may not seem like local action helps the broader issue of waste site pollution, but that is how solutions must grow. The following will give ways that both citizens and community leaders alike can help their cities heal from issues of pollution.

We Have the Power
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As A Community Leader

You have the ability to affect actions directly!

Those who have been entrusted with public policy are in a uniquely influential position to help solve pollution issues. Start by listening to constituents and the overall community. Hear what they need and how they are affected by the waste sites. Then, take action to help amend it. A community leader has 3 major tools to combat environmental injustice: regulatory action, promotion of resources, and better data collection.

As discussed in the section about the history of waste regulation, many different actions have been taken to limit what sites can and cannot put into the surrounding community’s air and soil. This is the most direct solution to stop pollution as fast as possible, but it is also the most potentially aggravating for managers of waste sites. They should be allowed time to adapt to the regulations, given advance notice, and allowed to get the adjustments to their facilities ready. Anything else would cause alienation in the community.

A long term way to help is to allocate resources towards green education. This helps those in the community become well-versed in what a more sustainable waste system looks like. Newly created professionals can work to make the future much brighter and cleaner for everyone.

Finally, it’s important to be able to track the progress of new measures against pollution. Invest in tools that allow experts to test soil quality and measure air particulates. This also extends to healthcare auditing. Better records are needed to assess the ongoing costs related to pollution health outcomes. 

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All of these are an excellent start to ensuring a healthier community and reducing our society’s environmental footprint from waste.

Community Leader
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As A Citizen

Just because you don't make laws, it doesn't mean you can't do anything!

While the average person might not have control over policy directly, they can still affect great change in their communities. First, they can contact their local leaders and petition for better environmental conditions and equity for their area. Policymakers feel it when sizable amounts of their constituency all ask for something in unison. In addition, people can vote for politicians who will advocate for them the best in providing a sustainable future.

Just as the Green New Deal demands the right of equity and collective action, there are many groups that provide support for Green New Deal initiatives. Whether through legal action in unjust circumstances or environmental action funds, individuals can contribute and help make a difference. Some prominent examples are the Environmental Defense Fund, the Climate Justice Alliance, or the Sierra Club Foundation.

We have power as individuals, and we must exercise that power to solve the greatest challenges of environmental issues, of which municipal site pollution is but one piece. Taken all at once, climate change can seem to be an insurmountable problem; When we break it into manageable issues, serious headway can be made on solutions to that problem.

Citizen

Be the Change

And Don't Be Afraid to Get Involved

Only with quick and fair action can these crises be solved. See infographics such as this to help guide you in how you choose to help!

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Be the Change

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