Environmental racism is the practice of
locating toxic operations -- including landfills, incinerators
and chemical power plants -- near politically powerless communities,
typically low income neighborhoods and communities of color.
The Environmental Justice Movement opposes such destructive
practices by multi-national corporations, arguing that the
public has a right-to-know about toxic hazards before they
are exposed to them, and that the chemical industry has an
obligation to prevent chemicals that cause cancer or reproductive
harm from contaminating drinking water.
What you can do:
Write President George Bush and your Congressional representative
to let them know that you want strong civil rights protection
for children and communities on the frontline of toxic pollution.
Challenge the presidential candidates to take a strong
stand for environmental justice, civil rights, and a toxic-free
environment. Demand that we replace toxic industries with
clean production facilities; some are already in operation
in Europe, that minimize pollution and the use of toxic
use of toxic chemicals.
Send letters to your local newspapers highlighting the
issue.
Support the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus
and other organizations that are working to ensure that
the nation's environmental, health, housing, transportation,
and civil rights laws are enforced equally without regard
to race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender,
and familial status.
Become active in your local community, neighborhood association,
civic group, and church.
