Like many others, when you hear the call to ‘go green’ you probably agree that it’s important, but that may be about as far as it goes. Concern about depleting the earth’s resources isn’t a Black or a White thing, it’s a human thing, but sadly, Black communities are often left out of the conversation.
Historically, urban Black communities have long been victims of environmental injustice. Recent data from the University of Minnesota shows that, although people of color contribute the least to smog and air pollution, we breathe the most of it, putting our health dangerously at risk.
Today, there are few things more important to the well-being and longevity of Black communities than protecting the earth. Black participation in going green could also get more people involved with the social justice movement and perhaps help stop future violations.
What Is Going Green All About Anyway?
The topic of going green instantly conjures the tragic images we’ve seen on TV of melting glaciers, devastated forests, and the disappearance of the world’s most majestic animals. However, rapidly rising sea levels, harmful chemicals, and pollutants are quickly degrading the ozone layer and have been discovered to contribute to more superstorms, hurricanes, and unheard-of weather patterns all around the globe.
It can be overwhelming to begin trying to figure out what you can do about these issues, but the impact of human indifference will only continue to worsen the situation. Simply put, going green means taking personal steps to reduce the harm that you are doing to the environment.
How To Take Small Steps To Greener Living
Amazingly enough, thanks to your budget-conscious parents, you may already be doing a few green things such as turning off lights when you are not using them. Stop buying one-use plastic items that only contribute junk to the growing landfill. Ditch plastic bags and replace them with reusable totes. Turn off lights, fix leaky faucets and use ceiling fans.
Unplug electronic devices that are not in use. Shorten showers to conserve water. When batteries run out, replace them with rechargeable batteries that can be re-used. Recycling is an excellent way to do your part to encourage re-usable resources.
Instead of plastic, paper, aluminum, and glass ending up in a landfill, it can be repurposed and used again. Did you know that when you use products containing harmful chemicals, those chemicals get washed down the drain and end up back in our water sources?
Try replacing your cleaning products with products that are labeled “organic” or “chemical-free”. Shopping at Farmer’s Markets conserves fuel, reduces pollution and helps bolster the local economy. Use e-tickets instead of printing them out. Read news and magazines online only. Pay bills online. When possible, get your receipts online. Make paper-saving your new superpower.
You Have The Power To Make A Difference In The Black Community!
Although embracing a greener lifestyle is about helping to preserve our planet, it can also mean improving your health, saving more money, and, ultimately improving your overall quality of life. Making even the smallest changes can have an impact on you and the future generations of your family as well as the community you love. Going Green is definitely a Black thing.
Deborah Easton is a Veteran Wordsmith & Creative in the Advertising /Marketing Industry, Journalist, Published Author of 3 Children’s Books, Women’s Therapy Advocate, Fitness Enthusiast, and Proud Voter. Tweet her at Deborah Easton @ Rah East on Twitter.
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