The State of Environmental Justice in WA
2009-2010
Research-Based Magazine by OAG
Download the Magazine Here
The Unequal Streets
April 2010
Opinion-Editorial by Nam Nguyen
Download the Full Article Here
2009-2010
Research-Based Magazine by OAG
Download the Magazine Here
Environmental Justice (EJ) regards the distribution of environmental problems in our communities with special attention paid to the role of race and class. For all the progress of industry, we have created pollution in our air, water, and soil, and this pollution is not spread fairly. In EJ the “environment” is defined as the place you live, work, play and pray. Everyone has a right to a healthy environment. Those who have historically been targets of racism are frequently victims of environmental injustice, and for this reason, EJ is often referred to as environmental racism. Poor communities in WA State are consistently subject to more pollution then wealthier citizens. Seattle’s history, like America’s, has been influenced by racism. Although reports of cooperation between settlers and Native Americans can be found early on, eventually natives were driven off their lands that historically provided them with subsistence. Natives continue to be marginalized today, and play a part of many of the issues we highlight in this magazine. Seattle also upheld zoning laws that required property to be sold and distributed on the basis of race until the 1970s, limiting nonwhites to particular parts of the city. Today, Natives, Blacks, and Latin Americans have the greatest percentage of poor individuals within their demographic (20,19, and 18% respectively). In Washington State as a whole, nonwhites and low-income persons live in the most polluted environments as well. Nonwhites are 33% of the population, yet live with 36% of polluting facilities. 39% are low‐income, and are living with 47% of the total facilities. Conversely, medium‐to‐high‐income whites make up 49% of the population yet only have to live with 41% of the toxic facilities. Six of Washington’s 8 biggest counties follow this same, unjust trend. As OAG explored the history of the Environmental Justice close to home, we found a vibrant movement of dedicated organizations across WA State fighting for environmental justice in their communities. This magazine highlights a few of these organizations, introduces the communities and offers ways to get involved.
The Unequal Streets
April 2010
Opinion-Editorial by Nam Nguyen
Download the Full Article Here
...Every so often, but perhaps more minutely than we perceive, we are reminded of the state of homelessness in our communities. We may walk down the street and encounter a few people asking for money, we may watch the news and hear the latest string of violence erupt against the homeless, we may have driven by homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or free clinics, and see the lines stretch around blocks with countless individuals patiently waiting for someone to care, and yet, even though we are apparently surrounded by it, many perceive homelessness as a choice; to live on the street, to live against the status quo. For some individuals, this is most certainly the case. I have talked to, interviewed, and questioned homeless individuals who, ‘wanted to take control of their own life for once,’ or ‘live free of commitment and expectations,’ or even those who thought living on the street would be ‘fun.’ However, these individuals are few and only represent a minority of the homeless. For most, homelessness was not a choice, and their story is what I have to share."...
The Youth Talks
In our tech-savvy city, it’s easy to forget that access to broadband technology isn’t ubiquitous, and that not all young people are growing up with the luxury of playing around on the internet. In a 2009 report by the City of Seattle, income and education were noted as the strongest predictors of access to technology in the home. Ethnicity followed closely behind. Learn how Seattle's youth can earn a laptop and a $500 stipend for helping to bridge the digital divide.
Urban farms have the potential to combat an array of social injustices: chronic hunger, health disparities, symptoms of income inequality, and so on. Seattle beauraucrats dedicated 2010 as a "year of urban agriculture", and now has chance to prove that they are serious about it. The abandoned Atlantic City Nursery in Rainier Beach is being staged as a 10-acre urban farm. You(th) can learn more and support the project by reading Michelle's article.
Most young folks of our American generation must start their careers amidst the fallout of the Great Recession. Others continue to pursue their education, delaying the inevitable yet unclear obligation to become a productive member of our economy, our society. How will you(th) face these challenges? Scott Davis reflects on a recent NYT article (American Dream Elusive for the New Generation, July 6), and begs some questions about the strength of our convictions within a downtrodden economy.
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