Intersectional Environmentalism (Hacks and Resources)

Despite sustainability being second nature in Black and Brown homes, often unknowingly, the sustainability community is often dominated by white people making it difficult for BIPOC to feel included in the conversation. Additionally, "cruelty-free" options can be tone deaf and completely disregard environmental racism. Major distributors like Amazon are exploitative, therefore, not everyone is comfortable supporting unethical companies that are often included in posts about zero waste options.

Before we begin, there is a key term to be familiar with in order to better comprehend this conversation. Environmental racism "refers to the way that waste, pollution, and the climate crisis disproportionately impact Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color." (Cove)

The discussion of sustainability hacks cannot progressively happen without intersectionality. There are numerous factors to take into consideration when making eco-conscious decisions and suggestions including social economic status and forms of systemic oppression such as redlining.

For those unfamiliar with redlining, Investopedia defines it as "an unethical practice that puts services (financial and otherwise) out of reach for residents of certain areas based on race or ethnicity. It can be seen in the systematic denial of mortgages, insurance, loans, and other financial services based on location (and that area’s default history) rather than an individual’s qualifications and creditworthiness."

This can impact families in many ways including leading families to not having a backyard for activities such as gardening.

Furthermore, BIPOC are disproportionately affected by food deserts which leads people to purchase less environmentally friendly, more packaged and processed options. Intersectionality means centralizing accommodations for those in a variety of circumstances while including them in the conversation and considering what resources you have the privilege of accessing.

This is a self reflection check point. As you read the following statistics, consider how your identity can play a role in accessibility and opportunity as well as health and wellness.

70% of the contaminated waste sites in the United States are near low income areas. (via United States Environmental Protection Agency)

40% of those living critically close to hazardous chemical facilities are Black or Latino. (Cove)

Black people are exposed to 50% percent more air pollution than white people. (Cove)

Communities with more people of color are 40% more likely to have unlawfully unsafe drinking water. (Cove)

Here are common practices from marginalized communities to remain aware of:

An abundance of Indigenous creators and educators have been vocal about the prioritization of eco-consciousness in their traditional practices (e.g. avoiding exploitation by valuing the wellbeing of the land and its inhabitants and taking only what is needed.)

In Black and Brown households, repurposing old clothing and containers is often second nature. This also can be seen by using leftovers creatively in recipes.

How can you help? What are intersectional sustainability hacks?

1. Support BIPOC sustainable brands.

Bath and Beauty

• Butter and Lye - A Black owned eco-friendly company based in Brooklyn, New York that delivers high-quality natural soap while ensuring environmentally friendly business practices.
• Mother Earth Essentials - A Canadian indigenous-owned company, Mother Earth Essentials creates luxurious bath & beauty products from natural ingredients and traditional recipes.

Home

• Bespoke Binny - A Black owned home and life shop. "I created Bespoke Binny because I truly believe ‘home is where the heart is’ and having a home that is a reflection of you is essential to your well being."
• Yowie - A Black owned home and life shop focused on curating small collections from friends, independent artists, and designers.

Plants

• PepperPalm - A Black owned artist skilled in sculpture and ceramics. "My main focus is to create unique designs for pottery and plant displays. I work a lot with recycled materials like wooden logs, mannequin parts, clay, and flowers."
• The Zen Succulent - A Black owned modern terrarium and plant craft business based in beautiful Durham, North Carolina.

Spirituality

• Majestic Intentions - Majestic Intentions Sacred Instruments Shop is a Black-owned resource for crystals, Chakra healing, spirituality needs, and more.
• Stardust and Sage Botánica - A Black owned metaphysical store carrying items including candles, crystals, and cleansing starter kits.

2. Decolonize your social media feed and actively work to diversify it.

• Climate in Colour
• Green Girl Leah
• Future Earth
• Intersectional Environmentalist
• Kimmie Torgerson

3. Do not expect BIPOC creators to educate you especially for free.

Many of us have already created resources including reading material you can purchase. This directly supports our livelihoods while encouraging those outside of our communities to listen and value our stories.

Sources:

• Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty: 1987-2007
• Who's In Danger? Race, Poverty, and Chemical Disasters
• Disparities in Distribution of Particulate Matter Emission Sources by Race and Poverty Status
• NRDC