Nutramax Laboratories’ Post

Today we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States and I took some time to brush up my knowledge on environmental racism and environmental justice. I really like the way this article goes through the history of the movement: 1. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. coined the term environmental racism. 2. The movement really picked up in 1982 when a small North Carolina community was selected for a new disposal site. Civil rights leaders came from across the nation to attend marches and demonstrations in Afton. 3. Several studies went on to prove that about 3/4 of hazardous waste sites are located in communities of color. 4. Robert Bullard, "the father of environmental justice", was key to identifying evidence, patterns, and expanding our understanding of environmental racism. 5. Despite everything we know now, it's still happening TODAY. The article details several modern examples including: Flint and Benton Harbor, General Iron in Chicago, Dakota Access Pipeline, Louisiana's Cancer Alley... it's scary how many of these examples are fossil fuel related... 6. This is a GLOBAL issue and one that hasn't been addressed globally until recently. 7. There is a clear connection between the climate crisis and systemic racism. 8. Things are being done about it: Global Loss and Damage Fund, Justice40 Initiative, Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, IIJA, and IRA. 9. There's so much more that we must still do. Start by doing research about the environmental hazards in your community/city and SPEAK UP. 10. As architects, engineers, planners, contractors, developers, etc. we all have a role to play. Let's not just build things because that's how it's "always been done", let's be intentional about designing the cities of the future. https://lnkd.in/g97FjSiQ.

The Great British Spring Clean, organized by Keep Britain Tidy, invites #LitterHeroes nationwide to join in enhancing their local environments between the 15th - 31st March. This initiative focuses on rallying community members to gather and responsibly dispose of litter in streets, parks, and beaches, with an emphasis on recycling wherever feasible. Those committed to our Code of Considerate Practice already agree to make sure that their projects and the areas surrounding them are clean and tidy. Why not expanding your commitment this Spring and join in with this initiative? For more information and to participate: https://lnkd.in/d9XrgBZ For more information on our Code: https://lnkd.in/e_5sP4Ry #consideration #environment #keepbritaintidy #environmentalimpact #ukconstruction #constructionindustry

In this issue of the Hastings City Update, read about new trail reconstructions, recycling events, City employment and volunteer opportunities, events and more. https://conta.cc/47yQqKz

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗕𝗤? 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 #𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿. Make sure fire ashes from BBQ's are completely cool before putting them in your rubbish – allowing at least 48 hours after the fire has gone out and raking them through to check first. Alternatively, you can put them on your garden as fertiliser. This summer, Environmental Services Association puts a spotlight on fire risks. After all, preventing recycling and waste fires is a responsibility we all share. If you’re not sure what to do with something, check with your local authority first or take it to your nearest civic amenity site. More about Renewi: https://bit.ly/renewiuk #safetyfirst #recycling #circulareconomy #fireprevention

Over the Christmas holiday, 2022, I watched #Descendant on #Netflix. One of the many topics brought out of the discovery and release of #Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo, by #ZoraNealHurston, the #Clotilda and this population of direct descendants of the last group of slaves snuck into the United States directly from the African continent, is the long history of industrial pollution in #Africatown - just outside of Mobile, AL. I came obsessed with learning as much as I could about this community and realize they are doing some #Mobilization work around this issue. It is almost a straight shot from Hillcrest High School, in Tuscaloosa, AL, where about 300 students walked out to protest alleged racism from administrators, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, to the Montgomery Riverfront, where the large brawl broke out after a group of white boaters attacked a black dock worker was trying to get them to move their pontoon so a city riverboat could dock on August 5, 2023. Africatown is about 2 hours more, headed Southwest. "Africatown has struggled with environmental racism for most of its existence. For decades, industry expanded along its waterfront periphery, surrounding the central residential neighborhood. By the mid-twentieth century, the local environment was already heavily polluted by industrial manufacturers and chemical refineries. What this meant for the adjacent historic Black community was seemingly not considered. In 1960, Africatown residents voted for annexation into Mobile, motivated, in part, by the opportunity to connect to the municipal water system instead of drawing from contaminated wells. But annexation brought further environmental challenges, as the city zoned even more of the community’s land for industrial use. Rezoning also led to the construction of aboveground petrochemical storage tank farms." https://lnkd.in/g6Qyhmxa #UntilJusticeJustIs #StandAgainstRacism #WeveseenthisBefore #knowyourhistory #ImproveYourPresent #ChangeYourFuture #herewegoagain #LegalDefenseFund #eightyeightseconds

Of all the industries created in the name of "sustainability" the side show of shock-activism-without-purpose is the most dangerously counter-productive - literally providing critics with a better counter narrative than they can muster on their own. Worse than pointless vandalism, this undermines the seriousness of the issues and of those working to address them. JOIN THE DISCUSSION BELOW. I SEEM TO HAVE HIT A NERVE.

Strengthening environmental initiatives and reforestation efforts in our country is part of our social responsibility. Learn more at: https://wmc-us.com/ #WMC #SocialResponsibility #Sustainability

Some ways to help with climate change and unite a community is composting. GrowNYC compost program, in collaboration with the NYC Sanitation Department, is facing budget cuts as of courtesy of Mayor Adams. Which will take effect in the new year. This decision jeopardizes our environment and community well-being. Grow NYC is collecting signatures to petition Mayor Adams to reconsider and save the compost program. 📝 Composting isn't just waste reduction; it's a powerful tool against climate change. By composting, we reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enrich our soil. Community compost sites foster environmental stewardship and bring neighbors together for a common cause. The consequences of cutting the compost program are dentrimental which includes Increased landfill waste, higher carbon footprints, and a missed opportunity for community bonding.

Scale this up and a difference can be made. However, countries on the borders of the Pacific need to do a hell of a lot more to stop waste getting swept out to sea via better disposing and recycling schemes. We need to live in balance with our environment https://lnkd.in/e73Zgr-g

🌊 Water is life's most essential unit, intertwining with everything—our ecosystems, livelihoods, and well-being. Yet, water security remains a global challenge, with many communities facing scarcity, contamination, or political inaction. Amidst this, civic engagement stands as a formidable bridge between collective struggles and sustainable solutions. 📣 This post is a rallying call to all environmental activists, community leaders, and policymakers, to harness the power of civic engagement in safeguarding our most precious resource—water. Here, we will break down the importance of active involvement, the tools and strategies for effective engagement, and the rewarding impact it yields. #watersecurity #civicengagement #environmentalactivism #communityleaders #policymakers https://lnkd.in/gyd5u-d3