While we are coming up on our 51st Earth Day, it is important to recognize not only environmental impacts but the inequalities that disproportionately impact human beings.
Although Earth Day is typically seen as one day out of the year to celebrate the life and biodiversity of our planet, humans are typically overlooked. This Earth Day, we dive deeper into what this day truly means for human beings around the world.
Air Pollution
Air pollution can oftentimes be forgotten about, as it is not physically seen as easily as other pollution like trash. The issue of air pollution across the world is not evenly distributed. According to the American Lung Association, poorer countries, cities, and neighborhoods, certain racial and ethnic groups, and those who are in a lower socioeconomic position are more prone to air pollution. It is important to note that all of these groups share the following: oppression, discrimination, and inequity.
So what is being done? The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a framework for action that take an intersectional approach to sustainability, placing importance on both people and planet. Both SDG 3 and SDG 11 aim to reduce air pollution effects by 2030. The goal of SDG 3 is a substantial reduction in deaths and illnesses from air pollution, while SDG 11 calls for a reduction in the environmental impact of cities by improving air quality. A super easy way for you to reduce the amount of air pollution emitted is by riding your bike, taking the bus, or walking to work and school.
Water Pollution
Although World Water Day was on March 22, it is still important to discuss the inequalities in access to clean water across the globe. By 2030, the UN hopes to have access to water and sanitation for all (SDG 6). With this goal just nine years away, we take a look into what can be done to reach it in time. On the individual level, more people are leaning towards using reusable goods such as water bottles, bags, and utensils to reduce the amount of plastic entering landfills and waterways. As we start to move up from the individual scale, it is clear that many big companies are unwilling to make a change, so long as they are making a profit.
Something you can do to curb water pollution is saying no to single-use plastics or cleaning up the beach with your friends! Another great way to reduce water pollution is to use less salt on your driveway and sidewalks in the winter to avoid high levels of salts entering Lake Superior.
Land Pollution
Typically, land pollution is what comes to mind when we think of pollution. People host Earth Day Cleanups to pick up trash left in ditches, in parks, and on trails. This type of pollution contaminates stormwater drains (leading to Lake Superior), tourism (a main source of income for Duluth), and wildlife/plants. Landfills emit both methane and carbon dioxide, which are not safe to live near. Yet many people have no other option. Living near dump sites provides a much cheaper option to other real estate options due to the many health risks posed (methane gas buildup, toxins in the air, possibility of contaminated food and water). 56% of the people living near and next to these sites are people of color and have seen a whopping 95% of their claims denied by the EPA. Many of the SDG goals coincide with the issue of land pollution by fixing other issues first. For example, SDG 2 has a goal of ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture; if pollution contaminates the soil this is not possible.
To make a difference, try to contribute less waste to landfills and pick up trash when you’re outside! Another easy way to reduce your amount of land pollution is to focus on reducing the amount of things you consume - this means less impulse buys and only purchasing what you need.
Privilege
What many people don’t realize is that the “privilege” of having access to clean water, breathing clean air, and having a less-polluted area really shouldn’t be a privilege at all - it should be a right. Areas with higher rates of poverty are proven to experience higher rates of pollution as well. People of color make up the majority of residents living near landfills as well as experiencing higher levels of air pollution.
So, what can we do? The easiest way to make a difference is to speak up. Whether this means telling your friends and family about the issues going on, meeting with local government officials to discuss options for change, or emailing large corporations about problems you have with the way they do things; every word matters. This Earth Day, you help our environment and community by cleaning up trash and you can also help by raising awareness as well. By talking to local government officials, community members, and friends and family, more people will become aware of the current issues and there is a higher likelihood of change being made.
The Bigger Picture
It is important to remember that while individual efforts create a big impact and snowball effect, large corporations are to blame for the majority of pollution in the world. By starting small with simple actions, such as talking to local government officials, more people in “change-making” positions will become aware of the damage being done to our environment and to our people. If you see something you don’t like with a product or business, reach out and voice your concern. A simple phone call or email to the right person can go a long way.
Sources:
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/who-is-at-risk/disparities
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/race-best-predicts-whether-you-live-near-pollution/