Since the beginning of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the word “Environmental Racism” has been floating around. The term was first coined in 1982 by Benjamin Chavis, a civil rights leader who assisted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Warren County in North Carolina at one point was essentially used as a trash can for PCB waste, thus the birth of word. By definition, Environmental racism is “the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color. ” It can be done through radical policy. Governmental methods such as redlining and color blind adaptation planning, lead to a lack of political representation/support for communities.

Specific cases

New Orleans, Louisiana: A majority of black Americans living in New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina resided in lower-lying areas that were vulnerable to flooding, due to the racial segregation of neighborhoods. Evacuation strategies during hurricane Katrina favored  those who owned cars, however a large portion(100,000) of minorities living in New Orleans relied on public transit. This outcome lead to several of the deaths at the time.

Wilmington, North Carolina: NC is home of several coal ash pits that carry up to 111 million tons of waste generated by coal plants. Large lagoons that are filled swine and poultry are located in beach front districts that are predominantly African-American. One case study concluded that these “hog farm” dump areas were effecting the livelihood of individuals drastically. 

Hog farm in North Carolina

South Lawndale, Chicago:  Coal plants create similar problems in Chicago according to a report. 

Latino communities like South Lawndale( Little Village) primarily have working-class citizens. The need for environmental protection is dire. The threat of gentrification is a huge concern for Little Village members, as activist and citizens continue to fight for security.

Native American reservations: The Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act of 1830 are the earliest acts of marginalization on an environmental level. During the 1850’s, a large sum of tribes were forced to move west were the land was essentially useless for its dryness and remoteness. More recently, activist are fighting against the Nebraska Access Pipeline. The pipeline remains controversial because it interferes with a section of the Missouri river, a water source for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Activism against Environmental Racism

In the past, civil rights groups orchestrated rallies in order to bring attention to environmental injustice in black and brown communities. Young Lords Organization, a Puerto Rican revolutionary nationalist organization, fought against toxic and pollution disposal with their Garbage Offensive Program. It advocated for searching for more open space for waste, cleaner food options, including programs that helped those with environmental related diseases like  tuberculosis. Furthermore, other activism cases included people like Ceasar Chavez pushed for for secure health insurance for people living San Joaquin Valley in California. Many people in the area were affected by pesticides.

It’s healthy we address these issues pertaining to Environmental racism because it can often get lost in the discussion. Many POC communities are at a disadvantage economically, however attention towards their environmental needs is just as important.

 

 

 

 

  There are multiple renewable resources that exist today.  Hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, and alcohol just to name a few. However, biomass energy is an alternative fuel that is said to be sustainable and reliable. What makes biomass so interesting is its source because it has more than just one much like solar. It’s inevitable for there to be some issue with any renewable resources, but for biomass, there is likely more ways to work around them. Biomass is vague, so that can be wood, animal manure, trash, the list goes on. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mapped out the plan for our energy consumption by 2022. The goal was set to produce 36 billion gallons of biofuels a year by 2022. If this is done right, biofuels will be found in many gas stations across the country in 10 to 15 years.  

The Processes of Biofuel 

        To understand biomass, it’s important to recognize what is done in order to make new energy.  To begin the process, transesterification must occur. This is done by adding methanol to the vegetable oil for example. Alkaline acts like a catalyst to make a chemical reaction between the oil and the methanol. Either Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium Hydroxide can be used.  Digesters can also be used with human or animal waste. The material enters a large compartment and is then converted into organic waste through anaerobic digestion. This process is done for days, kitchen waste, manure, all are used to create energy for cooking and everyday needs.     

Statistics 

       As of today in the United States, 5% of total primary energy use is of biomass. Now a large portion of this comes from wood(45%) and wood-derived biomass, and about 11% was from municipal waste. This high use of waste material lets the world have more space, which helps out for many. With the expansion of digesters,  Anaerobic digestion generation increased by 19 percent, reaching 2.5. The rate at which biomass technology is moving is proactive, in fact, The largest biomass power station in the world in Finland produces a maximum of 265 MW of power. For consumption, the industrial use racks up to 51.33%, transportation 26.1%, residential 9. 75% and electricity 10.07%.  

    Biomasses is a renewable source to considerate based on an agricultural and economic point of view. The expansion of fossil fuel will speed up the Greenhouse effect story, and the health of the earth is at stake.  Small and practical steps must be taken in order to restore the attitudes about where we get our energy and how it is used.  

 

Edited: Tyler Brown

While advocating for sustainability, it’s important to note that what we eat and where we do plays a huge role. Some, but not all, food supply methods use a lot of carbon emissions. It can be challenging to find a place with local food that is healthy. But just your luck because Texas has sustainable and delicious locations.

 

1. Hillside Farmacy

First on our list is a well-established restaurant with loads of history. Hillside Farmacy is one of the most sustainable locations in Austin, TX. Chef’s prepare all course from material from Durham Ranch, Springdale Farms, and Rinnger Family Farms. The french-style interior sets the mood for Sunday brunch.

 

2. bellagreen

Since 2008, bellagreen has been offering gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian to the people of Houston. They make sure they cover, water conservation, affordable prices , and alternative energy. bellagreen cares about making the future green and your tummy satisfied.

3. The Cove

Located in San Antonio, TX, The Cove is one of the best local spots in town. The Cove makes sure that the community they serve remains healthy by offering fish tacos, grilled chicken sandwiches, etc. They all have over 60 Texas-brewed beers on tap in their Texas Beer Garden. Be sure to make a stop at The Cove next time your in SA.

4. Odd Duck

Odd Duck take pride in recognizing their amazing farmers that supply them fresh organic ingredients for gaming-changing dishes.  The establishment offers a fine selection of drinks through craft cocktails to beers, including wine. Fast service with fantastic food, Odd Duck is a hard miss. The menu even caters to Texas seasons, making the experience even more homey.