Grist on Poverty and the Environment
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.14.06
As we discussed in our post about the Observer's Ethics awards, there is more to being green than just using less gas- there are all kinds of aspects to it. A social conscience is one of those, and we see it clearly at Grist with their seven week series on Poverty and the Environment.
"...It's true that the confluence of economic and environmental injustice can be particularly extensive and devastating in poor nations. But it is also true -- and far less remarked-upon -- that poverty and environmental degradation go hand and hand in the United States as well. The lower your income in this country, the higher the likelihood that you will be exposed to toxics at home and on the job. The greater the risk that you will suffer from diseases -- ranging from asthma to cancer -- caused or exacerbated by environmental factors. The harder it will be for you to find and afford healthy food to put on your table. The less likely you are to live in a community that provides safe outdoor spaces for you and your family to enjoy."
We look forward to reading every article. Congratulations, ::Grist
Thanks for the post Lloyd! I just wanted to let all you Treehuggers know that you can join the discussion -- and start your own! -- over at Gristmill. This is the first time Gristmill users can create their own posts and we hope you all share your thoughts. See you over at Gristmill!
The Grist people might think of it as a paradox but it makes perfect sense to me that the poor who are most affected by environmental problems do not see themselves as included in environmental causes. This is because they cannot afford to make the choices that are pushed by environmentalists. They have to take what they can get. Not only can beggers not be choosers, they can't afford to be protesters either. They simply cannot choose to buy organic food even if it is offered locally. They cannot afford to "choose" a $110 canvass backpack without making the family go without food for a week or two.
Yes, environmentalists who who have somehow made a job out of being greenies do tend to be a bit self-obsessed thinking that everyone has the same power of choice that they have. They say "we" and include people who are not part of that "we". Not everyone in a western-style culture is rich or has the power to choose or protest. It's so naive and self-centred that of course the underclass that the right-wing has been working hard to create resent the bloody greenies and do not want to be part of it! The "Think globally, act locally" campaign" is just self indulgent guilt-tripping for the middle classes.