Ep. 13: The Environment Won’t Save Itself

Our EQ: How is the fight for environmental justice influenced by race and class?

Guests: Krystal Kyer & Melissa Malott

Environmental advocates Krystal (Puyallup Watershed Initiative) and Melissa (Citizens for a Healthy Bay) come by to talk about environmental justice, the disproportionate effects of industrial pollution on poor communities, and the environmental organizations working to keep Tacoma healthy. Other topics include:

  • The history of the environmental movement, including the creation of the National Parks by the white leisure class
  • The gatekeeping of the environmental movement by electric-car driving NIMBYs and how to take it back
  • The importance of urban trees!
  • Concerns about the Trump administration’s unwillingness and/or inability to understand science.
  • Find an environmental topic that you’re passionate about and work on it!  You’ll only stick with it if you’re heart’s in it.
  • Other things referenced in the episode:

** Since this recording, Kenny Coble was hired by Citizens for a Healthy Bay's new Environmental Justice Program

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Krystal: See Hope’s note about Green Drinks Tacoma!
  • Melissa: Buy reused and reusable stuff - don’t buy new stuff! We send so much to landfills and you shouldn’t need to wear fancy organic pants to be an environmentalist.
  • Annie: The EPA’s “Environmental Justice." PLUS Google “Zero Waste.”
  • Hope: Check out Green Drinks Tacoma - the first Thursday of the month.