The third "E" of Sustainability: Environmental Justice

Of the three "E's" of sustainability (which address economics, the environment, and social equity), environmental justice is oftentimes underrepresented, both in discussion as well as in policy implementation. When considering sustainability initiatives, the economic and environmental pros and cons are usually laid out on the table, and sustainability is often viewed as a give and take process that strives to find a balance between the two, but the third "E" is often ignored entirely. This may be in part due to the wide range of social issues that social equity encompasses. As Robin Morris Collin, Professor of Law at Willamette University succinctly explains, "Environmental justice is an American-based movement challenging disparities in risk-exposure and access to benefits. Environmental justice and sustainability reflect a deep division along race and class lines."

Although we would like to think that in 2011, the U.S. has achieved social equity and is a land of equal opportunity for all people without regard to the color of people's skin, socio-economic background, or other characteristics, the truth is that not all communities in the U.S. are equal when it comes to "protection of environmental, health, employment, housing transportation, and civil rights laws" (Bullard). Many communities face environmental discrimination, such as when "NIMBYism" allows wealthier communities or communities with more political sway to force environmental health risks from industry or waste disposal into communities that are less wealthy and/or have less lobbying power.

Environmental injustices can be seen in communities around the country, such as in North Carolina, where a 2006 study done by the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of NC-Chapel Hill, showed that the odds of a landfill being placed near a community were as follows:

• 2.1 times higher in communities with more than 10% people of color compared to communities with less than 10% people of color; and

 

• 1.4 times higher in communities with average house values less than $100,000 compared to areas with average values $100,000 and greater.

 Another version of environmental injustice is evidenced in Appalachian communities where mountain top removal is performed by outside companies, despite public outrage and the high risks the industry presents to human and environmental health. As Bullard explains, "In Appalachia... (the people) are basically dumped on because of lack of economic and political clout and lack of having a voice to say "no" and that's environmental injustice."