Happy Earth Day! I've seen a lot of great blogs and news articles today about people committing to make small (or large) changes in their lives to help the planet. Awesome.

I heard about another side of the green conversation today and wanted to see what y'all thought about it. On the Bay Area NPR show "Perspectives," Youth Radio's Ahmina James talks about how the environmental movement has been predominantly a white cause and how she would like more people of color to be involved.
(The audio isn't up quite yet, but it should be within the day: http://www.kqed.org/radio/programs/perspectives/)

Is the environment a "white affair"? Why? How can we make it a more relevant issue for all people?

quote:

white cause and how she would like more people of color to be involved.

I would like that, too. It would help if EVERYONE dedicated themselves to it- it doesn't seem like minorities are concerned in the least. Then again, most white people aren't really, either.

oh and I also think that it SHOULD be everyones concern! The environmental justice movement is led by some amazing folks of color, and native Americans have long been engaged in saving and conserving precious land and resources. Maybe it's just we don't give those groups enough media coverage. Another thought to ponder.

I think that the green movement has certainly been dominated by white folks since its inception. I think it's changing, however. First and foremost, it's more a class issue, which also shows inequalities with different races in America- people that are more well off tend to focus on ways they can cut their carbon, save water, recycle not out of necessity, but out of their own 'green conscious.' I think the green movement comes with privilege because it's less about where my next meal is coming from and more about how do i conserve more? Hm it's a tough one, but now the new focus on green jobs and the idea that we need a new working sector and middle class jobs for those in low income communities, I think the color will begin to change. What do ya'll think?