ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Environmental Justice is one of the five focus areas of our Missions & Social Justice Committee. 

Previously named 'Climate Care,' we made a conscious decision to rename this social justice focus area 'Environmental Justice' because it is not just about caring for the Earth, but about seeking justice for the environment that sustains us and allows us to thrive.

Environmental Justice is a newer area within our Missions & Social Justice services. So far, we have purchased a compost bin for the Children's Center to promote recycling and composting and built gardening beds at both the PHUMC and Montclair campuses. They have the capability of growing quite a few vegetables at both spaces and sharing them with communities in need.

Creation Care Conversation

One of our new social justice areas of focus this year is Creation Care. We believe that God calls and expects us to be caretakers of all of creation; to be good stewards of the earth and beyond. 


On Sunday, May 2nd at 11:30a.m., Managing Attorney of Earthjustice, Heidi McIntosh, joined us after worship for a conversation with Pastor Nathan to share with us about her work here in Colorado and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to ask her questions as well in the chat box and comment section. 


Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit public interest environmental law organization. It seeks to wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change.


Watch now.

Maps of Toxic Hazards in the Greater Denver Metro Area

This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) map offers an intimate look at toxic releases around Denver.

Certain industrial operations are required to report the waste they produce to the Environmental Protection Agency. The program is called the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), and in February we brought you an analysis of what that program tells us about metro-area polluters.

Button

'This is Environmental Racism'

How a protest in a North Carolina farming town sparked a national movement

Published on April 6, 2021 in the Washington Post, this article goes in depth as to how, "systematic racism has long influenced where major sources of pollution are located within communities."

"Though the cry 'I can't breathe' has come to define today's Black Lives Matter movement... it echoes generations of environmental activists of color."

Button

Here are the environmental justice stories to watch in 2020...

The disproportionate health impact felt by those who live in communities marred by pollution is undeniable. 2020 was a big year for those issues to reach a boiling point where everyday citizens are demanding legislation and other tangible actions to create a healthier environment. 

 

This article summarizes the major environmental justice stories of 2020.