Some stereotypes are more true to form than others. However, for every stereotype that might be uncomfortably true, there's another one that's completely inaccurate. One particular misconception that resonates with me — on a career level and a personal level — is the belief that African Americans do not care about environmentalism. Trust me. We do.
In 2014 alone, there were so many huge news stories that make equal rights and family safety much higher in the ranks of importance, but it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time. On shows like CNN's "Crossfire," viewers not only got to see political parties debate their issues. They also got to see one of the most well-known African American leaders in the environmental industry show that he cares about the environment: Van Jones.
The debate show was canceled in October of last year, but Jones and other African-American environmental activists were fighting for this cause long before that show aired (again). People of color are focused on the future. No matter the race, you can't think about the future without the environment being a topic of discussion. I believe there are people of all backgrounds who are concerned about climate change. The environment we live in must be able to sustain our population.
In 2014 alone, there were so many huge news stories that make equal rights and family safety much higher in the ranks of importance, but it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time. On shows like CNN's "Crossfire," viewers not only got to see political parties debate their issues. They also got to see one of the most well-known African American leaders in the environmental industry show that he cares about the environment: Van Jones.
The debate show was canceled in October of last year, but Jones and other African-American environmental activists were fighting for this cause long before that show aired (again). People of color are focused on the future. No matter the race, you can't think about the future without the environment being a topic of discussion. I believe there are people of all backgrounds who are concerned about climate change. The environment we live in must be able to sustain our population.
I have always been interested in our planet. It is our home, and it is important that we focus on doing what is necessary to prolong human life on the planet. I really became focused on the environment when I read Elizabeth Cline’s book "Overdressed." It opened my eyes to how fast fashion was affecting our planet. Extending the life cycle of clothes has a direct influence on carbon emissions, and that directly affects climate change.
The most memorable moment for me was participating in the “Not Trashy” music video during an Atlanta trip last year. It was an opportunity to have fun and educate people about textiles going into our landfills. At the video shoot, I had an opportunity to meet Elizabeth Cline and discuss ideas on educating people about the importance of textile recycling. I always tried to do my part to recycle, but I was truly unaware that recycling textiles mattered even more than I suspected before that trip.
The most memorable moment for me was participating in the “Not Trashy” music video during an Atlanta trip last year. It was an opportunity to have fun and educate people about textiles going into our landfills. At the video shoot, I had an opportunity to meet Elizabeth Cline and discuss ideas on educating people about the importance of textile recycling. I always tried to do my part to recycle, but I was truly unaware that recycling textiles mattered even more than I suspected before that trip.
Just like she was able to provide new knowledge for me on environmentalism and fast fashion, I believe education is the key to getting more people involved. Most people do not realize how much of our garments go into landfills. They also do not realize that it often takes well over 100 years if ever for clothes to break down. Our landfills are becoming overloaded, and we are running out of room on this planet. I think the more people are made aware of our situation the more likely they'll be a part of the solution.
Our future will be bleak if we do not change our thought process on waste management. Recycle, repurpose, reuse is not just a catchy motto; it's the way I live my everyday life.
Our future will be bleak if we do not change our thought process on waste management. Recycle, repurpose, reuse is not just a catchy motto; it's the way I live my everyday life.
RSS Feed
