When you think of environmentalism and environmentalists, you may picture “tree huggers” trying to stop loggers in an old-growth forest

SOCS185 Culture and Society

Week 8 Discussion

Sustainability and Communities

When you think of environmentalism and environmentalists, you may picture “tree huggers” trying to stop loggers in an old-growth forest. While there may be a grain of truth in this image, environmentalism is just as important an issue in urban areas as it is in the wilderness. Historically, polluting industries like power plants, chemical factories, slaughterhouses, and oil refineries have been sited in communities inhabited by the working poor, and especially people of color.

According to this study by WalletHub (Links to an external site.), the greenest state in the United States, based on environmental quality, eco-friendly factors, and climate change contributions, is Vermont. How does your state rank, and what factors contribute to that ranking? What initiatives to preserve the environment and make it healthier for everyone are happening at the local or state level? What specific suggestions would you make to your local and state leaders to make your community a better place to live for all its inhabitants?