Backyard Monthly - June 2024 - The Center for Health, Environment & Justice

June 2024

CHEJ's "All In" - Spotlight of the Month

The new EPA Museum in Washington D.C., located in the William Jefferson Clinton Building, offers an interactive journey through the history of environmental regulation and conservation in the United States. The museum features a timeline of pivotal events and legislation since the EPA’s establishment in 1970, along with engaging exhibits such as the “Clean Air Act” simulation and the “Superfund Sites” interactive map. It aims to educate visitors about ongoing environmental challenges and the science behind protection efforts, highlighting cutting-edge research and technological advancements.

One of the most compelling exhibits is “Voices of the EPA,” which shares first-hand accounts from EPA employees, scientists, and activists. The museum also looks to the future with exhibits that explore green technologies, renewable energy sources, and ways to reduce environmental footprints. Open to the public with free admission, the EPA Museum is a valuable resource for students, educators, families, and anyone interested in the environment, science, and public policy.

A notable exhibit is dedicated to Lois Gibbs and the Love Canal disaster, highlighting her pivotal role in advocating for the cleanup of the toxic waste site in Niagara Falls, New York. This exhibit delves into Gibbs’ grassroots activism, which led to the evacuation and relocation of hundreds of families and eventually to the creation of the Superfund program. Her story exemplifies the power of community activism in shaping environmental policy and is a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting public health and the environment.

Toxic Tuesday

Lead in Public Housing

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used in many household products like paint and plumbing materials. This makes people most likely to be exposed to lead in their own homes, through ingesting or inhaling contaminated paint… [Read more]

Dealing with Uncertainty when Evaluating Toxicity

In a recent issue, we discussed the many challenges in evaluating the adverse health effects that result from exposure to a mixture of toxic chemicals. Despite this, scientists still estimate and assess risks by attempting to compensate for these… [Read more]

Training Calls

Grassroots Fundraising

Mary Grace Wolf has facilitated hundreds of fundraising training and mindset workshops, and has been working in grassroots fundraising for over 19 years.

During this Training Call, she presented her approach to grassroots fundraising… [Watch now]

Backyard Talk Blogs

Who Decides How Toxic is Toxic?

By Stephen Lester. Years ago, when I first got involved in toxics work, I thought that determining the toxicity of a chemical was based on the evidence, the scientific evidence on exposure and health outcomes, primarily in people… [Read more]

Air Pollution: The Silent Killer

By Leila Waid. Air pollution poses a major risk to human health and is the fourth leading cause of death globally. Although air pollution regulations, such as the Clean Air Act, have drastically reduced the number of deaths and illnesses… [Read more]

The Power of Brand Storytelling in Environmental Justice Nonprofits

By Gregory Kolen II. In the realm of environmental justice, where the intersection of social equity and environmental protection is paramount, effective communication is key. For nonprofits working within this space, brand storytelling is not… [Read more]

Tennessee EJ Groups Are Suing FERC

By Sharon Franklin. On May 1, 2024, Anita Wadhwani of Tennessee Lookout reported that Tennessee environmental groups have filed a suit against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over its approval of a pipeline… [Read more]

Do you find this information useful? Please consider pitching in and making a contribution to CHEJ. We appreciate your support!

As the warm days of early summer unfold, we are reminded of the beauty and vitality of our natural world. It’s a season of growth, renewal, and possibility—an ideal time to reflect on how we can contribute to a healthier, more equitable environment for all. At The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ), we are dedicated to ensuring that every community has access to clean air, safe water, and a healthy living environment. But we can’t do it without your support.

Your generosity will help us provide essential resources, education, and advocacy to communities disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental degradation. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless families and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

Please consider making a donation to CHEJ this summer. With your help, we can continue to fight for a world where everyone has the right to a safe, healthy environment. Donate today and be a part of the change.