Green Zones are an innovative policy to transform toxic hotspots into sustainable healthy neighborhoods. The concept was originated by grassroots environmental justice groups in California, with communities most impacted by pollution central to the policy development and planning processes. Areas where multiple pollution sources (“cumulative pollution”) – where people have been exposed to the toxic effects of pollutants from heavy industry, factories, and busy highways – are targeted. Studies across the country are showing these are disprorpotionately overburdening low income and communities of color.
Green Zones based on the fundamental principle that clean air to breathe and clean land are basic human right, and should not be determined by income and race. Green Zones focus governmental and local business resources toward a just transition plan for overburdened communities toward a healthy place and economy. The three main components of Green Zones policies are:
- Do no harm;
- Reduce the existing burden; and
- Invest in communities.
CEED Animation Video: What is Environmental Justice?
-created in collaboration with Line Break Media and RLM Art Studios
Related pages
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Blog: Transforming Toxic Hot Spots with Justice at the Center
Posted May 10, 2016 -
Local Green Zones Workshops
Posted December 11, 2015 -
California model for Green Zones
Posted December 9, 2015 -
A Tale of Two Neighborhoods
Posted December 7, 2015 -
Environmental Justice Mapping Tool
Posted December 7, 2015 -
Bringing Green Zones to Minneapolis
Posted December 5, 2015 -
Animation: What is Environmental Justice?
Posted November 2, 2015 -
Twin Cities Environmental Justice Mapping Tool
Posted September 1, 2015 -
Working with Glendale Residents for Housing based on Health, Community Vision and Resiliency
Posted July 22, 2015
Documents
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What North is Breathing
Posted July 28, 2016 -
CEJA Green Zones 2015
Posted July 25, 2016 -
A Tale of Two Neighborhoods
Posted December 11, 2015 -
Twin Cities Toxic Trivia
Posted December 3, 2015 -
How at risk is your neighborhood?
Posted December 3, 2015