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Water Equity and Plastic Pollution Workshop | Exploring the Connection between Environmental and Reproductive Justice

Author: BWWLA Published on: January 29, 2024 Published in: Blog

Summary

Dive into the intersection of Water Equity and Plastic Pollution as championed by Black Women for Wellness (BWW). Understand how these crucial issues impact health and reproductive justice, and the collective efforts required for systemic change.

Water Equity and Plastic Pollution | Understanding the Interplay of Environmental and Reproductive Justice

Black Women for Wellness (BWW) is committed to uplifting the health and wellbeing of Black women and girls.

Environmental justice and reproductive justice are two critical areas of concern in today’s society.

In this exploration, we delve into the key areas of their focus, the intricate link between environmental and reproductive justice, and the challenges and solutions they propose.

Key Takeaways:

Water Equity Concerns: In Los Angeles, water supply fluctuations, due to heavy rain and flooding, present significant challenges. South LA, with its 57 different water utilities, faces issues with water quality consistency, particularly concerning lead and Chromium 6 contamination.
Plastics Pollution and Health: Plastics, made from fossil fuels and containing harmful chemicals like endocrine disruptors, pose significant health risks. Microplastics are a specific concern, being widespread in the environment and found even in the human body.
Microplastics in Water: Research indicates that tap water typically has fewer microplastics compared to bottled water, challenging the perception of bottled water being a healthier choice.
Reproductive Justice Definition: Reproductive justice in BWW’s context includes the rights to have a child, not have a child, parent in safe conditions, and maintain bodily autonomy. These rights are directly impacted by environmental factors like water quality and chemical exposure.
Systemic Change and Legislation: Addressing environmental and reproductive justice issues requires systemic change and legislative action. California is moving towards reducing single-use plastics, with full implementation expected by 2025 or 2026. Efforts are focusing on both upstream (plastic producers) and downstream (businesses and consumers) aspects of plastic pollution.
Role of Fossil Fuel Companies: Historically, fossil fuel companies have pushed plastic usage, creating a challenge in reducing plastic use effectively at the individual level.
Need for Collective Action: The solution to plastic pollution involves a comprehensive approach, including stopping the production of plastics by companies and not relying solely on individual consumer choices.
BWW’s Advocacy: The organization emphasizes the intersectionality of environmental and reproductive justice, advocating for education, systemic change, and broad participation across society to address these interconnected issues.

The Dual Focus of BWW: Water Equity and Plastics Pollution

BWW’s environmental justice initiative zeroes in on two main areas: water equity and plastics pollution. These areas are not just environmental concerns; they deeply impact the health and reproductive rights of individuals.

Water Equity: A Challenge in Los Angeles

Los Angeles faces fluctuating water supplies, further exacerbated by heavy rain and flooding.

This variability poses significant challenges in maintaining a steady and safe water supply, particularly in South LA, where 57 different water utilities operate.

The fragmented infrastructure, coupled with limited resources, makes it difficult to ensure consistent water quality.

The presence of lead, a concerning contaminant in tap water due to older pipes, and Chromium 6, especially in high concentrations in South LA, are serious health risks.

This situation underscores the importance of understanding local water sources and considering water filters as a viable solution.

The Perils of Plastic Pollution

Plastics, primarily made from fossil fuels, contain various harmful chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

They pose a significant health risk, particularly when exposed to heat, as they can leach these chemicals.

Microplastics, ubiquitous in the environment and even found in the human body, are of particular concern.

Interestingly, studies have shown that tap water generally contains fewer microplastics than bottled water, challenging the perception that bottled water is a healthier option.

Reproductive Justice: A Holistic Approach

BWW’s approach to reproductive justice encompasses the right to have a child, the right not to have a child, the right to parent in safe conditions, and the right to bodily autonomy.

These rights are intimately connected to environmental issues. For instance, exposure to harmful chemicals in water can have direct consequences on reproductive health, emphasizing the need for safe and clean water.

Legislative Efforts and Systemic Change

Addressing these concerns requires more than individual action; it necessitates systemic change and legislative effort. California’s legislation aims to reduce single-use plastics, with implementation expected by 2025 or 2026.

Advocacy efforts are crucial in pushing for changes targeting both businesses and plastic producers.

The distinction between upstream efforts (targeting plastic producers) and downstream efforts (focusing on businesses and consumers) is key to effective change.

Historically, fossil fuel companies have promoted plastic usage, making it challenging for individuals to reduce plastic use effectively.

The ultimate solution lies in companies ceasing plastic production, not just in individual consumer choices.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Black Women for Wellness highlights the intersection of environmental and reproductive justice, illustrating how these issues are deeply interconnected and impact the health and wellbeing of communities, particularly those of Black women and girls.

Their focus on water equity and the dangers of plastics pollution brings to light the broader implications of environmental issues on reproductive rights. Advocacy, education, and systemic change are vital in addressing these challenges.

As BWW continues to lead the charge, their efforts remind us that the fight for environmental and reproductive justice is a collective one, requiring the participation and commitment of all sectors of society.