The Puente Project recognizes that environmental justice is key to tackling systemic oppression. It is central to preserving our communities and our planet for present and future generations. We advocate with Black, Indigenous, and low-income communities for an intersectional environmentalism that acknowledges colonialism, racial capitalism, and the disparities in health outcomes, toxic exposure, and environmental degradation. To achieve equity that promotes wholeness, reciprocity, and stewardship, we must advocate for progression towards a regenerative economy and systems. We recognize that our survival as a species is connected to all forms of life on this planet. We listen to those most impacted by climate change locally and globally and advocate alongside them for regenerative solutions. In practice, this means making organizational decisions guided by these principles, building classroom resources, developing teachers as community organizers, creating experiential learning opportunities, engaging students in community leadership, and fostering deeper connections to the natural world.
Implementation Guide
Questions to Consider
How do you incorporate environmental justice into your curriculum and foster learning activities related to environmental justice?
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Uplift Indigenous voices regarding environmental justices issues.
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Learn and discuss the Indigneous inhabitants of the land you occupy and their land stewardship practices.
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Study the history of the environmental justice movement and its principles.
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Examples: Robert Bullard and the 17 Principles of EJ, EPA Justice Timeline, CalEnivroScreen.
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Identify environmental justice challenges in your community and the effects of climate crisis.
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Discuss how environmental issues disproportionately impact communities of color with high poverty.
How do you encourage participation in and support community efforts around environmental justice issues?
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Invite speakers working for local environmental justice movements.
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Research local environmental justice groups and events to share with Puente community.
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When safe and possible, encourage volunteering for events.
How do you make program decisions guided by the principles of environmental justice, (ie, being sustainable, lessening carbon footprint, etc)?
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Consider matters such as electricity, printing, food waste, plastic waste, and other issues when planning events.
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Use online learning management systems and other online forums of communication for class materials, event announcements, and sharing resources.
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Consider virtual activities (when applicable).
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Work with students and community members to assess the environmental impact of different travel and field trip options. Consider options to lessen the pollution associated with air travel by traveling instead by train or car, when possible. Reduce harm by carpooling, instead of driving solo.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Getting Started
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All We Can Save Project and Anthology edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkerson
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California Environmental Protection Agency "What is Environmental Justice?"
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Energy Justice Network. "17 Principles of Environmental Justice"
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See also: EJN Resources and Links
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NDN Collective. "Climate Justice at NDN"
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Thomas, Leah. The Intersectional Environmentalist (Book and website. Also see toolkits for classroom lesson ideas
Extend Your Knowledge
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Bullard, Robert, "Equity, unnatural man-made disasters, and race: why environmental justice matters"
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See also: (Various Articles on author website)
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Bioneers Conference: Attend or view past talks and resource guides.
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Community Water Center, Research and Publications
Deep Dive
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Hernandez, Jessica. Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science
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Jarrat-Snyder, Karen and Marianne O. Nielsen. Indigenous Environmental Justice
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Kimmerer, Robin. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Implementation Guide Navigation
Race + Immigrant Justice | Linguistic Justice | LGBTQIA+ Justice | Disability Justice | Environmental Justice
Curriculum
In 2023, Puente launched it's new online Puente Anthology, which is fully aligned with the Equity Framework and offers many resources and lessons to support educators looking for curricular resources.