Inclusive Environmentalism
What is inclusive environmentalism?
Inclusive environmentalism (aka intersectional or accessible environmentalism) is much like other intersectional movements. Essentially, this movement seeks to make environmentalism more inclusive of marginalized communities, and to better recognize the efforts marginalized people are already doing.
Making environmentalism more inclusive means changing how we view a “good” environmentalist. It also means changing how we talk about and portray environmental efforts. Being cognizant of how other communities or individuals handle environmentalism is important too, as there is no one-size-fits-all environmental effort for any country, community, or person.
The world is just too big and too complex to make any effort apply to everyone. Elitism is a very real issue in environmentalism. A “good” environmentalist is often portrayed as an upper-middle to upper-class white, western, fully able-bodied person. Many environmental efforts are inaccessible for many people, and the current, trendy version of environmentalism, conservation, and sustainability (often used interchangeably) are not effective or ethical at all.
We are all scared for the future of the world. However, putting others down or holding yourself up for any environmental effort is not effective. We also know, from a research-based standpoint, that certain environmental efforts (for example veganism, or organic-cotton everything) are not actually environmentally-friendly if applied to everyone in the world–or even one country. The movement as it is now is ineffective.
What does that mean for the environmental movement?
I’m not saying participating in environmental efforts is bad. I’m not saying you’re a bad person if you ask people around you to participate, or if you’ve been non inclusive in the past. In order to be more effective in our environmentalism, we need to–for people and for the planet–be cognizant of other people. We need to understand that not everyone can use silicone straws, or go vegan, or get solar panels. Nearly every effort, if not all of them, will be impossible for one or more communities.
What can I do to be more inclusive?
1. The first step is to recognize your privilege.
Can you afford silicone alternatives to plastic?
Do you have an organic store or farmer’s market near you (that you can go to without missing work)?
Do you have a fully-abled body and don’t have issues with energy?
These are all examples of privilege in the environmental movement–though this is not an exhaustive list.
2. Change how you view the movement.
Yes, things are dire. But putting your focus on nitpicking your neighbor, or only uplifting “good” environmentalists, or counting your “sins” is a waste of time.
Talk to people in marginalized communities and learn how they participate in environmentalism.
Read beyond your Instagram feed or Tumblr.
Look at who’s producing the most waste and CO2.
Listen to and read from actual scientists (I see you bloggers/Instagramers, just because you read or saw one or a few things labeled as “environmentally friendly” doesn’t mean it’s an actual science-backed effort. We’re actually researching this stuff because we know what to look for!)
3. Make your language more inclusive.
How are you sharing your “eco-friendly” tips?
Are you using phrases like “everyone can…”, “if you just do x or save y amount of money, you can…”, “why doesn’t everyone…”, etc?
Consider how someone who can barely afford their groceries, or who has mobility issues, or who has very little energy, or who works multiple jobs could participate in your effort.
Inclusive Environmentalism: Keeping Change Accessible
From elite wildlife-ism and ecosystem service jugglery to an inclusive environmentalism (click on “read full text”, to download you need to be a member but reading it on the website is free)
Making environmentalism inclusive is essential. Without an inclusive movement, we cannot make a safe, equitable, and healthy world. Fighting each other and our allies will just keep us from progressing the movement and making any meaningful change. Our world is so complex, with so many ecosystems and societies and governments, there is no formula or silver bullet to make the world eco-friendly. It’s not easy, and it’s not easy to sell, but it’s the truth.
Working together is the only way we can do this. Support each other and include each other!
*edited for coding mishap
