Environmental Justice and Health- Building Healthy Communities “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim the release of the captives and recovery of site to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of his favor.” -Luke 4:18 As Christians, we are called throughout both the New and the Old Testaments to actively heal social injustices and injustices for the land. The precautionary principle, a tenet of environmental justice, holds that God’s children and communities should be safe from harmful chemicals without waiting until evidence of a hazardous exposure has occurred. While chemical exposures are pervasive in our society, African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American, and low income communities are even more vulnerable to exposure as the majority of toxic waste sites are based in these communities. It is no coincidence that higher rates of cancer, childhood asthma, and lead poisoning exist in communities of color and low-income communities. By following the suggestions throughout the environmental health website, you will improve not only the lives of those close to you, but for others as well. Through our consumer choices, we can make conditions better for communities that face undue burdens of toxic waste. New: Read about the NCC Clergy Listening Tour to New Orleans to visit communities living with health conditions resulting from Hurricane Katrina and toxic waste in their communities. What we can do Choose to use non-toxic or less toxic products when possible. If companies and government officials see a consumer demand for less toxic products, they will respond. Less exposure to toxic substances will improve the quality of life for communities who neighbor toxic waste and industrial facilities. Learn about the environmental injustices in your area facing vulnerable populations. Contact people working for environmental justice in your town and see how you might be able to walk with them in a path for justice. Hold a bible study session on environmental racism in your church. Download the NCC resource: Environmental Racism: An Ecumenical Study Guide. For more information NCC Environmental Justice Page Your Health and Environment: A Christian Perspective Indigenous Environmental Network United Church of Christ Communities for a Better Environment Environmental Justice and Health Union National Black Environmental Justice Network Environmental Justice Resource Center- Clark Atlanta University Southwest Economic and Environmental Justice Network Environmental Racism: An Ecumenical Study Guide Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota Learn more about environmental health Issues from the NCC Environmental Health- Home Toxics Environmental Justice and Health Children’s and Women’s Health Lead NEW Pesticides Cosmetics NEW Our daily Bread- Food and Health Plastics Mercury- Our Children’s Inheritance Air Quality Flame Retardants Take Action!