In this episode, I wanted to talk about the effects of environmental racism. I sat with Monique Fitzgerlad of BLARG, (Brookhaven Landfill Action and Remediation Group), an activist organization started by community members affected by the Brookhaven Landfill. BLARG advocates for the removal of the Brookhaven Landfill, and complete restoration of the land and communities impacted by the years of pollution exposure. Together, we discussed the history of environmental racism in America, and how it has impacted her community. It's a powerful history lesson on the landfill and on the town of Brookhaven before colonization, a story that I wished I'd known sooner. We also discussed the efforts made to combat the harm the landfill has generated in Brookhaven's communities. Bellport's community garden is a powerful form of resistance by BLARG to take notice of this garden was created by the neighborhood to combat pollutants in the air and to provide fresh produce to people in need.
Working with Bellport residents, BLARG is starting a project this summer to expand and improve this community garden. One-third of the waste at the Brookhaven landfill is compostable, and BLARG is working to reduce those numbers while simultaneously restoring the air and soil of Bellport. ALCC, (Anti-Landfill Community Composting), is a project aimed to reduce landfill expansion and create more garden beds through residential composting. The project kicked off on June 5th, and BLARG is looking for volunteers! Let's do this together, Long Island!
LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD TODAY:
BETWEEN THE LINES EPISODE NUMBER 5 - OWWR
EPISODE 5 RESOURCES:
Connect with BLARG on Facebook!
Connect with BLARG on Instagram!
For inquiries, contact BLARG at: landfillaction631@gmail.com
For more information please visit the contact page on OWWRNY.ORG.
* audio is as recorded and available with consent by all parties
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