Where Is The Environmental Justice In The South Bronx?

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Students

The South Bronx is one of the worst environmental locations with substantial asthma rates, polluted brownfields, heavy levels of particulate pollution, and litter. Yet our school has no environmental education program, no recycling program, and up to now no environmental community service program.

Our school is a low income, Title I public school in the South Bronx.

Half our students are Hispanic American and half are African American. The vast majority of our students are eligible for free lunch. Our school is located on the same block as the South Bronx jail where everyday inmates are arriving and departing on buses with bars instead of windows. Our students walk past families waiting on the sidewalks for loved ones being released. On the other side of the block is the local Bronx criminal, civil, and family courts. Everyday students walk past the long lines of litigants, defendants, lawyers, court officers, court staff, and judges. Our students are incredible and have overcome many obstacles. I coach a national award winning debate team, and now we are building a community service club devoted to issues like the environment. We are planning a series of environment projects starting on Earth Day.

My Project

With a netbook computer we can reach the world by not confining ourselves to a classroom. First, students will research online environmental issues that they are passionate about such as global warming, animal rights, homelessness, recycling, etc. Second, they will research online local environmental organizations that they can volunteer with such as Food Banks, shelters, hospitals, parks, zoos, community gardens, etc. Third, students will contact and set up volunteer projects with these organizations. Fourth, they will take their netbooks, portable camcorders, portable tripods, and diaries to record their volunteer experience. They will videotape, photograph, interview staff and clients of the organization, and write about their experience. Fifth, back in the classroom, they will edit and publish their videos, photographs, and service diaries on their computers. Sixth, they will present their work to students and parents during monthly service day celebrations at our school.

It's a tragedy that in the era of standardized testing that environmental education is not a priority.

We want to change this. We want Earth Day to be Everyday! And that is why we founded the Justice Club. We want to create a permanent program to make a difference. We hope through Donors Choose we can obtain the technological means to make a difference. A difference for our students. A difference for our school. A difference for our community. A difference for our environment and planet.