Social Justice – Eco Action

Throughout the month of January, Eco Action focused on the environmental and social impact that an increasing demand for cheap clothing items made by the global north ultimately has on the global south. Our consumer purchasing power is significantly influenced and dictated by multinational corporations. This growing demand for cheap goods has tremendously increased the social and environmental risks in the regions where these items are manufactured.

The stories of garment factories collapsing and killing hundreds of people in such places as Banglasdesh are typically dismissed by everyday consumers, however, our contribution to the growing demand for disposable materials and an affluent culture is directly impacting the livelihoods of those connected to the creation of our products.

During the month of JanuWEARy, members from the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) at Penn State, as well as professor Mark Anner, Director of the Center for Global Workers’ Rights, presented to members the social and environmental impact of the fast fashion industry. They shared global case studies and distributed a petition regarding Nike and the non-allowance of worker unions in Indonesia. Members were able to discuss with Mark and Allison Petonic, grad student in Student Workers at Penn State (SWAPS), what personal action we can take in our daily lives to mitigate consumptive waste. The key points of action included:

1.) Shop at Thrift Stores

2.) Repair your clothing, or utilize old shirts for rags

3.) Be an advocate and support companies that implement sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility strategies throughout their supply chain

4.) Educate yourself as a consumer and share with others in an open and respectful way!

Allison Petonic ans other SWAPs and USAS members talking about their current petition with Nike

Eco Action thoroughly enjoyed learning about the global environmental and social impacts of the entire fashion industry’s supply chain and look forward to working with USAS and SWAPS in the future.

To complete the month, Eco Action held a social in the Willard Building to watch The True Cost, a documentary that showcased various garment workers’ realities across the world. We also made bags out of t-shirts as designed by our social chair, Bryn Wambaugh.

JanuWEARy had a tremendous amount of lessons in store and was a extremely eye-opening experience for members. Next month, we will focus on pollution and education through our FebruAIRy series.

On Monday, October 30th from 6-8 pm in the Freeman Auditorium at the HUB, an esteemed group of speakers facilitated a panel discussion regarding the consequences of climate change on communities around the world. Panelists ranging from Dr. Holly Hamilton, a postdoc in Meteorology, to Dr. Janet Swim, professor of psychology, and Dr. Kimberley Thomas spoke on these wide ranging and ever present global issues. Hosted by EcoAction, We Are for Science, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico Student Association and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the public forum provided an open space to share concerns and connect with local organizations ranging from the Climate Reality Project, the Penn State Veg Club, PSU’s Black Student Union and the Puerto Rican Student Association, among others. The panel was directed by Dr. Jon Brockopp and questions ranged from specific project areas that the panelists were working on, to personal relationships with particular topics of concern. As the floor was opened up for questions, students shared their intimate experiences with climate change as it affected their local communities and environment. Topics ranging from the increase of hurricanes witnessed for the Caribbean islands, to the loss of biodiversity in the coral reefs within that region, to the adverse effects of meat consumption, to policy and climate change refugee concerns were addressed.

Professionals working in the area of awareness and activism regarding environmental justice also spoke out on the issue. Leaders ranging from Peter Buckland of the Sustainability Institute, Carlos Wiley, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, and Andrew Gutberlet from the Office of Physical Plant at Penn State, spoke about their experiences with climate change and steps they have taken to provide justice for the marginalized groups of people that are too often adversely affected. As the floor was opened for questions following the presenters notes, it was felt that climate change affects all of us; a student from the Black Student Council noted that he wished to share what he learned in the panel with members of his organization, to have this reach the people that really need to hear it. Often times, it is those that contribute the least that are ultimately affected the worst by the effects of climate change. Connecting where are faults are to where we can find common ground on these larger issues is essential for future success. This panel proved to be the most comprehensive view of the stark reality to the foreboding adverse consequences of our changing climate that has been organized at Penn State thus far.