The Social Impact of the Duwamish Superfund Site

Last summer this blog covered the ecological issues facing the Duwamish River. A few weeks ago, an article was published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and InvestigateWest detailing the social aspect of the environmental problems of the Duwamish and how the pollution and degradation is affecting the surrounding communities of Georgetown, South Park, and Beacon Hill.

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

King delivers his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. (Photo credit unkown)

On Monday, our nation celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King's life demonstrated that peace and tolerance can triumph over hate and injustice, and can serve to correct social wrongs. On this holiday, we are reminded of his heroic devotion to equality, justice, and unity.

In the spirit of Dr. King, it seems appropriate to talk about an issue that has stemmed from King's movement. The term "environmental justice" did not become popular until the 1980s, but the movement's roots stem from King's legacy.

Sustainability... What Does That Mean Again?

Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. - Bruntland Commission

Sustainability has become a sort of buzzword, but sometimes the term is used so much that it loses its meaning.  What does sustainability actually mean?  Oftentimes sustainability is used synonymously with environmentalism, but isn't there more to it?  The more I used the term the more I realized it needed some definition.