Waste Treatment Centers and Inequity

05/19/20

“Why are waste treatment centers usually located closer to less-privileged communities?”

Although useful and necessary, waste treatment centers can be a burden on communities. They create volatile outputs, emit noxious smells, and are generally unpleasant. For this reason, communities with social and economic influence push to keep them away, often into areas with less clout. This means that more communities with less privilege have to take the burden of hosting these facilities. Scientific research has confirmed these findings, showing that there is a long history of discrimination in terms of environmental justice. This is why there is a connection between Waste Treatment Centers and Inequity.

The Energy Efficiency Coverage Gap

05/14/20

“Why is it that lower-income households have difficulty in obtaining the energy-efficient devices that they need?”

Energy-efficient appliances can save households a large amount on their utility bills. However, according to research done by the University of Michigan, the upfront investment required can be out of reach for lower-income households who would benefit the most from it. This Energy Efficiency Coverage Gap is an active problem that needs to be solved by society.