The Environmental Justice team at ICC has taken a hard look at Newark and found residents suffering from health issues like asthma, cancer, and diabetes, caused by the nearby industrial facilities or the ‘unwanted neighbors’ to the people of Newark. If you spend just a short time in the Ironbound district you will encounter foul smells, poor air quality, constant loud noises, and heavy truck traffic. These are just some of the cumulative impacts that are an everyday reality for the people living and working in the overburdened community of Newark. These conditions exist because of redlining and zoning policies that have allowed for black, brown, and low-income people to face the disproportionate impacts of industrialization. Through their advocacy, the people at ICC were able to work with the City of Newark to pass the Environmental Justice Ordinance to support healthy communities and equitable development. This Ordinance was the basis for the Environmental Justice Law passed on the state level for New Jersey.

While the ordinance and law were big wins for ICC, their work continues beyond Environmental Justice policy advocacy and expand into education, housing, and food justice. ICC’s Environmental Justice bus tour takes you through the Ironbound to show you the issues, conditions, and impact first-hand. Visitors also receive an education on exactly what all the buildings are and where the superfund sites are located. They also fight for housing justice. While they promote affordable housing, they have also been able to put protections in place for those facing eviction. At the Down Bottom Farm community garden, they provide affordable healthy food to community members to help combat food inequity.

There are many ways to get involved and support the mission of ICC. One of the first ways is acknowledging that industrial facilities like garbage incinerator, factories, and power plants are fueling communities across the multiple states and the people of Newark are the ones facing the disproportionate negative impacts. The Environmental Justice Team at ICC encourages civic engagement, attending public meetings, and being aware of who is representing you on your town’s board of commissioners and what they are supporting. Their advice is to use the Environmental Justice Law at the highest capacity and to stay engaged and informed in your community.  They suggest attending Environmental Justice Law meetings to stay informed. Visit their beautiful community garden at Down Bottom Farms and volunteer, or attend an educational Environmental Justice Tour through Newark. Their instagram is the best way to stay updated on the projects they are working on and how to get involved.

The work never stops for ICC as they will continue to spread awareness about the incinerator, power plant, and turnpike expansion. Their ultimate goal is to shut down the incinerator, stop the fourth power plant from opening, and prevent the NJ turnpike expansion. They are advocating for eco-friendly alternatives to the power plant and encouraging the government to invest in improving public transportation and inclusive eco-friendly transportation. ICC also plans to continue their work in housing and food justice in Newark.