Arguments Against Environmentalism

Environmentalism is a term that has commonly been associated with the preservation and conservation of the earth (Elliot). Its main focus is on protecting animals and plants, along with using more sustainable practices with renewable, or finite, resources such as oil, wood, and water (Elliot). Although the environmental movement’s sole concern is protecting the earth, the movement does not protect its people. Environmentalism does not accommodate the health and safety of all human communities when advocating for environmental health policies. Environmental racism is a pressing issue that must be addressed alongside environmentalism, as all communities and people, regardless of race and socioeconomic status, are entitled to equal protection from

In CAFOs there are animals living in their own waste. These animals are confined and are stuck living next to animals that are sick or, even dead (Animal Welfare Institute). Bacteria then spreads, and pathogens are created in these filthy conditions that are breeding resistance to antibiotics (Animal Welfare Institute) . Eventually, the dead animals are removed. They are thrown into bins like trash and are put onto the streets where they decompose and swell from the heat (Morrow and Ferket). A truck picks up the bins and they are taken to be ground up and sent back to the CAFOs to be fed back to the pigs (Morrow and Ferket). In this process, the antibiotic resistant pathogens are being spread within the community. Residents who live near these factory farms often complain of irritation to their eyes, noses, and throats, asthma, sick sinus syndrome, sarcoidosis, along with a decline in the quality of life and increased incidence of depression, tension, anger, confusion, and fatigue (Food Empowerment Project)