Understanding Principles of Environmental Racism, Climate Change, and the Blob: A Socioecological Approach in the Development of Food Justice

Abstract

This mixed-methods quasiexperimental study examined the role of community psychology in relation to increasing problems of climate change, environmental racism, sustainable food production programs, and ecojustice. Green space and environmentally sustainable programs are increasingly popular examples of community service activities that can provide multiple ecologically sustainable benefits, including protecting limited natural resources and reducing carbon emissions and also facilitate community empowerment among vulnerable and Persons of Color and Indigenous groups. A significant (r = 0.869, p < 0.01) correlation was determined between engagement in green community service work (CSW) activities (i.e., a community fruit tree planting project among the Indigenous people of the Lower Sioux Tribal Nation), perceptions of community empowerment, and likelihood of participating in future CSW activities. Results of the study may be particularly appropriate for community organizers, educators, and stakeholders who are engaged and committed in the development of environmentally sustainable programs. In addition, the results of this study are both useful and viable in that they provide mechanisms to improve community health and empowerment in the development of sustainable community gardens and fruit tree orchards. Suggestions for future areas of study (including the development of community vegetable gardens, native prairie plants, and fruit tree orchards) are offered.