Here in Seattle, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by nature’s beauty. Dreamy scenery in the distance, gorgeous greenery at every turn, and a myriad of truly stunning parks are all at our fingertips here. It can be easy to take all of this for granted. However, we know that there are many people and organizations who are working hard to preserve our Earth.

This year, Team Diva is celebrating Earth Day in Seattle by sharing some great organizations focused on environmental justice. 

But why are climate change and climate justice so important to Team Diva?

Climate change affects us all, but it disproportionately affects BIPOC and POC. According to the NAACP: 

“Environmental and climate justice is a civil rights issue. We all depend on the physical environment and its bounty. Toxic facilities, like coal-fired power plants and incinerators, emit mercury, arsenic, lead, and other contaminants into the water, food, and lungs of communities. Many of these same facilities also emit carbon dioxide and methane — the No. 1 and No. 2 drivers of climate change. But not all people are equally impacted. Race — even more than class — is the number one indicator for the placement of toxic facilities in this country hit by climate change.” 

As you may already know, Team Diva is a big proponent of uplifting communities of color. We also continually support political candidates with progressive views and policies on environmental justice. However, there is only so much the government can do. Luckily there are so many excellent organizations fighting for our Earth. Join us as we celebrate Earth Day in Seattle! 

Team Diva Celebrates Earth Day in Seattle by Spotlighting Local Environmental Organizations 

We are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People. And so, we look to the Duwamish Tribe for guidance on how to protect our city, region, and the planet. According to DuwamishTribe.org, “The Duwamish Tribe is committed to restoring the water and land. The tribe’s ancestral homelands are along the waters of Elliott Bay and the Duwamish River Watershed. Native plants and animals of the area were a part of our culture and heritage as well as the source of our food and shelter.” 

Here are a couple of the allied organizations that the Duwamish Tribe stands with: 

 Earth Day in Seattle: Learn About Duwamish River Community Coalition (DRCC) 

The Duwamish Tribe is a founding member of the DRCC. This essential organization monitors the cleanup of Seattle’s Duwamish River. They focus on creating a healthy space for people who live in Duwamish Valley communities. The Duwamish River Community Coalition centers on health equity, climate justice, advocacy and stewardship, and youth leadership. 

Back in 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified the Duwamish River as one of our nation’s most toxic hazardous waste sites. Yikes! High levels of toxic sediment were found in the river’s muddy bottom. This is a result of the area’s decades of industrial use and pollution. 40+ hazardous substances have been found in the river. Since then, local organizations including DRCC have been working to clean up the Duwamish. According to DRCC.org, “The goal of long-term cleanup of the Duwamish River is to protect the river environment, its fish and wildlife, and human health by reducing the levels of these toxins.” To learn more about the Duwamish River Community Coalition (DRCC), click here. 

Earth Day in Seattle: Learn About EarthCorps

This Seattle-based organization focuses on creating a world where people and nature thrive together. This organization brings together young adults from all over the country and the world to take part in a year-long leadership training program right here in Seattle. Together, they work together to execute technical restoration projects on shorelines, trails, and forests. 

EarthCorps has a few key areas that they focus on. They work on restoring ecosystems, which includes stream restoration, wetland restoration, pollution clean-up, and green infrastructure. And another goal includes increasing access to nature. EarthCorps participants work to restore urban parks and maintain trails. EarthCorps also focuses on mitigating the effects of climate change. This includes creating resilient ecosystems, tree planting, and promoting blue carbon areas. They also create a new generation of leaders. Wow! To learn more about EarthCorps, click here. 

Thank You for Celebrating Earth Day in Seattle with Team Diva 

Team Diva is grateful to the organizations out there doing the work. Climate change truly affects us all. However, climate change disproportionately affects communities of color. And remember, we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish Tribe. It is important to us to look to the Duwamish Tribe for guidance on environmental issues. Duwamish River Community Coalition and EarthCorps are just a couple of the great organizations that the Duwamish Tribe partners with. You can learn more about the Duwamish Tribe’s position on environmental justice and the other organizations the tribe partners with here. 

Thank you for celebrating Earth Day in Seattle!