Guest Post: 2nd Annual Delco Sustainability Conference
by Intern Becca
Intern Becca June 29, 2023 | 5:15 PM
This year’s DELCO Sustainability Conference featured dozens of important exhibitors, numerous knowledgeable speakers, hardworking organizers, and hundreds of participants from across the county. Environmentalism for public health was a key focus of the event, including discussions of pollution, toxicity, and waste. The conference’s organizers focused especially on environmental justice and encouraged an intersectional approach to sustainability. For context, environmental justice communities are areas impacted the most from the climate crisis that correlate with a resident demographic of low-income, Black, Indigenous, or people of color. A resounding message from the conference was that these communities have been systematically oppressed and require widescale reform and increased attention in response. Reducing poverty and improving environmental conditions have the common goal of improving public health and quality of life. Speakers and panelists showed us what types of community organization, policy reform, different business practices, and individual action are necessary to accomplish this goal.
Youth support, education, environmental and social remediation, toxicity and pollution, and waste reduction were strong themes throughout the conference. Speakers did not just cover one string of thought but looked closely at cumulative effects and causes of climate change. The keynote speaker highlighted the importance of providing underserved communities with experiences and opportunities that will allow them economic and social stability. Participants also learned about the District Attorney’s numerous efforts to hold corporations accountable for illegal toxic dumping and efforts to mitigate gun violence. Chemistry experts highlighted producer and manufacturer responsibility to make safe products for consumers and shared findings about air quality in Chester. Emission and toxicity regulation targeted at industrial facilities was often referenced as a tool to reduce public health risk. A panel on partnerships and emphasized the importance of building relationships with organizations, non-profits, and businesses and working together to gain funding. Another panel discussed policy issues informed by science such as permits, air quality, and monitoring.
Speakers encouraged us to buy less and contribute less to industrial demands, as well as rethink our linear habits of consumption that result in excessive waste. Composting is one way that anyone can participate in that. A circular economy is an idea often referenced as the future of sustainability, and I am sure we will hear more about it in future conferences. At the end of the conference, the DELCO Sustainability Office presented their Sustainability Plan. I urge members of the 168th district to support this incredible plan, which is both ambitious and achievable, as it makes its way to the County Council. I am so grateful to have attended this inspiring conference and meet its knowledgeable, passionate participants and exhibitors. Learn more about the conference at this link: Delaware County Sustainability Conference (delcopa.gov)
Becca is an intern for State Representative Lisa Borowski