SOIL Wins Environmental Justice Prize

Winner

 

We are very excited to share a noteworthy recognition SOIL recently received. SOIL was chosen as the Environmental Justice Prize winner of the Solution Search: Water Pollution and Behavior Change contest hosted by Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment. The award is given to the best contest entrant that achieves progress on environmental justice and addresses the disproportionate impact of water pollution on communities of color, indigenous groups, and marginalized communities. In addition to winning the Environmental Justice Prize, we are also in the running as a finalist for the Grand Prizes which will be announced in September.  

The past few months have been challenging for our team with both the political upheaval and tragic earthquake, and having this recognition has been incredibly motivating and morale building. We are honored to receive this particular award for our commitment to equitable futures for everyone. SOIL is proud to provide an approach to sanitation that holistically promotes environmental restoration and equitable access to the most basic of human rights.  

"Vulnerable and underrepresented populations are too often left out of environmental and climate conversations, yet are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, water pollution and environmental degradation. “ ― Eliza Parish, Director of Development for SOIL

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EkoLakay collection vehicle in flood waters in Cap-Haitien.
EkoLakay collection vehicle in flood waters in Cap-Haitien.

Environmental Justice is an “inter-generational, multi-racial and international movement that promotes environmental, economic and social justice by recognizing the direct link between economic, environmental and health issues, while demanding a safe, clean community and workplace environment” for all (Green Action). Far too often discussions about environmental degradation and the global climate crisis miss the mark when it comes to the legacy of colonialism and racism. It is neither normal nor natural that Haiti, a country with a negligible direct contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, is now considered among the most climate-vulnerable in the world. 

In light of the recent earthquake that hit Haiti this month, it is not only important, but necessary to address the disproportionate effects of climate change and environmental degradation on marginalized communities, and provide concrete solutions that are both sustainable and inclusive. Without drastic restructuring of global systems, countries like Haiti will continue to face grave consequences for global climate inaction and systemic racism. Environmental Justice and global accountability is crucial in preserving and restoring Haiti’s natural landscape and remedying the conditions of vulnerable Haitian communities in order to promote sustainable and equitable futures.

The impacts of climate change and the pressing need to find sustainable approaches to providing access to basic services that make our planet and people more resilient have helped to frame SOIL’s model. SOIL’s full cycle solution is consciously and practically designed to utilize local resources, prevent environmental contamination and recycle nutrients back into the soil to minimize the footprint of sanitation while nurturing the ecosystem around us.  We are deeply invested in Haiti’s future and are committed to improving climate resiliency through sustainable development. We are grateful to Rare, The Nature Conservancy, 11th Hour Racing, The Circulate Initiative, Ocean Conservancy, The Inter-American Development Bank, and Lonely Whale for promoting SOIL’s approach and our commitment to this significant effort.

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