Polly Bond entry 2025
Category: Writing | commentary/reflection
Intersectional Environmentalism: Recognizing Disproportional Impact
The article Intersectional Environmentalism: Recognizing Disproportional Impact, written by Britta Cordrey, was featured in the Summer edition of Delaware Communion Magazine as part of a double feature. This reflective piece highlights the importance of addressing environmental issues through the lens of intersectionality, emphasizing how race, gender, socioeconomic status, and geography impact environmental harm and access to resources. It balances personal stories, practical suggestions, and a call to action, encouraging readers to embrace a holistic approach to environmental justice and stewardship.
Goals: The primary goal of the article was to raise awareness about intersectional environmentalism and its relevance to faith-based communities. It aimed to:
- Educate readers about the disproportionate environmental impact on marginalized communities.
- Inspire churches and individuals to take meaningful, practical steps toward creation care.
- Encourage reflection on how faith communities can align their values with environmentally conscious and socially just practices.
- Motivate readers to recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice issues and take collective action.
Audience: The article was written for members in the Episcopal Church in Delaware and anyone interested in creation care and social justice. It also speaks to individuals who may feel overwhelmed by climate change or unsure of where to begin in making a difference, offering practical steps and encouragement to start small.
Summary: The article introduces intersectional environmentalism as a framework for understanding how environmental harm disproportionately affects marginalized communities. It uses examples like Hurricane Katrina and global waste disposal to illustrate systemic inequities. The writer offers three main points of reflection:
- For those focused on other social justice issues, the article highlights how environmental issues and justice are deeply interconnected.
- For those who feel powerless to create change, it provides practical steps, such as reducing waste, creating church-based Creation Care teams, and divesting from harmful industries.
- For those eager to start but unsure how, it suggests reconnecting with nature, consuming media about environmentalism, and gradually adopting sustainable practices.
The article concludes with a call to reflect on personal and community values, encouraging faith communities to take intentional steps toward environmental stewardship as a core part of their mission.
Metrics: Positive feedback was received through comments and conversations. Delaware Communion Magazine analytics showed strong readership for this issue. The article was posted on the diocesan website and in an edition of the weekly eNewsletter, with a distribution of over 3,200.