Environmental Justice

Are all napkins biodegradable?

Napkins are biodegradable, meaning that when disposed of correctly (such as in a composting system), they are broken down by microorganisms and leave behind matter that can be safely reintegrated into the soil. However, when biodegradable products make their way into landfills, the lack of oxygen in landfill environments causes these products to produce methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. To combat this waste and methane production, we recommend composting your unbleached napkins (bleached napkins are a no go in composters!).

Are bamboo sheets healthy?

Many brands will push their bamboo sheets as a “healthier” alternative to other materials, but what even makes a bed sheet “healthy”? We’re not really into relying on these greenwash-y labels when making purchase decisions. What you need to know about bamboo sheets is that they involve a chemically-intensive manufacturing process through which workers are exposed to waste, including carbon disulfide, which is linked to neurological problems. Doesn’t sound so “healthy” to us… Plus, bamboo sheets are typically more expensive and don’t last as long as other options. Our advice is to avoid bamboo in your bed sheets.

Are bamboo toothbrushes more sustainable?

Depends on what we’re comparing them to! A recent LCA shows that the climate change impact of electric toothbrushes is 11 times greater than bamboo ones. The same study also found that plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads actually had the lowest environmental impact in more than double the categories than bamboo toothbrushes. So even though bamboo is a great option, it’s not a silver bullet.

What is Environmental Justice

The EPA defines environmental justice as 'the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.' For context, let's remember that people and the planet are inextricably linked and, essentially, that what's good for people is good for the planet, and vice versa. When it comes to justice, though, it's a little bit more nuanced. Historically marginalized communities have disproportionately experienced the burden of climate change, while also experiencing government disenfranchisement and social oppression. So, environmental justice doesn't just require addressing the climate crisis, but also the liberation of historically marginalized groups.

Is it regulated? Nope, and oftentimes when claims of environmental justice are made, it doesn't actually include doing the work of centering the most vulnerable.

Does Finch use it? Yes - but only to explain where we're going, not where we are now. More on this below.

Want a memory trick? Environmentalism is more than just sustainability - true sustainability means justice for all.

How does Finch use the term âEnvironmental Justice'?

At Finch, we're all about using the words and language that provide clarity, rather than those that make us look good. So, when we talk about environmental justice, it's as a goal to move towards rather than where we are now. Right now, we won't use environmental justice to describe our policies and practices because we still have a long, long way to go . We do, however, use it to create context around the intersectionality of sustainability, and the disproportionate impact climate change has on vulnerable communities. You'll see it show up, for example, when we talk about Martin Luther King Jr.'s work.

What should you do if a company says it is committed to âEnvironmental Justice'?

Take a closer look. When brands say that they are 'committed' to initiatives, causes, or movements, it often means that they care about those things, but might only be centering, or even just involving, marginalized communities in some of their initiatives. It could also mean that they're contributing dollars or resources to climate-oriented endeavors led by other organizations. Why? Because environmental justice is not really attainable in a capitalist framework that way it currently exists. That doesn't mean we can't make tangible, real-world impacts on the lives of historically marginalized people or work towards mitigating the effects of the climate crisis. What it does mean, though, is that real, true justice is not yet attainable, because if we're not all free, then none of us are free.

Still want to learn more? Check out some of our favorite references:

Murmurations: Realizing Our Abolitionist Dreams

Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute

Climate Justice Playbook

Yoruba Richen Ted Talk

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