February was Black History Month, and we enjoyed celebrating it with you through our email and social channels! It’s important that our education, activism, and support continues past this holiday. Today we are sharing with you ways to keep the energy going throughout the year! But first you might be wondering….
Why do we celebrate Black History Month at Dropps?
Black History Month/Week has been celebrated in some iteration since 1926. Black histories are so often forgotten in the national narrative that it is necessary to celebrate Black History intentionally. Environmental history is no exception to this, and we believe that the contributions of Black individuals need continual recognition. Likewise, as a brand with an environmental mission, we see it as our place to take a stand against the environmental injustice that disproportionately affects Black people.
Sustainable Activism
It is quite common during historical moments or month-long holidays such as Black History Month for there to be an influx in motivation and community awareness around topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are invested in sustaining that energy with you year long. There are so many ways to take action moving forward- from donating to organizations pursuing environmental justice, to educating yourself on environmental injustice, and even shopping from Black owned, eco-friendly brands. This list is only a starting point. We encourage you to take action not just this month, but as an ongoing part of your daily life!
Donate
One of the absolute best ways to take action is to donate to organizations that are fighting environmental injustice.
Climate Justice Alliance: An alliance of communities, organizations, and networks to support communities at the frontline of climate injustices, and to transition from an extractive to a regenerative economy.
Intersectional Environmentalist: Media hub for educational resources on intersectional environmentalism.
Hike Clerb: An LA based intersectional women’s hike club and 501c(3). Inspired to take action by the lack of representation of people of color in the outdoors, Hike Clerb is equipping Black, Indigenous, women of color with the tools, resources and experiences they need to collectively heal in nature.
OPAL Environmental Society: OPAL is building a movement for change, organizing and activating leaders in BIPOC and low-income communities to advocate for environmental justice and climate issues.
Communities for a Better Environment: Advocates for heavily polluted communities BIPOC in California, providing residents with leadership training and legal assistance to confront issues affecting them.
Read & Listen
If you want to learn more, these books and podcasts are a great place to start!
Sustainable Brown Girl Podcast: Learn about everything from gardening to thrifting to amazing women of color doing sustainability work.
Farming While Black: Environmental justice is inextricable from food, and Leah Penniman has made it her life work to advocate for food sovereignty. Farming While Black tells the story of Soul Fire Farm, shares tools for Black farmers, and shares the history of Black farming techniques.
Dismantled Podcast: Dismantled is part of the Intersectional Environmentalist media hub. The podcast discusses the climate crisis and shares resources on dismantling systems of oppression in the environmentalist movement. Dropps sponsored the first season!
Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret: Catherine Coleman Flowers takes a look at sanitation in poor communities across the U.S. The book is about sewage, but it's also about climate change and environmental justice.
Shop Sustainably
Try not to go on a last minute shopping spree just to feel like you celebrated Black History Month! Instead, look for areas of your budget where you could permanently switch over from a non-sustainable product to one of these eco-friendly, Black-owned alternatives.
Taylor Jay (apparel)
Knotzland (men's accessories)
Valerie Madison (jewelry)
Arrow and Phoenix (swimwear)
Kobee's (lip balm)
Zero Grocery (grocery delivery)
Want to learn more about Dropps' commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion? Click here to learn more.