If you grew up in a Mexican family, you may remember that the butter container did not always contain butter and that the Danish cookies tin was sometimes full of buttons and threads. Chances are, you may have a recollection of a childhood disillusionment upon finding out that the Lala yogurt plastic container that promised creamy strawberry bliss contained salsa verde or cold refried beans. And drinking out of a glass that remarkably resembled the shape of the Mole Doña María container—without the yellow label promising authentic mole—was the norm. We used colorful woven reusable bags for grocery shopping instead of plastic bags, and when we started using plastic bags, we reused them as trash bags or for storage. We didn’t waste anything. And if Internet memes and blogs and culture articles that highlight commonalities about growing up Latino have taught us anything, it is that this occurrence was and continues to be a common practice for many Latino families. We have been recycling since before it was the “in” thing to do, before the PSAs and digital campaigns.
Over the past few decades, Latinos’ interest in environmental issues has been transformed from a daily practice at home into an active political force. We want a clean, healthy environment for our families and our children, and we will hold legislators and candidates accountable if they do not support these issues, make no mistake.
Currently, Congress is debating on whether or not to block the Clean Power Plan, which sets national limits on carbon pollution. The Clean Power Plan is actually under attack by certain Members of Congress, and in doing so, these representatives demonstrate that they would rather choose special interests over the health and well-being of our communities.
A recent poll conducted by Latino Decisions in conjunction with Earth Justice and Green Latinos indicates that among registered Latino voters, conservation, the environment and climate change impact are top priorities. The results are astounding but not surprising and should not be ignored by current legislators and candidates, particularly, those in the 2016 elections.
For instance, candidates should be aware that 85 percent of Latinos polled believe it is extremely important or very important to reduce smog and air pollution. Considering that Latinos are more likely to be affected by air pollution and therefore stand to be at higher risk of contracting respiratory illnesses (source), it makes sense that Latinos would be in favor of protecting their health and ultimately, their lives and the lives of their families
The poll also shows that eighty-six percent of Latinos support increased conservation of water and 79 percent believe it is important or extremely important to protect our nation’s wildlife, public lands and endangered species. On the climate change front, which is classified as a “hoax” or at the very least dismissed by many right-wing conservatives, 78 percent of Latinos polled support state clean energy standards to prevent global warming and climate change, and 66 percent believe global warming and climate change are mostly caused by human activities. Finally, of note, 59 percent of Latinos believe that enacting stronger environmental laws would improve economic growth and create new jobs. In addition, the poll also revealed that 90 percent of Latinos said they support the Clean Water Act, which protects our waterways and clean drinking water, and 90 percent also support the Clean Power Plan, which sets national limits on carbon pollution. The Clean Power Plan is actually under attack by conservative Republicans, and in doing so, demonstrate that they would rather choose special interests over the health and well-being of Latinos, who are affected the most by air pollution.
Latinos stand to make a difference in the 2016 elections. Many victories across the nation and up and down the ballot will be determined by the Latino vote. The Latino Decisions poll that shows an overwhelming Latino support for a clean and safe environment was conducted on registered voters. They are heading to the polls come 2016. Supporting measures that will help keep our waters clean and our air safe enough to breathe stands right next to immigration, economic growth and education in the list of issues Latinos will consider when darkening that bubble next to the candidate names. And while we may still be using reusable bags and keeping left-over guisado in Cool Whip containers, this time around, Latinos are also making a political impact in conservation.
