ENS 301.01
Reframing Waste Management: resident perceptions of health, environment, and community well-being near 'green' incinerators in grand rapids
Reframing Waste Management: resident perceptions of health, environment, and community well-being near 'green' incinerators in grand rapids
Living near waste management facilities, especially incinerators, is often viewed negatively. These facilities are frequently located in marginalized communities with lower socioeconomic status, leading to concerns about environmental pollution and adverse health effects. In Grand Rapids, recent policy changes have labeled urban trash incinerators as "green," reframing their environmental impact as positive. But how does this shift in framing influence the residents who live near these facilities? My research investigates the perceptions of these residents, focusing on their views of health, environmental impact, and community well-being, and explores the actions they are taking in response to these perceptions.
Environmental and Health Impacts Research indicates that communities near hazardous waste incinerators often face heightened health risks and psychological distress. Studies, such as those by Zhao et al. (2022) and Dory et al. (2017), show that residents report anxiety and emotional distress due to concerns about toxic exposure and long-term health effects. These concerns are compounded by a lack of clear communication from authorities regarding the risks associated with living near such sites.
Marginalization and Inequality Marginalized populations, especially those in lower-income neighborhoods, are disproportionately affected by the placement of waste management facilities. Martuzzi et al. (2010) emphasize that these communities bear a heavier burden of environmental health risks, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Community Resilience Bevc, Marshall, and Picou (2016) argue that community resilience, including social support networks and local activism, can mitigate some of the adverse effects of living near waste sites. Their research highlights the importance of considering both physical and psychological well-being in environmental justice efforts.
Framing theory, as explained by Chong and Druckman (2007), suggests that the way information is presented significantly influences public perceptions. In the case of waste incinerators, Grand Rapids has framed these facilities as "green" and environmentally beneficial, which may alter public opinion and residents' perceptions of health risks. This theoretical approach helps us understand how different frames, such as environmental benefits or health risks, shape community attitudes and behaviors.
Key Concepts of Framing Theory:
Frames: Different ways of presenting an issue (e.g., portraying incinerators as "green" versus "toxic").
Framing Effects: How these frames influence individual beliefs and actions.
Cultural Context: How local history, culture, and identity shape the way frames are understood and acted upon.
By using framing theory, this research examines how Grand Rapids residents interpret the city's "green" label for incinerators and how these perceptions impact their attitudes and behaviors.
How do residents of neighborhoods surrounding incinerators in Grand Rapids perceive their impact on health, the environment, and community well-being, and what actions are they taking in response to these perceptions?
This research question is important because it explores the lived experiences of residents in marginalized communities and how they respond to the shifting narrative about waste incinerators in their city. Understanding these perspectives can help inform more equitable waste management policies and improve community engagement with environmental issues.
References
Bevc, C. A., Marshall, B. K., & Picou, J. S. (2016). Environmental justice and toxic exposure: Toward a spatial model of physical health and psychological well-being. Environmental Justice, 9(3), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1089/env.2016.0003
Dory, G., Qiu, Z., Qiu, C. M., Fu, M. R., & Ryan, C. E. (2017). A phenomenological understanding of residents’ emotional distress of living in an environmental justice community. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2016.1269450
Chong, D., & Druckman, J. N. (2007). Framing theory. Annual Review of Political Science, 10(1), 103-126.
Martuzzi, M., Mitis, F., & Forastiere, F. (2010). Inequalities, inequities, environmental justice in waste management and health. European Journal of Public Health, 20(1), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckp216
Zhao, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, J., Zhang, S., & Sun, Y. (2022). Psychological distress and coping strategies among residents near waste incinerators: A qualitative study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 1067886. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1067886