MINNEAPOLIS GREEN ZONES

Green Zones are an innovative policy to transform toxic hotspots into sustainable healthy neighborhoods. The concept was originated by grassroots environmental justice groups in California, with communities most impacted by pollution central to the policy development and planning processes. Areas where multiple pollution sources (“cumulative pollution”) – where people have been exposed to the toxic effects of pollutants from heavy industry, factories, and busy highways – are targeted. Studies across the country are showing these are disproportionately overburdening low income and communities of color.

The Green Zones are based on the fundamental principle that clean air to breathe and clean land are basic human rights, and should not be determined by income and race. Green Zones focus governmental and local business resources toward a just transition plan for overburdened communities toward a healthy place and economy. The three overarching goals of of Green Zones policies are to do no harm, to reduce the existing burden, and to invest in communities.