Tiffany Allen is an Environmental scientist who has made it her mission for effect change. She has recently started a Project called Neighbors group. You may know her instagram @neighborsgroup. We have been inspired by leadership and decided to sit down with us to speak about these environmental issues that are stagnating our society.
AORAE: Tell us about your project?
Tiffany Allen: Neighbors' Group is a project that I created in the fall of 2021 by the owner, Tiffany Allen. The purpose is to educate minorities, and underserved communities (including the poor, children and the elderly) about the dangers and associated toxins of fracking and the petro-chemical plant, and to spread education and awareness on environmental issues that are negatively affecting their health.
AORAE: Why did you start Neighbors Group?
TA: I got awarded a fellowship spot with the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program that was from April 2021- May 2022. I was to design a project that addressed the health and human service needs of at-risk communities and underserved populations. As someone who was getting their masters in sustainability at Chatham University at the time, I wanted to combine the topic I was writing for my thesis as my service-project. This was to show how at-risk and underserved populations and their health is negatively affected by fracking. During the fellowship, I was fortunate to have an organization help me with my project called the Beaver County Marcellous Awarness Community (BCMAC). They showed me the issues their county of Beaver County is having, which is, the issues of the petrochemical plant and how it is negatively affecting the environment and peoples health. The Ladies who make up the BCMAC also showed me that:
- how the issues of fracking are what make the petrochemical plant what it is today.
- knowledge is needed if we want to tackle environmental issues that affect people's health
- where people can go to finally feel like they have a voice when it comes to issues they are facing in their communities, and how they are disproportionately affected by the environment.
So for these reasons, I included the issues of the petrochemical plant into my project.
"Providing knowledge for your right to live, work and play in a healthy environment"
AORAE: What are the long term goals for this project?:
TA: This work is far from over. Environmental justice issues and environmental health will and are still affecting vulnerable populations, and is something I will continue to fight for.
AORAE: What do you want it to accomplish?
TA: I want to help make sure that minorities and underserved communities are not being taken advantage of by environmental corporations, as they prey on these communities, by strategically placing their oil and gas infrastructure in their neighborhoods. These populations and individuals are disproportionately exposed to toxins, as many of the people who live in theses areas are at or below the poverty line, making it hard for these people to move. This results in these communities and pepoles health being negatively affected. Oil and gas companies think they can place their infrastructure in these neighborhoods because they think they are less likely to have power in local government, and have difficulties enacting environmental change.
To combat this problem with Neighbors’ Group, I will be giving talks and other information and videos to educate people with information, that they can use to show how they are being negatively affected by the environment. Also, I have a YouTube channel where people can watch full length videos of my talks, listen to my podcast called Just Eco, and for other informational videos. This is for people who would like to receive the information but cannot attend the talks. Lastly, by collaborating with other environmental organizations doing similar work can help in this fight together.
AORAE: How can our company aid in the wellness of the environment?
TA: Aorae can aid in the wellness of the environment by investing in eco-friendly packaging. Common types include:
- Recycled materials: Use recyclable containers to minimize ecological harm.
- Biodegradable materials: Employ lightweight, compostable options to reduce waste. Examples:
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- Bamboo: Fast-growing, durable, and eco-friendly for various packaging.
- Hemp: Strong, mold-resistant, biodegradable, and recyclable.
- Recycled Paperboard: Reduces waste from old paper products
- Corrugated Cardboard: Widely used for shipping, affordable, and reusable.
- Tips for implementing sustainable packaging:
- Indicate recycling practices on packaging to inform consumers.
- Transition to sustainable materials from the suggested list.
- Avoid virgin fossil-based plastics; opt for at least 25% recyclable,
- biodegradable, or reusable alternatives.
Aorae’s efforts toward eco-friendliness, though seemingly small, are significant and appreciated.
