WE ACT

West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc. (WE ACT for Environmental Justice) is a Northern Manhattan community-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by assuring that people of color and/or low-income participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. As a result of our ongoing work to educate and mobilize the more than 630,000 residents of Northern Manhattan on environmental issues affecting their quality of life, WE ACT has become a leader in the nationwide movement for environmental justice, influencing the creation of federal, state and local policies affecting the environment.

WE ACT is working to achieve this mission by accomplishing a set of clear Goals linked to our 8 Indicators of a Healthy Community:

Clean Air
Elimination of ambient air pollutants emitted from transportation, housing, and other facilities, including small business sources.

Affordable, Equitable Transit
Access by residents to affordable, safe, clean, and reliable forms of public and alternative transportation regardless of age and ability.

Waste, Pests & Pesticides Reduction
The appropriate management of solid waste, pests and pesticides.

Toxic Free Products
Access to and use of consumer products that do not contain chemicals at levels harmful to human health.

Good Food in Schools
Safe, fresh, and nutritious school meals that are prepared in schools in a quality environment, that kids eat and parents support, to contribute to the reduction of childhood obesity.

Sustainable Land Use
Promoting land use planning and zoning policies that support community health and wellness.

Open & Green Space
The creation and use of unenclosed areas connecting the built and natural environments and providing opportunities for recreation, reflection and interactions with nature.

Healthy Indoor Environments
Reduced exposure to indoor pollutants in residences, workplaces and schools.