We don’t all breathe the same air.
Far too often, Black and Brown communities live with dirtier air due to a longstanding legacy of redlining. Understanding how their air quality changes day-to-day is crucial for these communities. That’s why CleanAIRE NC is partnering with Charlotte’s Historic West End neighborhoods to establish a Green District, connecting residents with resources to target local air pollution and protect their health.
Sharrone Robinson is one of those community partners. As an outdoor enthusiast, Sharrone was inspired to get involved with the Green District to track her local air quality. “Learning to use my air monitor to determine the times that outdoor activities are the healthiest is especially important to me since I spend so much time both in my garden or keeping my bees,” she says. “The knowledge that the expert panelists provide during the educational webinars is invaluable.”
But for Sharrone, the real promise of the Green District is the opportunity to serve her community. “Working with CleanAIRE NC supports my goal to promote sustainable changes and improved health and wellness. I’m thrilled to continue learning and sharing information about the impacts of air quality on the lives in my community.”
CleanAIRE NC is now preparing to expand this initiative to establish new Green Districts in under-resourced communities across North Carolina. Sharrone sees what’s happening in the Historic West End as a model that can be built upon. “The Historic West End is an excellent example of a community taking ownership and increasing its environmental viability,” she says. “I’m really excited about inspiring other individuals to establish Green Districts in their neighborhoods and communities across North Carolina.”
