As you may be aware our community suffers disproportionately from many ailments including asthma and lead poisoning, which are often caused and or exacerbated by environmental hazards and conditions inside our homes and outdoors.  We are not only under threat from the pollutants that are been released into our air, water and soil by fuel burning vehicles and boilers, factories, unscrupulous corporations, etc.  Poorly maintained housing, unregulated health and beauty aids, cleaning products, cosmetics, food products and even children's toys primarily sold in our communities have been the source of toxicity.  With the myriad of challenges we are faced with daily environmental concerns often come last if at all.  That is why organizations like WE ACT are so important and we must support their work.  Twenty-five years ago I joined with WE ACT and a coalition of other organizations and individuals to pass landmark legislation in NYC to protect children from lead poisoning.  Together we won that fight but there is so much more to do and there is a part for all of us to play. 

I am participating in the WE ACT Earth Day 5K to help raise awareness about WE ACT and their work and encourage others to get involved in the fight for environmental justice.  Contributing to WE ACT, volunteering for environmental causes, reducing your carbon foot print and educating others are just some of the ways we can all help.