Toxic Waste Dumps and Intersectionality

Beginning in 2023, I started conducting environmental sociology research in Northwest Indiana communities because I wanted to apply what I had been learning in my sociology and behavioral science courses to real community problems. I that found toxic waste dumps (waste dumps that contain waste that is hazardous and require mandates established environmental regulations to ensure public safety) are disproportionately located in Northwest Indiana communities of color and poor whites, and I uncovered severe negative health effects that result from toxic waste dumps, in addition to the inequality faced by the populations impacted. I then conducted interviews in the community with an environmental activist who has done extensive work on site with toxic waste dumps in Northwest Indiana. This allowed me to uncover relevant information that has not yet been reported. Additionally, I reviewed data sets of toxic waste dump chemical emissions, census records, and population demographics. These efforts have filled in gaps in awareness of what is contained in toxic waste dumps in Northwest Indiana and who is impacted, expanding on existing research of intersectionality, "sacrifice communities," and environmental racism. I am working with my faculty mentor, Dr. Kim Scipes, to present this information widely, include it in an environmental resource bank he is assembling, and continue studies through two additional environmental sociology projects. Lastly, I am identifying a Northwest Indiana community partner to collaborate with for a Purdue Service-Learning Grant to increase public awareness of sacrifice communities in Northwest Indiana and new ways to turn the toxic chemicals we produce through industrial activity into non-toxic materials.