Environmental Justice

In my environmental politics class we discussed the idea of environmental justice, which is an interesting concept because it redefines the notion of environment. Typically, when thinking of the environment, people tend to consider nature, undisturbed forests, and open meadows.  But the principles of environmental justice argue that people are not separate from the environment. Where we live is part of the environment as well.  This movement has been resisted by some environmentalists because it brings greater social justice issues into the environmental arena, and they feel that the environment should be the main focus. I think it is wise to consider the areas in which we live as part of the environment as well, no matter what the greater implications.