By Eurus Pan
Episode 3 – Sustainability as a Luxury: From Systemic Racism to Capitalism
In this episode of Drunk in Space, we discuss the lack of affordability for sustainable products due to the gentrification of sustainability. In particular, how rising prices of sustainable products cut down on affordable options for middle- and low-income individuals. This strategy of aligning marketing efforts with social causes also applies to the recent human rights movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #StopAsianHate. The public support from corporations on these matters do raise awareness, but these companies also capitalize on these sensitive topics for their own monetary gain by using them as selling points to justify higher product prices.
The episode also discusses how previous racial segregation and zoning policies in urban planning created a long-lasting impact on those communities. Moreover, it explores the associations between the greenlining impact on our current real estate market and previous redlining policies on housing mortgages.
Important fact checking clarifications:
Non-medical, reusable cloth masks are effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission for people not over 60 and/or immunocompromised and/or who are symptomatic.
All vaccines currently available in Canada are classified as safe and effective. The best vaccine to get is the one that’s offered to you. Vaccines do differ in terms of cost, storage requirements, and efficacy rates. However, they are all important and will help us contain the spread and effects of the pandemic. Please consult with your medical professional if you have questions and consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible!
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/vaccination-coverage/
https://www.prevention.com/health/a35118263/astrazeneca-vs-pfizer-vs-moderna-covid-19-vaccine/
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