South Ward Environmental Alliance
Air quality monitoring and advocacy
Newark is an environmentally overburdened community with a long history of industrial pollution. Many of the city’s residents are concerned about their exposure to the area’s elevated levels of air pollutants and associated health impacts such as asthma. While the adverse effects of air pollution on human health are well known, data at the hyperlocal level are needed to inform decisions related to urban planning, zoning, permitting, and funding, and, specifically, to meet the objectives of Newark’s Sustainability Action Plan. To this end, the South Ward Environmental Alliance installed PurpleAir monitors, a low-cost air quality sensor, at critical locations within the South Ward neighborhood and engaged local schools and community members to collect and analyze the data. The organization’s findings will be used to advocate for needed resources and action to improve air quality and related health outcomes in their community.
About the Organization
South Ward Environmental Alliance
Newark, NJ
southwardea.com
The South Ward Environmental Alliance is an alliance of residents and community-based organizations with a focus on environmental justice issues. The Alliance’s mission is to create healthy and vibrant neighborhoods by ensuring that their residents’ voices are heard and they are active participants in decision-making about policies that impact their neighborhood.
