In the mid 20th century, the populations of many species of birds of prey began to decline rapidly. By the mid 1960s, the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle among many others, were in danger of extinction. This was due to the release of a toxic pesticide, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane or DDT. This chemical thinned the shells of birds’ eggs, causing them to break before their chicks were ready to hatch. Since birds of prey are on the top of the food chain, DDT accumulated in their systems at a much higher concentration than other birds. Fortunately, DDT was banned in the United States in 1972, and the population of the country’s raptors was successfully restored.
Yet, climate change, pollution, and the overexploitation of resources have become increasingly dire threats to not only these birds, but our people and planet. Just as birds of prey were especially affected by DDT, some communities are more vulnerable to environmental crises. When such ecological crises occur, marginalized and low-income communities disproportionately bear the burden.
The environmental justice movement was created to address this. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”
The mission of Birds of Play is to support environmental justice initiatives. Our Kickstarter will raise funds for our first 1000 decks. All future proceeds from the sale of these cards on our website and anywhere else they are sold will support the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN). In their words, the “North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN) is a grassroots, people of color-led coalition of community organizations and their supporters who work with low income communities and people of color on issues of climate, environmental, racial, and social injustice.” We hope you can join us in supporting the environment and the communities that rely on it!
