Introducing Environmental Justice in the Classroom

By: Kathrine Dela

Environmental justice goes beyond environmental protection; it’s about ensuring that everyone, particularly marginalized communities, has equal access to a safe and healthy environment and a voice in the decisions that shape it. When students learn about environmental justice, they’re not just absorbing facts—they’re gaining the tools to understand equity and sustainability in real-world contexts. 

While teaching these concepts at the elementary level may feel daunting, Kathryn Ribay, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at San Jose State University, says that doing so “empowers students to recognize inequities and start learning about different scientific approaches to solving them, fostering a generation committed to sustainable and just practices.” 

Early exposure to environmental justice can broaden students’ perspectives on career possibilities and spark curiosity about diverse and often overlooked fields such as sustainable engineering, urban planning, and renewable energy. By featuring professionals from varied backgrounds, teachers can help students—especially those who might not envision themselves in traditional environmental roles —to explore opportunities for meaningful community impact. Students’ unique understanding of their own communities and culture positions them to develop solutions that are both effective and culturally attuned. This awareness can inspire students to pursue education and careers that advance justice and sustainability.

Effective Methods for Teaching Environmental Justice

1. Empowering, Not Overwhelming.

Often, young students feel powerless in the face of large issues and question if their efforts can make a difference. By framing environmental justice as a positive opportunity for individual manageable actions—like reducing one’s water waste or using public transportation—teachers can foster a sense of agency. This approach encourages students to see themselves as active participants in creating a better future, making them more hopeful and engaged in the long term.

2. Using Local Examples.

Environmental justice becomes especially impactful when lessons are connected to local issues, providing students with a concrete understanding of how it affects their own communities and relates to their lives. For example, teaching about concepts like “One Water,” which advocates for holistic, sustainable water management, can help students understand the interconnectedness of resources, people, and ecosystems. When students see how something as vital as water touches everything—from agriculture to daily life—they begin to grasp their role in its stewardship, including preservation efforts and strategies to address natural disasters such as droughts and floods.

3. Encouraging Hands-On Community Engagement.

Community science projects allow students to apply environmental justice concepts in hands-on ways, helping them feel connected to their community. Whether it’s collecting local data, participating in environmental clean-ups, or working on class projects that address local environmental issues, students gain a direct role in environmental justice efforts and develop practical skills that benefit their communities.

The earlier students are introduced to environmental justice, the sooner they can begin to understand their role in creating a sustainable future. By integrating environmental justice into classrooms, teachers are empowering a generation of changemakers who see themselves as capable of shaping a more just, sustainable world.

This publication was developed under Assistance Agreement No. 97T06801 awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It has not been formally reviewed by EPA. The views expressed in this document are solely those of Ignited and EPA does not endorse any products or commercial services mentioned in this publication.