Low-income & minority areas suffer disproportionately
Low-income citizens and minorities suffer disproportionately from environmental hazards in the workplace, at home, and in their communities. Therefore, the Green Party advocates:
Devoting greater efforts to full enforcement and prosecution of
environmental crimes.
Funding environmental crime units for district attorneys in counties with significant pollution problems.
Imposing a moratorium on siting new toxic chemical or waste facilities in those counties with the highest percentage
exposure to hazardous substances.
Not forcing workers to choose between a hazardous job or no job at all.
Preventing low-income or minority communities from being coerced by governmental agencies or corporations into siting hazardous materials, or
accepting environmentally hazardous practices in order to create jobs.
Preceding the siting of hazardous materials or practices with public hearings, conducted in the language of those community members who will be directly affected.
Source: Green Party Platform adopted at National Convention
Jun 30, 2004
Human species has no right to exploit animals
We reject the belief that our species is the center of creation, and that other life forms exist only for our use and enjoyment. Our species does not have the right to exploit and inflict violence on other creatures simply because we have the desire and
power to do so. The Green Party advocates humane treatment of animals with the following policies:
Redirect funds away from animal experiments and towards biomedical research using non-animal procedures such as clinical, epidemiological, and cell
culture research.
Phase-out the use of animals for consumer product testing.
Mandate clear labeling of products to tell whether or not they have been tested on animals and if they contain any animal products or by-products.
End the abuse of
animals, including farm animals, and strengthen our enforcement of existing laws.
Prohibit large scale commercial breeding facilities, such as “puppy mills,” because of the massive suffering, overpopulation, and ill health such facilities produce.
Source: Green Party Platform adopted at National Convention
Jun 30, 2004
Sustainable society lives within planet’s resource limits
Ten Key Values: (#2) Ecological Wisdom
Human societies must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our planet. We support a sustainable society that utilizes resources in such a way that future
generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must have agricultural practices that replenish the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.
Source: Ten Key Values as ratified at the Green Party Convention
Nov 19, 2003
Safely dispose of or “unmake” all waste we create
Ten Key Values: (#10) Future Focus and Sustainability
Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing of or “unmaking” all waste we create, while developing a
sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. We must counter-balance the drive for short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations
who will inherit the results of our actions.
Our overall goal is not merely to survive, but to share lives that are truly worth living. We believe the quality of our individual lives is enriched by the quality of all of our lives.
We encourage everyone to see the dignity and intrinsic worth in all of life, and to take the time to understand and appreciate themselves, their community and the magnificent beauty of this world.
Source: Ten Key Values as ratified at the Green Party Convention
Nov 19, 2003
Tax industrial pollution
We call on new approaches to taxation, such as ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES as a partial substitute for income taxes. Taxing industrial pollution is an idea long overdue.
Environmental taxes of this type, and “true-cost pricing,” will aid in transforming major industries from being non-sustainable in their use of natural resources to being sustainable in character.
Source: Green Party Platform, at 2000 National Convention
Jun 25, 2000
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