Different communities don?t always speak the same language when tackling environmental issues.
For example, some Baltimore neighborhoods often don?t connect with others nearby. Whites don?t always reach out to the black community.
“It?s a disconnect,” said Glenn Ross, vice president of Environmental Justice Partnership, which runs Toxic Tours of sites in Baltimore rife with environmental hazards. “This environmental thing is much bigger than you or I. We need everybody.”
As part of Baltimore Green Week, Ross hosted two tours Saturday leaving from the EcoFestival, the week?s kickoff event that drew some 3,000 to 4,000 for demonstrations, vendors and workshops.
Like others involved in the event, Ross wants to get the word out about environmental concerns and get people connected.
“We are trying to make people aware of all the great things happening in Baltimore,” said John Campagna, president of Green Week.
Organizers also want to connect to the community by having events around the city on topics that directly touch the residents, he said.
For example, Thursday night includes a discussion hosted by Ross? group examining toxins in Baltimore?s neighborhoods and the related health problems.
On Wednesday, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters will host a discussion on global warming and how voters can be involved on all levels. Former Del. Dick D?Amato will present a Maryland-specific version of Al Gore?s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
The theme, “Connecting the Dots,” is intended to bridge the gap among federal, state and local issues, said Dawn Stoltzfus, deputy director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.
Baltimore Green Week originated in the green building community but has broadened during the years to encompass a range of environmental issues, Campagna said.
