Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Terrible Thing to Waste summary
Brief summary
A Terrible Thing to Waste by Harriet A. Washington explores the environmental and social factors contributing to health disparities in marginalized communities, shedding light on the urgent need for environmental justice and equal access to health care.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Terrible Thing to Waste
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Environmental Racism
In A Terrible Thing to Waste, Harriet A. Washington delves into the concept of environmental racism, which refers to the disproportionate exposure of minority communities to environmental hazards. She begins by highlighting the case of Anniston, Alabama, where a chemical plant knowingly released toxic waste into the surrounding African American neighborhood, causing severe health issues. Washington argues that such incidents are not isolated but are part of a systemic pattern of environmental injustice.
Washington then explores the historical roots of environmental racism, tracing it back to the era of slavery and the subsequent segregation policies. She explains how these practices led to the concentration of hazardous facilities in minority neighborhoods, a phenomenon known as 'toxic zoning.' The author also discusses the role of government policies and corporate practices in perpetuating this injustice, emphasizing the need for accountability and change.
Impact on Health and Intelligence
The book further examines the devastating health effects of environmental racism. Washington presents compelling evidence linking exposure to environmental toxins with various health issues prevalent in minority communities, such as asthma, cancer, and developmental disorders. She also highlights the impact of these health disparities on life expectancy and quality of life, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Washington then shifts her focus to the impact of environmental racism on intelligence. She challenges the notion of genetic determinism in intelligence, arguing that environmental factors play a significant role. Drawing on studies, she demonstrates how exposure to lead, air pollution, and other toxins can impair cognitive development, particularly in children. This discussion aims to debunk the myth of innate racial differences in intelligence and highlight the role of environmental injustice in perpetuating educational disparities.
Legal and Ethical Implications
In the latter part of A Terrible Thing to Waste, Washington explores the legal and ethical dimensions of environmental racism. She discusses the inadequacy of existing environmental regulations in protecting vulnerable communities and advocates for more stringent policies. The author also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and empowerment in addressing environmental injustices.
Washington further examines the ethical implications of environmental racism, particularly in the context of climate change. She argues that the burden of climate-related disasters and environmental degradation falls disproportionately on minority communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. This discussion underscores the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice issues.
Call to Action
In conclusion, A Terrible Thing to Waste serves as a powerful call to action against environmental racism. Washington urges readers to recognize and confront this pervasive form of discrimination, emphasizing the need for collective advocacy and policy reform. She also highlights the potential benefits of addressing environmental injustices, such as improved public health and educational outcomes.
Ultimately, Washington's book challenges us to rethink our understanding of environmental issues through a lens of racial and social equity. By shedding light on the devastating impact of environmental racism on health and intelligence, she compels us to take responsibility for creating a more just and sustainable future for all.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Terrible Thing to Waste about?
A Terrible Thing to Waste by Harriet A. Washington is a thought-provoking book that examines the environmental and societal factors contributing to the racial health gap. It delves into the systemic issues that lead to disproportionate exposure to toxins and pollutants among marginalized communities, and the resulting impact on their physical and cognitive health. Through in-depth research and compelling storytelling, the book sheds light on an important and often overlooked issue.
A Terrible Thing to Waste Review
A Terrible Thing to Waste (2019) sheds light on environmental racism and its impact on marginalized communities. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- It provides a comprehensive examination of how pollutants disproportionately affect communities of color, making it an eye-opening and thought-provoking read.
- By analyzing scientific research, policy decisions, and social justice movements, the book presents a compelling argument for addressing environmental injustice.
- With its engaging storytelling and powerful examples, the book compels readers to take action and advocate for change, ensuring that the issue is not ignored.
Who should read A Terrible Thing to Waste?
- Individuals interested in understanding environmental racism and its impact on marginalized communities
- Activists and advocates working towards environmental justice and equality
- Policy makers and officials looking to address and rectify systemic injustices in environmental policies
Categories with A Terrible Thing to Waste
Book summaries like A Terrible Thing to Waste
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Terrible Thing to Waste FAQs
What is the main message of A Terrible Thing to Waste?
The main message of A Terrible Thing to Waste is the devastating impact of environmental racism on marginalized communities.
How long does it take to read A Terrible Thing to Waste?
The reading time for A Terrible Thing to Waste varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Terrible Thing to Waste a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Terrible Thing to Waste is eye-opening and thought-provoking. It sheds light on an important issue and provides valuable insights for readers.
Who is the author of A Terrible Thing to Waste?
The author of A Terrible Thing to Waste is Harriet A. Washington.
What to read after A Terrible Thing to Waste?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Terrible Thing to Waste, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks