Blog Archive
COMMUNITY CHRONICLES #7 Linda Carr (Harriman Park)
Linda Carr lived in the Harriman Park neighborhood long enough to see the street she grew up on transform from Huntsville Row into Shuttlesworth Drive in 1988. The street was renamed to honor Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, a prominent leader during the Civil Rights Movement and a founder of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR). This transformation symbolized a shift in recognition, yet the legacy of environmental degradation persisted.
Gratitude Towards A Healthier Tomorrow – Welcome GASP’s 2024 Interns
GASP's mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of Alabamians by reducing air pollution, advancing environmental justice, and promoting climate solutions through education, advocacy, and collaboration. By welcoming the future environmental advocates, educators,...
Magical Meetings at The 2023 Moss Rock Festival
At the Moss Rock Festival, an annual eco-creative haven, art and nature converge. Amidst the festivities, GASP engaged with visitors of all ages. One standout was Leo, a 6th grader eager to combat air pollution, shared his own initiative—a recycling program at his school. This connection exemplified the impact of community engagement. The Moss Rock Festival showcased more than art; it was a fusion of art, nature, and sustainability. GASP left, appreciating the importance of local artists and sustainable practices. Anticipation lingers for next year’s rendezvous as we continue our journey to protect the environment and nurture future advocates.
Making a Difference Through Mutual Aid – GASP Hosts Last Popup Market of 2023
GASP’s impactful Pop-Up markets transcend charity in North Birmingham’s Superfund Site. Since 2020, these events ensure crucial support for low- and middle-income communities. Grassroots organizer Barbara Jackson emphasizes their significance, stating, “The Pop-Up markets connect GASP with citizens and build relationships,” highlighting the community bonds fostered through these initiatives
Meet The Author With Kathryn Savage & Keisha Brown at Burdock Book Collective
Partnering with Burdock Book Collective turned out to be an inspiring afternoon at the reading and discussion of Ground Glass with Author Kathryn Savage and Keisha Brown! The venue at the Burdock Book Collective allowed an intimate space to fill with honest personal stories and sparked attendees with motivation and empowerment.
GASP Goes Solar! – UAB Solar House National Tour
Attending the UAB Solar House Tour was an enlightening and inspiring experience. The solar house itself was a marvel of modern design and sustainability, showcasing the potential of solar energy and eco-friendly construction. It is a glimpse into a more sustainable and eco-conscious future, and GASP left feeling inspired to make more sustainable choices in our daily lives.
Bluestone Coke Faces Lawsuit for Environmental Infractions
Jilisa Milton, Co-Director of GASP, emphasized the importance of holding Bluestone Coke’s owners accountable, stating, “We must ensure that the health and safety of Birmingham families take precedence over profit-driven interests.”
Dr. Shauntice Allen, Distinguished GASP Board Director and Community Champion, Passes Away
Birmingham, Ala. — With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of GASP Board Director Dr. Shauntice Allen, a beloved member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) community and a prominent advocate for community service. Dr. Allen, an assistant professor in...
GASP Seeking: Fresh Voices For Clean Air 2023-2024 School Year
“The students loved hearing from a wide variety of guest speakers, and those speakers valued interacting with the students even more,” GASP educator Laura Kuster said. “It’s inspiring to engage in conversations about air quality and the environment with our Fresh Voices participants, and I often think back to their perspectives and insights while doing my work.”
Executive Director Michael Hansen to step down at the end of August
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP is announcing the departure of Executive Director Michael Hansen, who is moving on to pursue new opportunities after 10 years of employment with the clean air nonprofit. Hansen has been the Executive Director of the organization since October...
The Real Dangers of PARTICULATE MATTER 2.5
The air quality we breathe has become an increasingly pressing issue in today’s world of fast industrialization. Although we may be mindful of air pollutants like smog and automobile emissions, particulate matter (PM2.5) poses an invisible hazard.
Bluestone Coke Violates Clean Water Act, Polluting Five Mile Creek
Black Warrior Riverkeeper, GASP, and SELC notify the company to clean up violations in 60 days or face another lawsuit.
What Is Ozone and Why You Need To Know
Ground-level ozone can reach unhealthy levels, particularly in urban environments on hot, sunny days. Populations exceptionally vulnerable to the harmful effects of ozone include children, older people, people with asthma, and people who engage in physical activity outdoors.
Q&A WITH SUMMER INTERN NISHA SHARMA
Being in a health care profession I wish to live in a society that breathes healthy and survives healthy. This being a serious motto my passion is to drive myself to work within a framework that helps the individuals to live freely, and GASP is one such platform that cater its sincere time and energy that aligns my interests. – Nisha Sharma
Community Chronicles #5: David Butler, Cahaba Riverkeeper
“We have this amazing biodiversity and Alabama, and unlike many things, when something goes extinct, you know, its near impossible to restore that species,” said Butler. “We’re running out of time to preserve some of what makes Alabama so biologically rich. And I think the biggest fear for us is that our children and their children won’t have the opportunities to experience the beauty of Alabama in the same way we have.” – David Butler, Staff Attorney and Riverkeeper for Cahaba Riverkeeper.
Community Climate Assembly to Address Equitable Investments in Birmingham’s Future
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP is hosting a Community Climate Assembly on Equitable Investments on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Harvest Roots Kombucha Taproom in Avondale. The event will bring together community members, stakeholders, and experts to explore strategies to...
Q&A with Summer Policy Intern Hannah Grace
What is your major and why did you choose it? I am double majoring in Environmental Studies and Global Liberal Studies, concentrating in Sustainability, Health, and the Environment at New York University. During a COVID quarantine, I only had a book for one of my...
Q&A with Summer Intern Leah Redd
What is your major, and why did you choose it? I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in data science! Data science is a combination of math, computer science, and statistics, often sprinkling a bit of social science. I chose data science because collecting and...
Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Birmingham, Alabama on June 9
Smoke from the wildfires in central Canada has been affecting a large portion of the eastern United States over the past several days, and now the Southeast, including Alabama, is experiencing the effects. The National Weather Service in Birmingham today said it...
Community Climate Assembly Slated to Address Transit Justice in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 15, 2023) — On Thursday, May 18, 2023, GASP will hold its fifth Community Climate Assembly as part of the Green New Deal for Birmingham (GND4BHM) campaign. The event focusing on transit justice will be held at Harvest Roots Ferments Taproom from...