About NYC Greener
Who are we
The environment we live in can make it easier or more difficult for New Yorkers to lead healthy lives. The interaction between humans and the environment whether natural or built is persistent and essential. The environment provides resources needed to sustain life such as: clean air, potable water, food, and safe places to inhabit. Although the environment provides many resources, it can cause disease and or mortality. Buildings account for 70% of NYC greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately can contribute to climate change. Natural disasters have become common and can be devastating. National Risk Index for Natural Hazards, (NRI), shows that The Bronx has the second-highest risk from natural disasters in the country. Several neighborhoods including Morrisanna fall into that category.
After meeting each other through the Human Impacts Institute UEHL fellowship, Kelly & I started to talk about the disparities BIPOC communities face in climate change and environmental health. We discussed how often the environment can negatively impact individual health in communities already strife with a lack of access to resources. We decided we wanted to create a safe space to educate and empower South Bronx & NYC residents and help to find solutions to the complex urban health issues unique to the Bronx and NYC area.
Our Mission
The mission of this blog is to create a safe space for people to acquire more knowledge about the natural and built environment, and to understand resources available. Through this blog we hope to enable all stakeholders, tenants and people living in buildings to live in a safe, just and eco friendly environment.
Zyaijah Bailey
Zyaijah Bailey is currently a project coordinator for the NYC Accelerator Program. She is passionate about improving human interaction with the environment (natural and built) and improving the quality of life for all. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a bachelors in Health Science and has a Master of Public Health degree, (Environmental & Occupational Health Science concentration) from the CUNY School of Public Health and Public Health Policy.
Kelly Todd
Kelly Todd is a native of Houston, TX. She received a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University and a Double Minor in Biology and Environmental Science. Her environmental dance activism has been curated into installations through the Human Impacts Institution and New York Restoration Project.
