EPcase ToxAv

Case Study: El Puente & the Struggle Against the Navy Yard Incinerator in Brooklyn, NYC

The Toxic Avengers

Encouraged by his science teacher, José Morales, at El Puente, a group of 15 to 20 young students began to apply the knowledge on environmental issues acquired in the classroom to understanding the conditions and problems in their Williamsburg community. Organized in 1988, the students, who took the name of the Toxic Avengers from a film, dedicated themselves to educating the community about the hazardous industries located in the vicinity.

The Toxic Avengers operated under the belief that people should have a right to live in a safe environment. Initially they focused on hazardous and toxic waste issues in the community, later they included the solid waste problem and centered on incineration and recycling.

They were successful in forcing Van Man, a glue company, known for a variety of environmental violations, out of the community. Then they focused organizing around the Radiac Corporation. Although Radiac is still in operation, the Toxic Avengers successfully exposed to the community the myriad of risks inherent in having such a facility in close proximity to residences and a school. They created community awareness of the lack of a required buffer zone, the dangers in case of a fire or explosion at Radiac and the need for public information about the company's emergency procedures.

Although young (they were teenagers), this group of students took its task seriously. The Toxic Avengers' files reveal that they held regular meetings, kept minutes of them, and had by-laws. They were focused and well-organized. They selected which community environmental issues and pollution sources to work on, conducted research about them, gathered information in relevant government agencies, produced a workplan, and developed strategies to create community awareness and action on them. In this process, the Toxic Avengers developed leadership and organizational skills, which fit in El Puente's mission. The story of the Toxic Avengers shows that young people are a valuable resource to communities. Tapping into the talents of young people and getting them involved in educating and organizing others within their communities, is a good way to capitalize on the enthusiasm and abilities of young people.