Accessible Sustainability
Hannah Taddonio
The main discourse about living a more sustainable lifestyle is aimed at what products
we can buy or avoid to offset climate change, but did you know many people cannot
make those changes and end up feeling powerless? My younger brother is on the autism
spectrum, so when I started transitioning to a low-waste lifestyle, I noticed some
ecofriendly products do not take his safety into account, such as reusable straws or eating
unprepared and unpackaged foods. Eco-Ableism is a form of ableism described as the
neglect/oversight by non-disabled environmental activists to recognize that some of the
climate actions and/or sustainable products they promote are not created with disabled
people in mind and can make their lives unnecessarily more difficult.
Accessible Sustainability is a social media campaign on Instagram where New Paltz students
and community members can learn about inclusive sustainability, understand the issue of
Eco-Ableism and see campus resources for positive change as well as events related to
these topics. It is a beginner’s guide to eco-consciousness that brings people with disabilities
to the forefront of these conversations and informs followers on the many ways to help.
