October 21st 2023.
Conversations about being green and eco-friendly have been gaining traction, and black women have been at the forefront of the green movement. From recycling to natural hair care, these green queens are showing the world that Black girls can be part of the green life too.
BLACK ENTERPRISE had the opportunity to speak with five inspiring women who are making a positive and measurable impact in their communities.
Brandi Harleaux is the director at large for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and takes pride in the contributions her Houston-based family business makes to the local economy. South Post Oak Recycling Center creates over 40,000 jobs in Texas and has an economic impact of $9.77 billion. Not only does the recycling center contribute to the economy, but it also gives back to schools, churches, and other organizations.
Chrystal Beasley is a farmer and beekeeper who works to prioritize sustainability, and has been involved in environmentalism since she was a child. She has worked with the Maryland Department of the Environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and BP Oil Spill Emergency Response team. She has also started BeAspire Enviro Consulting firm, which provides resources and guidance to Black businesses and landowners.
Karena Poke opened Lettuce Live: An Urban Farm Project to provide fresh produce to areas with limited access to healthy food. She also offers community service hours to high school students, free food to cancer patients, and workshops and supply drives. She believes that urban farm projects are more than just about growing food, but about strengthening and engaging communities.
Tamika Fletcher and Monique Mack opened a natural hair salon and launched Earth’s Nectar Hair Care Products in Houston. They wanted to create healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable beauty options for all hair types, so they opened a zero-waste beauty refillery and retail store that sells products in refillable, Eco-friendly packaging. Fletcher believes that Black women deserve to actively participate and make an impact in their communities.
These inspiring women are leading the green movement and making a positive impact in their communities. They are showing the world that Black girls are part of the green life too.
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