Green is In with Latinos

The environment is a top concern for U.S. Latinos. According to a 2006 Zogby poll, global warming was an issue high on Hispanic voters’ minds with more than 60 percent of Latino voters saying global warming was important—more than any other group.

Several studies have also shown that Latinos, particularly Hispanic women, are more concerned about the environment and health-related issues than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Latinos are particularly sensitive to environmental concerns because the majority live in urban areas that are at times close to hazardous sites or industrial pollutants. Non-urban Hispanics such as migrant workers and their families have equally alarming environmental concerns, and pay close attention to pesticides and the overall quality of the fields where they live and work.

In Houston’s predominantly-Hispanic East End neighborhood, high levels of chemicals in the air are reported regularly and have become a rallying cry for its residents, who are increasingly concerned about its effects. And California’s Latinos share the same concerns; registered Latino voters there constantly rank “preserving the environment” as a top issue, and a state poll by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation found that Latinos and whites ranked the highest (60%) among groups considering buying a hybrid or electric car as their next automobile.

Caring for the environment is essential and Latinos want to be a part of the solution. Last year, Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group launched “Se Viste de Verde,” a campaign to create environmental awareness and educate viewers. This month Siempre Mujer magazine released its Green Issue—a first ever for the Hispanic market—with environmentally-friendly advice for families to incorporate into their daily living. And Univision Miami has been producing Planeta Verde, Emmy-nominated Paola Elorza’s series on environmental education, for close to four years. The PSA series is now being aired in other markets such as Dallas, and Univision.com has its own environmentally-friendly content channel. NBC-Telemundo is also doing its part with its Green Week and Green is Universal initiatives. NBC Universal's networks are making eco-friendly changes all over; from providing eco-friendly cups and bottles at their facilities, to San Jose’s KNTV, the first U.S. TV station to be exclusively powered by wind.

Latinos and non-Latinos alike are concerned about the environment—what’s important is that all communities are educated and can take part in making a difference. This upcoming Tuesday April 22, folks from all backgrounds will participate in Earth Day or el Dia de la Tierra. To find out more on what you can do, visit the EPA’s bilingual site.