Tiffany Allen is an environmental scientist who has made it her mission to create meaningful change. She recently launched a project called Neighbors’ Group, which you may recognize from Instagram as @neighborsgroup. Inspired by her leadership and advocacy, we sat down with her to discuss the environmental issues affecting our communities and the importance of environmental justice.
Le Medécine Lab: Tell us about your project.
Tiffany Allen: Neighbors’ Group is a project I created in the fall of 2021. Its purpose is to educate minorities and underserved communities — including low-income populations, children, and the elderly — about the dangers and toxins associated with fracking and petrochemical plants. The goal is to spread education and awareness about environmental issues that are negatively affecting people’s health.
Le Medécine Lab: Why did you start Neighbors’ Group?
TA: I was awarded a fellowship with the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program from April 2021 to May 2022. As part of the fellowship, I was required to design a project that addressed the health and human service needs of at-risk and underserved populations.
At the time, I was pursuing my master’s degree in sustainability at Chatham University, and I wanted to combine the topic of my thesis with my service project. My focus was on showing how fracking negatively impacts the health of vulnerable and underserved communities.
During the fellowship, I was fortunate to work with an organization called the Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC). They educated me about the environmental issues affecting Beaver County, particularly the impact of petrochemical plants on both the environment and public health.
The women of BCMAC also taught me several important things:
- Fracking is directly connected to the existence and expansion of petrochemical plants today.
- Education and awareness are essential if we want to address environmental health issues effectively.
- People need spaces where they feel heard and empowered when dealing with environmental injustices affecting their communities.
For these reasons, I decided to incorporate both fracking and petrochemical plant awareness into my project.
“Providing knowledge for your right to live, work, and play in a healthy environment.”
Le Medécine Lab: What are the long-term goals for this project?
TA: This work is far from over. Environmental justice and environmental health issues continue to impact vulnerable populations every day, and this is something I will continue fighting for long-term.
My goal is to continue educating communities, advocating for environmental accountability, and creating spaces where people feel informed and empowered to protect their health and environment.
Le Medécine Lab: What do you hope Neighbors’ Group accomplishes?
TA: I want to help ensure that minorities and underserved communities are not taken advantage of by environmental corporations that strategically place oil and gas infrastructure in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Many people living in these areas are disproportionately exposed to harmful toxins, and because many residents are at or below the poverty line, relocating is often not financially possible. As a result, their health and quality of life are negatively affected.
Unfortunately, many corporations assume these communities are less likely to have political influence or the resources necessary to advocate for environmental change.
To combat this issue, Neighbors’ Group provides educational talks, informational resources, and videos to help communities understand how environmental factors may be affecting their health. I also created a YouTube channel where people can watch full-length educational videos, listen to my podcast Just Eco, and access additional environmental information. This allows people to stay informed even if they cannot attend events in person.
Collaboration is also extremely important. Working alongside other environmental organizations strengthens our collective impact and helps move this fight forward together.
Le Medécine Lab: How can companies contribute to environmental wellness?
TA: Companies can make a major impact by investing in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Some examples include:
- Recycled materials: Using recyclable containers helps minimize ecological harm and reduce waste.
- Biodegradable materials: Lightweight, compostable packaging can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Examples of sustainable materials include:
- Bamboo: Fast-growing, durable, and environmentally friendly.
- Hemp: Strong, mold-resistant, biodegradable, and recyclable.
- Recycled paperboard: Helps reduce waste from previously used paper products.
- Corrugated cardboard: Affordable, reusable, and commonly used for sustainable shipping.
A few important tips for implementing sustainable packaging include:
- Clearly indicating recycling instructions on packaging to educate consumers.
- Transitioning toward environmentally responsible materials whenever possible.
- Avoiding virgin fossil-based plastics and instead choosing recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable alternatives.
Even small sustainability efforts can make a meaningful impact, and I truly appreciate brands that are intentional about becoming more environmentally conscious.
